Police Federation not worried if larger unions accept government’s latest wage offer

Chairman of the Jamaica Police Federation, Sergeant Raymond Wilson, says the association is not worried its negotiating position could be weakened if other large unions accept the government’s latest wage offer.

The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Union, which represents more than 40,000 public sector workers, has indicated it could soon ink a deal with the government.

Yesterday, JCTU Vice-president, Helene Davis-Whyte, said it’s likely that the union will conclude its wage negotiations with the government when they next meet.

In the past, the government has said it would not give a different offer to groups after reaching a settlement with others.

However, the police federation chairman says he is not worried that agreements reached with other public sector groups could negatively affect its own wage negotiations.

Sergeant Wilson says there is no ground on which the Federation could be forced to accept the deal agreed to by other unions.

Sergeant Wilson says the federation will continue to negotiate in the best interest of rank and file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Yesterday, the union which represents public sector teachers expressed concern that the ability of other public sector groups to get a better wage offer could be impacted negatively if the JCTU accepts the seven-per cent increase.

Jamaica Teacher’s Association President, Doran Dixon, said if the JCTU accepts it could change the dynamics of the negotiations.

However, Davis-Whyte said any agreement reached between the union and the government should have no bearing on the negotiation with other unions.