Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
JACKSON
CHAIRMAN OF the Police Federation, Corporal Raymond Wilson, said Wednesday's meeting with State Minister Fitz Jackson had a positive tone and he hopes both parties can find common ground on wage issues at their next meeting set for February 2.
Executive members of the Police Federation and officials from the Ministry of Finance have been involved in salary negotiation and fringe benefits since last May, but have been unable to find common ground on wage improvement.
The over 7,000 rank-and-file members have been restive since last week, as at one stage the executive membership were mobilising members for a mass meeting, to determine what plan of action to take.
"We are asking our members to hold strain; it is not that we are giving up, but the meeting took a positive turn and we might end up with something that is in our benefit," the chairman said.
During last year when they met with the government twice, Corporal Wilson said there was no offer from government, but he said the atmosphere at yesterday's meeting was more positive.
WORK WEEK ISSUE
While not disclosing the items that are on the bargaining table, The Gleaner understands that among the main issue being discussed, is a proposal submitted by the federation for government to reduce the police work week to 40 hours.
He said many of the police are exhausted and overworked with the majority suffering from sleep deprivation. Because of this, they are likely to make some serious mistakes or errors.
Last February, the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions signed a memorandum of under-standing (MoU) with the government, restraining salary increases for public sector employees over a two-year period.
But Corporal Wilson noted that the Police Federation was not invited to sign the MoU.
