KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) is again calling on the Andrew Holness led-administration to demonstrate the “sincerity and respect” required in the negotiations with the public sector workers.

It argued that the Government must change its incalcitrant stance in the negotiations and present a better offer to the workers, adding that this approach is the only basis for achieving a wage settlement which has been outstanding for more than a year.

“This is clearly a national priority and we, the PNP, continue to share the concern of many stakeholder groupings and civil society that the country cannot afford the continued feeling of insecurity and fear which comes with the failure to have our security forces operating at full strength.”

It added that it is an ominous sign that we have begun the New Year in the same manner as we ended the last with a spiralling murder rate.

The party urged the Government again to place the security of the nation as a top priority by creating the condition for a speedy settlement with the rank and file.

Furthermore, the Opposition said it has consistently indicated its willingness to sit with the Government to develop a more effective response to escalating violent crime and anti-social behaviour.

It explained that the last PNP Administration, faced with a worse economic situation, found creative ways to meet the individual sector demands by utilising a combination of benefits and wages.

“This was achieved because the negotiation was conducted in a consultative and respectful manner. “The workers over the years have sacrificed for the benefit of the nation by enduring several years of wage restraints and limitations. They deserve a decent and liveable wage offer,” it contended.

The party ended its statement saying that the country expects that at the next sitting of the Cabinet on Monday, the Government will agree on a new offer for public sector workers and avoid an escalation of industrial action.