Public Sector workers reject Govt. latest offer

The government made another failed attempt today (May 8) to satisfy its workers demands for the 2010-2012 period.

The workers had foregone a wage increase for the period and had instead requested that the government provide them with certain benefits, including transportation allowance.

While the parties have agreed on some of the benefits, contention remains rife over the amount of money the government is offering to cover transportation.

One representative of the public sector workers, Keith Comerie, says the latest offer made by the government during a meeting today, was $2 b.

Mr. Comerie says the public sector groups have rejected that amount, saying it is not enough.

Mr. Comerie says the public sector groups are hoping that the government will adjust the amount it is offering for transportation in order for an agreement to be signed.

He says the groups will not start negotiations for the 2012-2014 period until the government settles the concerns about the benefits for 2010-2012.

Ahead of negotiations for the upcoming period, the Jamaica Teachers Association and the Police Federation have made it clear that they will not accept a wage freeze if it is proposed by the government.