Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Fitz Jackson (left), Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and Planning and Superintendent of Police, Norman Heywood signing the 2006 to 2008 heads of agreement between the Government of Jamaica and the Police Officers Association at the Ministry of Finance yesterday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

GOVERNMENT and the Police Officers Association (POA) signed a new two-year wage contract yesterday at the Ministry of Finance's National Heroes Circle office in Kingston.

It closed two months of negotiations, and guarantees the POA's 300 members a salary increase of 19 per cent in the first year and six per cent in the second.

The POA represents Jamaica Constabulary Force members from the rank of Assistant Superintendent to Commissioner.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Fitz Jackson, said POA members will receive retroactive payments from April to October. As well, there are increases in clothing, uniform and technical allowances.

Mr. Jackson said the uniform allowance has been increased by 75 per cent. He described the other increases as 'meaningful.'

Not totally satisfied

POA chairman, Superintendent Norman Heywood, said while his organisation was not totally satisfied with the final package, it considered the Government's offer 'reasonable.'

In its claims submitted in February, the POA had asked for an increase of 80 per cent in the first year and 40 per cent in the second.

Already, he said the POA is preparing to bargain for more improvements.

Mr. Jackson, whose salary negotiations with the Jamaica Police Federation this year were oftentimes heated, said he was pleased that his discussions with the POA were far more amicable.

"I want to make the point that they have got most of what they want without any acrimony or friction," he said. "But the absence of acrimony and difficulties doesn't mean that there weren't challenges in the discussions."

The POA is the second organisation within the JCF to have concluded negotiations with the Government. A similar agreement is expected with the Island Special Constabulary Force today.

Mr. Jackson said he expects to sign new contracts with District Constables and the Island Special Constabulary Force's Officers Association in the next two weeks.