The unions representing members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade began salary negotiations with the Ministry of Finance today, days after they had issued an ultimatum to government warning of potential industrial action if discussions were not started in 10 days.

The ultimatum was given after what was described, as the inordinate delay in the commencement of discussions on the proposed new salary structure, arising from the compensation review.

The unions said they had been seeking to commence the discussions from as far back as May 2022, with attempts also being made in October 2022 to no avail.

Speaking with Irie FM News today, President of the Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers (JALGO), Helene Davis-Whyte, noted that the discussions got underway today, and went fairly well.