Government to resume paying performance increments to public sector employees

The government is to resume performance increments for public sector employees.

This follows a meeting on Wednesday between the Finance Ministry and the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU).

Both parties reached an agreement to resume annual performance based salary increments.

In a statement, the Ministry said this development reflects the continued engagement and advocacy of the JCTU as well as the Ministry’s commitment to advancing matters affecting public sector employees.

It said a formal circular will be issued by the Ministry on Monday May 4, to provide details of implementation.

The Ministry noted that a circular issued in November 2022 notified workers of suspended incremental movements for the period April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2025 during the implementation of the Government’s new Compensation Structure.

It said with the completion of this reform on March 31, 2025, the conditions are now in place to facilitate the resumption of increments.

Accordingly, payment of annual performance increments, including seniority allowances, where applicable, will recommence in the 2026/2027 Financial Year.

The Ministry and Union noted that this step demonstrates the value of sustained collaboration in addressing public sector workers’ concerns.

Both parties remain actively engaged in negotiations for the contract period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028, and are committed to concluding these discussions as soon as possible.

The ministry said while several items have already been agreed, efforts continue to resolve outstanding matters from the compensation restructuring exercise.

In the interim, the resumption of performance increments is a tangible and positive outcome for employees.

Both the Ministry and the JCTU acknowledge the ongoing contributions of public sector workers to national development and reaffirm their shared commitment to improving terms and conditions of service.