Past Jamaica Teachers' Association president Paul Adams addresses the gathering at the association's conference in Ocho Rios, St Ann, on Wednesday. - Roger Robinson/Freelance Photographer

Ocho Rios, St Ann:

The Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA) yesterday passed a resolution, giving the Government until midnight tomorrow to submit the document that realigns teachers' salaries to 80 per cent of what obtains in the private sector.

However, in addressing the final day of the 44th annual conference of the JTA, which ended Wednesday, Education Minister Andrew Holness said the study would have been ready by 5:00 p.m. and the Ministry of Finance and Planning has asked for one week to review it.

But, Paul Adams, former JTA president, said the 5 p.m. deadline would not relax the "temper muscles" of the teachers.

Contract breached

"Whereas the JTA signed an agreement, in 2006, with the Government that a realignment of the teachers salaries has to be done to bring them in line with 80 per cent of the market and, whereas after repeated efforts, the Government has not yet been able to honour its side of the bargain and, whereas, our teachers are finding it very difficult to survive, as a result of the current inflation rate of approximately 20 per cent," Dr Adolph Cameron, secretary general of the JTA said.

He added: "Be it resolved that if by midnight Saturday, August 23, the leadership of the JTA does not receive the realignment document, that the JTA issues instructions that no member should attend school in September until further notice from the JTA, and be it further resolved that the JTA activates its national action committee."

Holness said he understood the frustration of the leadership of the JTA. He pleaded with the teachers to continue along the path of reason and cooperation.

Meanwhile, Doran Dixon, president of the JTA, said since the Government has indicated that it will need a week to review the study, the JTA would not follow through with all aspects of the resolution.

He, however, noted that the national action committee would be activated.

The JTA had asked the Government for a 50 per cent increase in year one and 50 per cent in year two. However, the Government has offered a 15 per cent increase in year one and seven per cent in year two.

petrina.francis@gleanerjm.com