Labour Ministry urges constructive engagement and harmony in overtime dispute

October 2, 2026

The Labour Ministry is urging all parties in the overtime rates dispute to maintain constructive engagement and industrial harmony while the proceedings are concluded.

The call from the Labour Ministry comes as junior doctors protest, providing only emergency service between 8 a.m. today and 8 a.m. tomorrow.

The Jamaica Medical Doctors Association, JMDA, is stepping up its pressure on the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) to hand down the long-awaited ruling on doctors’ overtime rates.

In its statement this morning, the Labour Ministry says a timely resolution, consistent with due process, remains important to doctors, the healthcare system and the public.

Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Junior says he acknowledges the concerns of the JMDA as its members await the IDT award in the dispute between the association and the government.

He states that the Government remains committed to a fair, lawful and peaceful resolution and has confidence in the tribunal’s consideration of the evidence and the issues before it.

The statement notes that the matter is before the IDT for compulsory arbitration under the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act and that the tribunal must be allowed to carry out its functions independently.

Accordingly, the minister and the ministry will refrain from commenting on the merits of the dispute or taking any action that could be construed as seeking to influence the tribunal’s decision.

Mr. Charles says the medical doctors provide an invaluable service to Jamaica, their dedication and sacrifice deserve recognition and the ministry understands the importance of a timely resolution to these longstanding matters.