KINGSTON, Jamaica – The National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) has expressed concern regarding the current wage negotiations between the Government and the Jamaica Teacher’s Association (JTA) and is urging an amicable solution as soon as possible.

On Friday, March 3, placard-bearing teachers at the St Elizabeth Technical High School staged sit-ins and accused the JTA of lobbying poorly on their behalf in wage negotiations with the Government.

On Monday, two additional St Elizabeth schools – BB Coke High and Maggotty High – teachers wore black to stage sit-ins, also pointing fingers at the JTA.

READ: WATCH: Fed-up teachers stage sit-ins at St Elizabeth schools over wage talks

The NPTAJ said that it is necessary for both parties to reach an amicable and urgent solution to avoid placing students at further risk given the already huge learning loss on account of COVID-19.

“The NPTAJ acknowledges the need of our teachers to be adequately compensated, in these financially difficult times for most Jamaicans. We acknowledge the great value of our teachers, as they influence the nation and its future growth, through the education of our children,” the NPTAJ said in a release on Monday.

“What quality education system do we as parents, as a nation, want for our children? And how do we retain and attract quality teachers to achieve that objective? We must protect our children’s future, and that is through quality education,” it added.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service Dr Nigel Clarke recently announced that $4.3 billion has been tacked on to the budget for this fiscal year, which ends on March 31, an indication of the Government’s aim to settle wage disputes.

But the police, doctors, and teachers are some of the major groups which have refused to sign off on the new compensation package until there is an improved offer from the Government.

READ: Wage pact near