Police Urged to Return to Bargaining Table

Minister of National Security, Senator the Hon. Dwight Nelson, has invited members of the Jamaica Police Federation to return to the bargaining table with Government so that a settlement can be reached on the wage issue.
“The Federation must get back around the table to continue the discussions with Government. Government is ready and prepared at this stage to continue dialogue and discussions with the Federation, until an agreement is arrived at,” Minister Nelson stated as he addressed the 66th Conference of the Jamaica Police Federation held yesterday (May 27) at the Starfish Hotel in Falmouth, Trelawny.
The Federation members have threatened to take the Government to court over its decisions to freeze public sector wages due to severe economic challenges.
Minister Nelson noted that while the members of the police force and all the public sector groups were deserving of the increases, “there can be no doubt either that Government has to ensure that it has the ability to pay.”
In the meantime, he commended the Jamaica Police Federation for its sterling record of service to its members and urged the body to continue to zealously guard their rights.
“On behalf of the Government, I want to express the profound appreciation of the Jamaican people to all police officers, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. I specifically want to join in mentioning the five officers, who have died during the year. I want to also express appreciation to those officers whose lives may have been spared, but who have suffered varying degrees of injuries in carrying out their duties and responsibilities,” he stated.
He announced that the Government was moving to acquire lands to provide suitable housing for police officers so as to make life more comfortable for them as they face regular transfers in the line of their duties.
“The police force is special and I assure you that I will endeavour to do all in my powers to make the lives of everyone of you easier and safer, as you go about your duties in making Jamaica a better and more secured place for generations to come,” he assured them.
The two-day Jamaica Police Federation conference is being held under the theme: ‘Achieving excellence in a resolute quest for service and empowerment to members’.