MEMBERS of the Joint Industrial Council (JIC) for the Building & Construction Industry have reached agreement on a new two-year contract covering thousands of unionised workers in the industry.

The agreement is for a six per cent pay increase in 2013/14, followed by a four per cent increase in 2014. The agreement takes effect on February 1, and will continue through to January 31, 2015.

The Jamaica Observer understands that the unions — the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), the National Workers union (NWU) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) — had sought a nine per cent increase for 2013/14, followed by a seven per cent increase in 2014/15, while the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica's (IMAJ) started out at two and one per cent, respectively, before settling for the agreed increases.

They also agreed to increase insurance coverage for the workers from $550,000 to $600,000, with provisions for double indemnity.

From as far back as 1954, the IMAJ and the trades unions have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship, through the establishment of the Joint Industrial Council. The Council meets every two years, to negotiate new rates of pay and other benefits to which the workers are entitled.

Main negotiators for the workers were Alden Brown, BITU vice-president and Owen Saunderson, NWU deputy island supervisor. The IMAJ's team was led by its president H D Burton.