“You do not need to look at that zero. We are committed to giving you the best possible wage offer.”

That’s the comment from Education Minister, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, as she addressed delegates of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) at their 61st Annual Conference in Hanover, this morning.

The issue of wages has been a major sore point for public school teachers, especially in the wake of last Friday’s meeting between the JTA’s leadership and the Finance Ministry.

JTA representatives walked out of the meeting after that Ministry failed to improve its offer of zero per cent.

The Association said if a better offer is not made, it reserves the right to activate all its machinery to respond.

On Monday, JTA President Mark Malabver demanded that the Education Ministry choose a side in the negotiations and demonstrate tangible support for educators’ plight.

In response, Senator Dr. Morris Dixon pointed to her role as an advocate of educators and the sector.

She said the Government is ready to continue the negotiation process, so teachers can get the best deal possible.

Dr. Morris Dixon also said the Government’s commitment to offering better wages is being materialised through a meeting with the unions and the Opposition, among others, tomorrow morning.

She said anomalies from the last negotiation will also be addressed at the meeting.