November 7, 2026

Police Federation expresses disappointment and shock at Govt’s latest response to wage and benefits claims

The Police Federation has expressed disappointment and shock at the Government’s latest response to wage and benefits claims, saying the proposals are not in the best interests of police officers.

In a statement last evening, the Federation said the Government wants officers to forfeit their retroactive payments to settle the negotiations, despite the delay not being their fault.

It also noted that the Government had rejected its claim for a death benefit for police officers who die in the line of duty.

The Federation will be meeting with its membership over the coming days to discuss the issues and decide on the way forward.

The Police Federation said it is deeply disappointed with the formal response received yesterday from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to its counter proposal in the ongoing wages and benefits negotiation.

The response reinforces critical concerns that the Government has failed to demonstrate the urgency required to bring these negotiations to a suitable and just conclusion.

The Federation noted that the parties are now in the 20th month of what should have been a new contractual period, yet members remain without a wage settlement, to date.

It said equally troubling is the government’s continued failure to address the outstanding allowances negotiation, which should have been settled, and effected from April 1, 2022.

It said the Government appears too comfortable with the sluggish pace of these negotiations.

The rank-and-file membership is not.

The Federation said police officers who continue to put their lives on the line in service to Jamaica, cannot be expected to endure indefinite delays, while their legitimate financial interests remain unresolved.

It expressed shock that the Government fully rejected an item of claim relative to death benefit in respect to fallen colleagues, who are killed in the line of duty or die consequent to duty.

The Federation said the patience of members must never be mistaken for acceptance.

It said of particular concern is the Government’s salary offer, which contains proposals that effectively require police officers to make concessions on the quantum of salary payable.

Put plainly, after allowing negotiations to drag on for 20 months, the Government seems to expect police officers to surrender all of their retroactive salary, particularly in the first year, as the price of securing a settlement.

It said that is fundamentally flawed and unfair.

It said officers must not be penalized financially for delays over which they have had no control.

The Federation said these concerns reflect the consensus position of the central committee.

It said it remains resolute in the responsibility to defend and advance the interests of the rank-and-file membership.

The Federation said it has always been prepared to negotiate in good faith, has been negotiating in good faith, but will not allow legitimate entitlements to be eroded, simply to create the appearance of progress, and to the detriment of members.

It said over the next few days, the central committee will embark on a planned island-wide tour to engage delegates and members, sensitize them to the outstanding issues affecting their welfare and compensation and discuss the way forward.

The tour will also be an opportunity to strengthen the collective resolve and encourage the membership to close the calendar year positively, with renewed purpose and determination.

It urged all delegates and members to remain alert to official communication from the central committee and to participate actively in scheduled engagements.

The Federation stressed that members deserve fair treatment and a timely settlement, that recognizes their immense contribution to national security and economic growth, whilst recognizing their tremendous sacrifices.