Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter

The General Council of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) yesterday decided to accept an improved salary offer made by the Government.

JTA president Hopeton Henry said that the decision was taken during a meeting of the General Council yesterday morning. He added that the decision was a unanimous one, but refused to divulge any details of the Government's improved offer.

Some changes likely

"The offer was received (yesterday), but there are still some matters that need to be ironed out. I would rather not get into the details just yet, as some matters may be subject to change," he said.

The General Council of the JTA will be meeting with a team from the Ministry of Finance next week to iron out the details of the new agreement.

The JTA has been at odds with the Government over salary and fringe benefits for several months.

Still negotiating benefits

While the association has settled for a 14 per cent to 16 per cent salary increase in the first year for principals and vice-principals, with eight per cent in the second year and 14 to 22 per cent in the second, it was still negotiating for fringe benefits.

The Government had offered the teachers a $20,000 book, resource and technology allowance in year one and $22,000 in year two. However, this was rejected by the JTA. The association was demanding a $24,000 allowance in the second year. The additional $2,000 would cost the Government approximately $44 million.

Mr. Henry said yesterday that the Government's improved offer did take this matter into account. However, he refused to give any further details.