Gov't invites police to return to bargaining table, Bunting calls protest inappropriate

The National Security Minister Peter Bunting this afternoon revealed that the Finance Ministry has written to the Jamaica Police Federation inviting the union to return to bargaining table, amid a major all-island protest.

Rank and file cops have been calling in sick since last night crippling some of the functions of the functions of the police.

In Parliament today, Bunting appealed to the protesting cops to return to work saying they are exposing Jamaica to unnecessary risks and could harm the professional image of the police force.

According to Bunting, the action taken by the cops is inappropriate:

Meanwhile, Bunting says the Government has put in place contingencies including engaging the Jamaica Defence Force to fill the shortfall:

Restive rank and file members are pressing their demands for an improved wage offer from the Government.

The police protest comes as the JCF grapples with an 18-percent increase in murders so far this year.