Government says its “committed to a fair, lawful and peaceful resolution” to the standoff over overtime pay that has led to junior doctors taking industrial action on Friday.

READ: Brace for delays in health services, JMDA warns amid pay dispute

In a release on Friday, the Minister of Labour and Social Security said it acknowledges the concerns of members of the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA) as they await the Industrial Disputes Tribunal’s award in the dispute between the association and the Government of Jamaica.

The matter is before the IDT for compulsory arbitration under the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act.

The ministry said the tribunal must be allowed to carry out its functions independently.

Accordingly, the release stated, the minister and the ministry will refrain from commenting on the merits of the dispute or taking any action that could be construed as seeking to influence the tribunal’s decision.

“Our medical doctors provide an invaluable service to Jamaica. Their dedication and sacrifice deserve recognition, and the ministry understands the importance of a timely resolution to these longstanding matters,” it said. “The Government remains committed to a fair, lawful and peaceful resolution and has confidence in the Tribunal’s consideration of the evidence and the issues before it.”

The ministry said it encourages all parties to maintain constructive engagement and industrial harmony while the proceedings are concluded.

“A timely resolution, consistent with due process, remains important to our doctors, the healthcare system and the public we all serve,” the ministry said.