Ministry of Finance recommits to ensuring that salary of teachers among top priorities within education sector

The Ministry of Finance has recommitted to ensuring that the salary of teachers is among the top priorities within the education sector.

The commitment comes amid tension among the island’s teachers in relation to salary negotiations between the Jamaica Teachers’ Association and the Government.

According to President of the JTA, Mark Malabver, the island’s teachers have reached their limit in exercising patience.

The President said he is no longer prepared to ask educators to show restraint as they push for better salaries.

Speaking at the JTA’s Go Public! Fund Education National Forum yesterday, State Minister of Finance Zavia Mayne said that there are non-negotiables when it comes to education.

Mayne, who was speaking on behalf of Finance Minister Fayval Williams, said the non-negotiables include teacher salaries, functional school facilities, and access to quality education, regardless of parish or income level.

He noted that these are fundamentals, even as the sector faces funding concerns.

While noting that he understands the frustration of teachers, he explained that the solution is not to wait for a fiscal space that may never reach the desired level.