KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Police Federation says it is “eagerly” anticipating the outcome of the Cabinet meeting in which wage negotiations between the government and public sector works will be discussed.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in responding to the Federation last Monday, said while he understands and appreciates the challenges, personal sacrifice and ultimate danger with which law enforcement officers must contend, the meeting slated for today is necessary given the “far-reaching implications” of the issues to be addressed brought forward by the police federation.

“There has to be consideration for the “delicate” state and stage of Jamaica’s economic recovery and that present action will determine whether or not Jamaica stays on the course to recovery. It is in our collective interest to ensure that Jamaica stays on the right track,” Holness emphasised.

However, General Secretary of the Federation, Sergeant Cecil McCalla urged the Government to be creative in their thinking and formulate solutions that will improve the income of the hardworking men and women of the JCF.

“We must reiterate our stance that the welfare of our rank and file members is our first priority,’ said McCalla, noting that Federation wants to bring a timely and amicable closure to these negotiations.

Last month the federation shot down the offer of four per cent increase in year one, and two per cent in year two as “unacceptable”, after several rounds of talks with the finance ministry, which resulted in approximately 2,730 rank-and-file members calling in sick.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Teachers Association, another public sector group, rejected the Government’s six per cent wage offer over two years and accused the government of using delay tactics and demanded a response from Cabinet by 5:00 pm today.