KINGSTON, Jamaica — The wage negotiation between the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) and the Government seems to be improving with news that favourable consideration is being given to its proposed fringe benefit package for the teachers.

President Georgia Waugh Richards, who made the disclosure, said Prime Minister Andrew Holness contacted her yesterday before 5:00 pm and related to her that Cabinet had looked favourably on the fringe benefit package.

She however noted that the prime minister had asked for more time for a response to the proposed percentage increase in basic wages, as the Cabinet will participate in a three-day retreat starting tomorrow.

“He further stated that he understands the concerns of the teachers and he wants to bring speedy resolution to this negotiation and therefore he is asking for time to be extended regarding the percentage increase on basic wage,” said Waugh Richards, adding that teachers will now await the information out of that retreat.

Last week, the JTA demanded a response from the Government by 5:00 pm yesterday after it was told that Cabinet would meet to discuss some of the items submitted for consideration in the wage negotiations.

The public sector group had rejected the Government’s six per cent wage offer over two years and accused the government of using delaying tactics after meetings held with representatives from the finance ministry concluded with no increase to the initial offer.