JTA in full solidarity with NAJ

No. 67 Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Jamaica Teachers' Association expresses full solidarity with the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) in its valiant effort to have government comply with their contractual obligation with respect to outstanding salaries and benefits.

    While all Jamaicans are aware of the economic climate which currently prevails, we nonetheless do not sense that government is willing to honour the contracts duly negotiated and signed with the various bargaining units in the public sector.
    Deadlines have been set and commitments given, only to be reneged without even the courtesy of consultation.
    The JTA submits that this is certainly not how a government which has signed on to international treaties ought to operate in a democracy and in a favourable industrial climate.
    The gallant struggle of the nurses deserves our sincerest commendations and respect.
    The Government must take care that it does not damage the health sector in its bid to satisfy the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) demands.
    The JTA demands that government honour all its obligations to the various public sector groups.
    "We are equally adamant that the 'Heads of Agreement' signed between the JTA and the government must be fully honoured in both letter and spirit", said the JTA president.
    "The teachers of Jamaica and the education system deserve nothing less", he added.