Is the Government of the people, by the people for the people, punishing teachers for standing up for better pay? Last month teachers’ salaries were late, and so far this month, the teachers have yet to receive their wages. I hope I am wrong because Jamaica is a Democracy where freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest abound.
The President of Jamaica Teachers Association, JTA, LaSonja Harrison, said teachers across the island are yet to receive their April Wages.
This is so despite assurances from Minister Fayval Williams that the authorities uploaded salaries to the payroll system on Monday.
Mrs. Harrison doubled down on the late payment claim in an audio message sent to JTA members Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs. Harrison says that some teachers have received their salaries in several schools while their co-workers are still waiting.
Education Minister Fayval Williams labeled Mrs. Harrison’s decision to raise the alarm about unpaid salaries through a press release late Tuesday, April 25, 2023, as irresponsible.
Minister Williams was informed of the delays by a reporter who contacted her for comment or explanation. She believes that the JTA should have contacted her directly for an update instead of going to the press.