ST JAMES, Jamaica — President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), Mark Malabver, has sought to assure the association’s restive auxiliary workers that their long-standing concerns will be tackled with urgency towards a resolution in the coming days.

The workers reportedly took industrial action Friday at the offices of the 61-year-old- association located on Church Street in Kingston.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the reopening of the JTA’s western office at Fairview in Montego Bay, St James on Friday afternoon, Malabver acknowledged the restive state of the auxiliary staff, confirming that he has been apprised of their grievances.

“There are some outstanding matters that I gather that we need to treat with expeditiously,” Malabver stated, highlighting the immediate need for resolution.

While Malabver did not say if this had to do with salary and allowance, he did explain that the workers’ unrest is over the “calculation and recalculation of outstanding amounts.” He revealed that the issues at the centre of the dispute are not recent, having been “outstanding for a couple of years now,” even predating his assumption of the JTA presidency.

Malabver expressed understanding for the workers’ decision to take industrial action.

“The members are quite within their rights to be restive based on what I am gathering,” he conceded, recognising the frustration that has built up over time.

He underscored his commitment to a swift resolution, declaring, “They have my assurance as president that I will give the matter the attention that it deserves.”

When questioned about the timeline for addressing these issues, Malabver was unequivocal.

“It will definitely be addressed in the coming days,” he affirmed. He further indicated that he would be holding a discussion with the Secretary General, Dr Mark Nicely on the matter, emphasising that the resolution would be based on a commitment previously given to the staff.