Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) puts new offer on table
published: Tuesday | August 1, 2006

Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Reid

Outgoing president of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA), Ruel Reid, says his association would consider the Government's proposed salary offer if teachers are given an extra $600 per week.

However, Mr. Reid said this additional five per cent increase for most teachers would be temporary until the Government works out the JTA's proposal of increasing teachers' salary to 80 per cent of market value.

The Government had proposed a 14 per cent to 16 per cent increase in the first year for principals and vice-principals, with eight per cent in the second year. For teachers, the proposed rate is between 14 and 22 per cent in the first year and five to eight per cent in the second.

But an overwhelming number of JTA delegates rejected the offer at a special delegates' conference, held earlier this month. Mr. Reid said a letter was sent to Minister of Finance, Dr. Omar Davies, last Wednesday, outlining the new proposal.

"We are prepared to have a settlement as soon as possible,and we are waiting on a response from the Finance Minister," he told The Gleaner yesterday.