Major Stories

Teachers’ Compensation Anomalies Persist 8 Months Later

For the past eight months, educators and administrators nationwide have grappled with issues, ranging from compensation discrepancies to spikes in migration. The plight has sparked numerous protests across the island, demanding government intervention.

Earlier this year, the government initiated a comprehensive effort to restructure compensation for public sector workers, promising a simplified system. However, despite the passage of eight months, teachers are still discovering anomalies in their compensation. Leighton Johnson, President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, has renewed calls for transparency, urging the government to disclose the calculation method employed.

Johnson highlights that teachers were able to verify their compensation until April 2023 when the new salary structure took effect. Despite the ongoing challenges, a recent stormy meeting resulted in a resolution regarding graduate allowance and remote inducement, offering a glimmer of hope for affected teachers.

On a separate note, Johnson reveals that many institutions across the island continue to struggle with a shortage of educators for key subjects, including English language. The Ministry of Education implemented a comprehensive teacher recruitment and retention exercise to address this issue, a move Johnson acknowledges has helped but insists more action is necessary.

Compensation disparities led to widespread protests earlier this year, with educators expressing feelings of disrespect and disregard by the Jamaican government. Despite some progress, the journey toward equitable compensation and staffing stability in the education sector continues, leaving educators and administrators eagerly awaiting further resolutions from the government. Watch the report below:

Reporter: Natalia Clarke 

Explore More: NEWS

Recent Posts

J. Wray & Nephew Limited Expands Portfolio with Distribution of Courvoisier

J. Wray & Nephew Limited, a subsidiary of Campari Group, has expanded its premium spirits…

2 days ago

Mikael Phillips Says He’s Subject of IC Report Sent to Parliament

Based on media reports and calls from journalists, I understand that I am the subject…

3 weeks ago

Criminal Threats Halt Work on Mandela Highway, Government Vows to Press On

Work to improve a critical section of the Mandela Highway through Central Village came to…

3 weeks ago

All Set for N.E.S.A. By-Election

The voters of St. Ann North Eastern go to the polls today (September 30, 2024)…

1 month ago

Integrity Commission Slams Fake Document Amid Leak Controversy

Reprehensible, abominable, and repulsive! That’s how the Integrity Commission is describing a fake document circulating…

2 months ago

St James Man Charged for Murder

Detectives in St. James have charged 30-year-old Joseph McKenzie, also known as "Geo," with the…

2 months ago