KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Police Federation says it will not accept the Government’s “sluggish, stubborn and unreasonable” position with the wage and benefits proposal for the 2017-2019 contract period.

In a statement a short while ago, the federation said after meeting with  Finance Minister, Audley Shaw and his team, the Government reiterated their unrealistic offer of six per cent increase on basic salary only with four per cent in year one and two per cent in year two.

The Police Federation said they are grossly disappointed that the Government returned with the same offer with only minor adjustments, as they were assured by Shaw at last Wednesday’s meeting that he would separate the police group from other public-sector groups and that a reduced set of items would be taken to the Cabinet for consideration.

“However, this seem not to have been the case. [As a result of this] the Police Federation once again vehemently and unreservedly rejected the Government’s latest offer,” the federation noted.

General Secretary of the Jamaica Police Federation Sergeant Cecil McCalla said that the present economic climate that rank and file members are force to contend with has resulted in great suffering and low morale.

The general secretary also said that in addition to the great suffering being experienced by their members, they are working under unacceptable conditions and are unable to truly enjoy the festivities of the yuletide season.

“At this point, there is a serious breakdown in negotiations with our employer and the Police Federation is left with no alternative but to request the urgent and immediate intervention of the Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness,” said McCalla.

The Jamaica Police Federation maintains its stance that the welfare and well-being of the rank and file members of the JCF is paramount and is desirous for the negotiations to come to a timely and an amicable conclusion.