JCTU Board accepts tentative wage agreement for public-sector workers

August 5, 2026

The Board of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) has accepted the terms of a tentative three-year wage agreement for public sector workers.

The Board met last evening, following an earlier meeting between the JCTU and Government negotiating teams.

The agreement is for the contract period April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2028.

The JCTU, in a statement this morning, explains that the terms of the tentative wage agreement are:

A one-time payment of $80,000 for year one, April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026;

A five per cent salary increase for year 2, April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027;

and a further 5 per cent increase for year 3, April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2028.

The JCTU points out that the tentative agreement represents an improvement on the Government’s previous offer of 7 per cent over the three-year contract period, with a breakdown of a 2 per cent increase in year one and a 2.5 per cent increase for each of the remaining years of the contract.

The Confederation said last evening that it convened an emergency meeting of its Board, following the meeting with the Government.

The Board accepted all the terms of the tentative wage agreement after careful consideration.

The JCTU and the Government will continue negotiations on the remaining items contained in the Unions’ claim.

The JCTU states that the tentative wage agreement does not represent the conclusion of negotiations on the other outstanding matters affecting public-sector workers.

It acknowledges that the negotiations have been lengthy and challenging.

However, the Confederation says it believes that the tentative wage package represents a more favourable outcome for public-sector workers than the Government’s previous offer.

The JCTU is thanking its affiliated unions and public-sector workers for their patience, solidarity and continued support throughout the negotiation process.

The Confederation also acknowledges the efforts of the negotiating teams representing the Government and the trade union movement in bringing the wage discussions to this stage.

The JCTU says it remains committed to protecting the interests of Jamaica’s workers and securing a fair and satisfactory resolution of all outstanding items in the claim.

The Government was represented by Finance Minister Fayval Williams and State Minister Zavia Mayne.