October 1, 2026
Government medical consultants question why the IDT did not communicate with JMDA about delay in ruling on overtime rates
Written byShanice Gibbs
The Association of Government Medical Consultants (AGMC) is questioning why the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) did not communicate with bargaining units about the delay in handing down its ruling on doctors’ overtime rates.
AGMC President Dr. Myrton Smith told IRIE FM News that while his association understands the need for the IDT to get the ruling right, there should at least have been dialogue about what was causing the delay.
Dr. Smith’s comments come after the IDT yesterday acknowledged concerns that “justice delayed is justice denied”, but maintained that “justice must also be careful”.
However, the AGMC President said that position does not explain the lack of communication with the parties involved.
This, as the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA), the union at the centre of the overtime dispute, has said the IDT did not give a reason for the hold-up.
Dr. Smith noted that the doctors have been waiting for a ruling since April 1, which is in addition to the several months spent in negotiations with the Ministry of Finance, followed by meetings with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security before the matter was referred to the IDT.
The matter arose in 2023.
The matter has become increasingly urgent, with the JMDA warning of possible disruptions in the public health sector if there is no ruling by end of work day today.
Doctors have threatened industrial action effective tomorrow, Friday, October 2.
The AGMC said it supports any lawful action that its colleagues in the JMDA find necessary in pursuance of the justice they seek.
