KINGSTON, Jamaica - Public servants took to the streets in Castries on Friday in support of demands for higher wages that the government of Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony said it cannot afford.
The workers are seeking a six per cent wage hike with benefits or a nine per cent increase, but Anthony said the government could only afford a four per cent wage increase and warned of retrenchment within the public service if the increase is any higher.
Anthony said it was the opinion of government that the negotiations had reached an impasse and recommended that the issue be sent to arbitration, and on Friday the Trade Union Federation (TUF) met with the various affiliate groups to discuss the governments position.