The Jamaica Police Federation has achieved a breakthrough in securing retroactive payments for added hours under the new compensation structure, while laying the groundwork for upcoming wage negotiations. General Secretary, Sergeant Lloyd Duncan, updated members of Specialized Operations at their annual conference on the Federation’s progress and next steps, emphasising its ongoing advocacy for fair treatment and transparency.

Duncan confirmed that members can expect retroactive payments for added hours to be included in their December salaries, following discussions with the new Minister of Finance, Fayval Williams. “We met with the new Minister of Finance … on Friday, and she promised the Federation that the members will be paid that added hours retroactive this December month on this December month salary,” Duncan announced, adding that the payments will be non-taxed, a key demand of the Federation.

The retroactive payments come after a period of contention regarding added hours and their place in the compensation structure. Duncan outlined how the Federation has consistently fought for what it considers fair treatment of its members. He shared that the Federation had initially rejected a 10% increase offered by the government, arguing that it failed to account for inflation and the delayed resolution. “We said to them, no. In the past, all one-off payments were non-tax. We represented the proposal to the members, and they accepted,” he explained.

Looking Ahead to 2025 Negotiations

The Federation is also preparing for the next round of wage negotiations, which will commence in April 2025. Duncan emphasised the importance of member participation in shaping the Federation’s proposals and announced plans for consultations across the island. “We will be going into a new negotiation period coming, sorry, April 1, 2025. The Federation will be hosting some island-wide consultation with the members,” he said. This consultative approach is aimed at ensuring that the Federation represents the collective interests of its members effectively during talks with the government.

Duncan reiterated the Federation’s commitment to advocating for fair treatment, describing its role as the principal representative of the bulk of the JCF’s membership. “The Federation continues to be that body that represents the bulk of the force,” he affirmed, encouraging members to remain engaged and to bring their concerns to the executive team.

The Police Federation’s persistent advocacy underscores its dedication to addressing the needs of its members and ensuring that they are fairly compensated for their service. As negotiations approach, the Federation is calling on its members to participate actively in the process, reinforcing its stance as a collective voice for the force.

With retroactive payments secured and preparations underway for the next wage cycle, the Federation is charting a path towards financial stability and equitable treatment for Jamaica’s law enforcement professionals.