It now seems certain that public sector teachers will not have their salaries increased to 80 per cent of what is paid in the private sector this year.

To increase teachers' salaries to the 80 per cent of market value, the Government would have to find approximately $15 billion, and Minister without Portfolio in the Finance Ministry, Dwight Nelson, says the Government just does not have the money.

"In a meeting with the teachers I told them I could not agree with that figure as it is above the Government's ability to pay, and I would have to seek the guidance and approval of the Cabinet," Nelson told journalists Wednesday.

According to Nelson, who has responsibility for the public sector, Cabinet discussed the matter extensively on Monday and requested additional information.

Discussions will continue

Nelson said he provided this information to the Cabinet and the discussions will continue next Monday before he meets with the teachers on Tuesday.

But even as he returns to the bargaining table, Nelson seems sure that the teachers will not be granted the increases of between six and 60 per cent in their salaries, which they will need to move them up to 80 per cent of the private sector rates.

"We made it abundantly clear earlier on that negotiations with the public sector, whether you are talking about teachers or police ... these negotiations have to be conducted within the Government's ability to pay," Nelson said.

"I will be sitting with the teachers to continue the dialogue, continue the negotiations and to seek compromises," Nelson added.

His comments came less than 24 hours after the JTA summoned its salaries and conditions of service committee and its parish actions committees to a meeting on Saturday to discuss concerns related to the proposed salary increase.

The JTA has argued that there is an agreement in place as to how the money should be paid and it is awaiting word from the Cabinet.

JTA President Doran Dixon has warned that the teachers could take action to back their demands.

"We have no interest in disrupting the system but if we are pushed, then that's where we will have to go," Dixon told The Gleaner recently.