KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) has given the Ministry of Finance until Friday to present an improved wage offer or ‘normality within the education system will not be guaranteed,’ according to a letter shared with the Minister of Finance, Fayval Williams, on Wednesday.

The August 29 deadline is two days before school is set to reopen for the 2025/2026 academic year on September 1, and four days before the Spetember 3 General Election.

“The mood among teachers is one of rising militancy, and they are prepared to defend their rights and professional dignity,” the letter stated.

The JTA indicated that it has summoned its Action Committee to a meeting on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 1:00 pm.

The convening of the action committee follows a meeting earlier this month where the JTA walked out because of what it describes as the Government’s continued unwillingness to put forward an iproved offer.

READ: Big JTA wage meeting today 

Citing ‘a serious deterioration in trust’ following that walkout, the JTA said, “Our delegates have since convened and, given the government’s inaction, have unanimously empowered the president to activate the Association’s Action Committee. The result is that normality within the education system can no longer be guaranteed.”

“It must be emphasised that teachers across the island have been remarkably patient and restrained throughout this entire process. Despite widespread dissatisfaction, we have maintained open lines of communication and made every attempt to arrive at a resolution without disruption to the education system. However, that patience is now exhausted.”

The JTA called for an improved offer to be immediately presented and a meeting to be called no later than Friday.

“The JTA cannot overstate the seriousness of this moment. We urge the ministry to act swiftly and decisively. The government’s ongoing delay is a clear affront to the teaching profession and a disservice to the nation’s students. It is now time to show the respect and regard that Jamaica’s teachers so justly deserve,” the JTA said.

READ: JTA president vows to keep fighting for liveable wage regardless of which party takes power