JCTU backs doctors’ demand for urgent IDT overtime ruling

September 30, 2026

The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) says the Ministry of Labour and Social Security has an important role in promoting sound industrial relations and productivity.

The JCTU’s comment comes as it joins doctors’ call for the Industrial Disputes Tribunal to hand down urgently its ruling on their outstanding overtime case.

The Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association has been awaiting the tribunal’s decision on the dispute for almost six months, and has warned of possible disruption to public health services if no ruling is delivered by Friday, October 2.

By law, matters referred to the tribunal should be ruled on within 21 days.

Where making the award within that period is impracticable, the tribunal must do so “as soon as may be practicable”.

In a statement, the JCTU says while it recognises that complex cases may require additional time, flexibility in the statutory timeline, must not become a basis for prolonged uncertainty.

The JCTU notes that an almost six-month wait after the conclusion of a case is far too long, particularly where the dispute concerns essential services, payment for work performed and the livelihood of staff.

It says the purpose of the statutory requirement is to promote timely resolution.

The JCTU adds that workers must be able to rely on the institutions established to resolve their disputes within a reasonable period.

In the meantime, it highlights that this delay has implications for productivity.

The JCTU explains that workers who remain uncertain about their remuneration face financial pressure, frustration and declining morale.

Such conditions, it says, undermine the focus, confidence and cooperation needed to sustain productive workplaces.

The JCTU says, at a time when greater productivity is a national priority, prolonged delays in resolving workers’ compensation disputes run counter to that objective.

It adds that the institutions responsible for administering industrial relations must themselves demonstrate the timeliness and accountability expected throughout the economy.

The JCTU stresses that the Labour Ministry must address any administrative or resource constraints contributing to delays, and support an effective, timely dispute resolution system.

This, it notes, must be done while respecting the tribunal’s independence.

The JCTU says workers who use the established machinery must not be left feeling that the process offers no timely relief.