Labour Minister responds on NAJ Issue

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon Pearnel Charles, is to meet with representatives the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) at his Ministry on Friday, April 9, to present a proposal to them in an effort to settle their dispute over retroactive pay.

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon Pearnel Charles

This was stated in a release issued by the Ministry on Thursday (March 18), in which the Minister also addressed issues arising from statements he is alleged to have made during a meeting with the nurses on Friday, and in the media since.
The release from the Minister said:
“The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles, believes that statements made by him regarding issues relating to the Nurses’ Association of Jamaica (NAJ) have taken on an unintended and ominous meaning.
“The Minister has the deepest respect for members of the NAJ, which comprises men and women. This is evidenced in his continued efforts to facilitate dialogue with the membership of the Association, with a view to resolving the current dispute.
“The Minister is therefore assuring members of NAJ and the public of his continued conviction and respect for trade unionism and the law, which supports orderly negotiations with the national interest being paramount.
“To this end the Ministry has scheduled a meeting with the NAJ and other parties for Friday, April 9, when it is expected that the Government will present a proposal for settling the dispute over retroactive payments.”