KINGSTON, Jamaica — People’s National Party (PNP) Spokesperson on National Security, Fitz Jackson, is calling on the government to immediately address the concerns of the Police Federation, and to take urgent action to correct “contentious matters which are affecting the morale and performance of the membership of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)”.

Jackson yesterday expressed alarm at the state of the salaries and benefits negotiations between the government and the Jamaica Police Federation, which represents the country’s rank and file policemen and women, urging the government to “bring this very untidy and untenable situation to a conclusion”.

In a statement following a two-hour meeting with the Federation’s executive, Jackson said it was clear that the Government is not approaching the talks with sincerity as the negotiating team, led by the Minister of Finance and the Public, Dr Nigel Clarke, was devoid of the requisite authority to advance discussions which began in April 2017.

Jackson said he was particularly disappointed to learn that items of the claim to which the minister had expressed agreement in the talks with the Federation, were subsequently rejected by cabinet. He said this was absolutely disrespectful of the collective bargaining process and therefore brings into question whether the government was ever interested in settling the police’s wage claim. 

“The only thing the police have received in the almost two years is an advance on salary which has not been agreed”, he said.

Jackson said the treatment of the police officers was nothing short of disgraceful, especially at a time when they have been making extreme sacrifices to ensure the success of the states of emergency (SOEs) and the zones of special operations (ZOSOs).

He said he also discussed with the officers the effect of the long working hours on the membership of the security forces and expressed solidarity with them over reports that it was affecting both the JCF members and their families.

The PNP spokesperson said he also heard from the Federation Executive that the long hours of work prevent professional advancement, as many had to forego professional training opportunities.