KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA) is calling on the Ministry of Finance and Public Service to quickly issue the necessary circulars to implement the wage agreement signed with the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) in September.

Following the signing, the first supplementary budget was approved in Parliament on October 15, 2024, after which payments were expected to be facilitated.

The JCSA said the former Finance Minister would have indicated that the supplementary estimates include the latest elements of the remuneration restructuring exercise, adding that the restructuring of public sector workers’ remuneration has been completed.

However, despite this, the JCSA said the agreement remains unimplemented, leaving public sector workers increasingly frustrated.

The association took note of a formal letter sent by the JCTU president to the finance secretary seeking clarification, but said there has been no response to date.

“This silence and delay has increased concerns among JCSA members who have no intention of waiting indefinitely for the well-deserved adjustment to the compensation package they were promised based on the signed agreement,” the JCSA said in a statement Wednesday.

The JCSA urged the ministry to address the matter immediately to avoid unrest, saying: “Our members have shown immense patience, dedication and commitment to public service, and deserve clear and timely action on this agreement. Failure to implement the agreement promptly risks further dissatisfaction and instability among our members.”