Jamaica Ministry of Finance signs wage agreement with JCTU

Jamaica’s Ministry of Finance and the Public Service has signed a three-year wage negotiation agreement with the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU). The agreement, effective from April 2025 to March 2028, includes a one-off eighty-thousand-dollar payment in the first year, followed by annual five percent increases for the subsequent two years, totaling a ten percent increase.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams stated that while the agreement will only marginally ease economic burdens, it recognizes the role of the public sector in maintaining stability. Williams noted that more agreements with other public sector unions are expected soon.

However, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) recently rejected the government’s wage proposal during its 62nd annual conference. Following a vote where 155 delegates opposed the offer, the JTA is expected to formally notify the Ministry of Finance to request new negotiations. Minister Williams described the government’s proposal to the JTA as a “very good offer” and is currently awaiting the union’s formal response regarding how to proceed.