Petrina Francis, Staff Reporter

Ocho Rios, St Ann:

Delegates attending the 44th annual conference of the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) are today expected to vote on the way forward as it relates to salary and fringe benefits for the island's more than 22,000 public-sector teachers.

Educators are yet to receive a salary increase because a study to bring their salaries to within 80 per cent of market is incomplete.

The JTA said last week that the start of the new school year could be disrupted, as teachers were upset.

Ena Barclay, immediate past president of the JTA, told reporters yesterday, following the first session of the conference which is being held at Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa, St Ann, that the JTA was very dissatisfied that the study was incomplete.

"We are disappointed because, had it been completed, it would have afforded us the opportunity to present a total package to the teachers of this country at the annual conference. They, in turn would have decided whether or not they would accept or reject the package that is offered by Government," Barclay said.

Delegates to decide

She added: "At this point, it will be left to the delegates to decide the way forward."

Barclay said that, because an offer was not available to present to the conference, the association would have to host 14 parish meetings to inform its members about the proposal when it becomes available. She said this could disrupt the new school term activities.

"Tuesday afternoon's session promises to be very interesting and the teachers will respond to the report of the salaries and conditions of service committee," she said.

Adolph Cameron, secretary general of the JTA, told the conference, which is being held under the theme 'Building a Culture of Learning in Schools: Enabling Independent, Enthusiastic and Successful Learners', that he got word from the Ministry of Finance that the company Focal Point, which is conducting the study, has completed the field work and is expected to present the interim report by tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Barclay said the 2008/2010 negotiations have progressed in an affirmative manner. She noted that the study, which was part of the 2006/2008 heads of agreement, was the only drawback.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com