KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) is calling on the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to promptly issue the circulars required to implement the wage agreement signed with the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) in September.

Following the signing, the first supplementary estimate was approved in Parliament on October 15, 2024 after which payments were expected to be facilitated.

The JCSA said the former minister of finance would have indicated that the supplementary estimates include the last elements of the restructuring of compensation exercise, adding that restructuring of compensation for public-sector workers has been completed.

However, despite this, the JCSA said the agreement remains unimplemented leaving public sector workers increasingly frustrated.

The association noted a formal letter sent from the JCTU president to the financial secretary seeking clarification but said to date there has been no response.

“This silence and delay have heightened concerns among JCSA members who have no intention of waiting indefinitely for the well-deserved adjustment to the compensation package they were promised based on the signed agreement,” the JCSA said in a statement on Wednesday.

Urging the ministry to address the matter immediately to avoid unrest, the JCSA said “Our members have demonstrated immense patience, dedication and commitment to public service, and they deserve clear and timely action on this agreement. Failure to implement the agreement promptly risks further dissatisfaction and instability among our members.”