Glenroy Sinclair, Staff Reporter
Police Commissioner, Lucius Thomas, chats with executive members of the Police Federation shortly before a meeting with government officials yesterday. The meeting was called to discuss the salary issue that has resulted in a sickout by rank and file members of the police force. Seated from left are Inspector Handel Morgan, Corporal Hartley Stewart and Sergeant David White. The meeting was held at the Commissioner's Old Hope Road office. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
UP TO press time last night Ministry of Finance officials, Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas and the Central Executive of the Police Federation were locked in a marathon meeting in search of a wage settlement for the rank and file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
At 6:15 pm yesterday a member of the Central Executive told The Gleaner that things were not progressing smoothly. The police were, apparently, not satisfied with the $300 million being offered by government as a one-time payment.
This offer was made by government following a Wednesday morning consultation between Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and member-unions of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, with whom the government has a wage capping agreement for public sector employees. Labour leaders and the Prime Minister resolved not to breach the Memorandum of Agreement (MoU), which capped wage increases to three per cent over two years ending March 2006.
JACKSON TO EXAMINE CLAIM
After meeting with the trade union leaders on Wednesday the Prime Minister instructed Fitz Jackson, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, to examine the 24-point wage claim submitted by the Police Federation to determine what offer can be made in compliance with the MoU. Subsequently, the offer of a one-time payment of $300 million to the police was made.
During the year-long negotiations the Police Federation has been sticking out for a 47-per cent increase in salary. Government indicated that it would increase the death benefit claim for police personnel killed in the line of duty, among other offers.
