Over 100 of the island’s dental surgeons are threatening to take industrial action if the Ministries of Health and Finance do not finalize an outstanding compensation review.

In a statement today, the Union of Clerical Administrative and Supervisory Employees (UCASE) which represents the surgeons, noted what it says is the unexplained delay and foot dragging by both ministries in finalizing the review.

It said negotiations have been outstanding since April 1, 2022, and the parties have had several meetings.  However, despite promises and assurances, the surgeons have had no response from the finance ministry.

UCASE has warned that should the negotiations be dragged into next week, the workers will take industrial action to have their compensation review settled.

Meantime, president of the Jamaica Association of Public Dental Surgeons, Dr. Vanessa Kiffin has described the situation as unacceptable.