Trade Unionist Lambert Brown cites legislation to challenge any justification for IDT’s delay in handing down ruling on doctors’ overtime rates

September 29, 2026

Trade Unionist Lambert Brown is pointing to the law to challenge any possible justification for the Industrial Disputes Tribunal’s delay in handing down a ruling on doctors’ overtime rates.

The issue, which dates back to 2023, was referred to the IDT in January 2025.

The JMDA concluded its case before the IDT in April this year and has been waiting for the ruling since then.

The doctors are still being paid overtime based on 2021 rates, which is a central point of contention.

During a press conference hosted by the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) this morning, Brown cited section 12 (1) of the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act, which states that the Tribunal shall “make its award within 21 days”.

Brown, who is the JMDA’s industrial relations consultant, argued that since the Association concluded its case with the Tribunal on April 1, the prolonged delay cannot simply go unexplained.

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He pointed out that the Tribunal has been provided with the necessary notes of evidence.

Brown also said the Tribunal could not be overwhelmed with other cases, as the JMDA’s matter has been deemed a priority.

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The Trade Unionist maintained that the doctors’ case is not complicated.

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Brown claimed that the Tribunal is being influenced by external factors.

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The Association said no formal reason for the delay has been provided by the Tribunal.

It warned that normality within the sector cannot be guaranteed if the Tribunal fails to hand down its ruling by Friday, October 2.