Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

HENRY

The Ministry of Education and Youth said it is waiting on formal communication from the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) on its threats to take industrial action next week.

"We have to get a formal communication from them and we will indicate what we will do at that time," Maxine Henry-Wilson, Education Minister told The Gleaner,yesterday, when asked about her ministry's plans if teachers stayed away from the classroom next week.

But Hopeton Henry, president of the JTA, said there are no plans to communicate with the ministry whether teachers are going to take industrial action.

"We are not bargaining with her (Mrs. Henry-Wilson) and we would not discuss strike details with her," said Mr. Henry.

Teachers in all but two of the island's 14 parishes voted to reject the Government's latest benefits offer, during a series of meetings organised by the JTA, to update teachers on salary negotiations. The meetings were held from Monday to Wednesday of this week.

The General Council of the JTA is to meet tomorrow to decide on the next move.

Far-reaching implications

"It (the meeting) is going to be crucial because important decisions will be made and these decisions will have far-reaching implications," said Mr. Henry.

"No more ultimatums will be given because teachers are in a more serious mood," he added.

Mr. Henry told The Gleaner that it was pointless to call for a vote at tomorrow's meeting because teachers have already indicated that they were not in favour of the Government's offer.

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

While the association has now 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 a 14 to 22 per cent in the first year for teachers, and five to eight per cent in the second, it is 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 is demanding a $24,000 allowance in the second year. This additional $2,000 would cost the Government approximately $44 million.

Sylvester Anderson, President of the National Parent Teachers Association (NPTA) declined to comment on the teachers' pending action, noting that he was "waiting to see what happens"