JCTU calls for urgent ruling in doctors’ overtime dispute

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) is calling for an urgent ruling in the outstanding overtime dispute involving the Jamaica Medical Doctors’ Association (JMDA), saying the nearly six-month wait since the case concluded is too long.

According to the JCTU, the dispute was referred to the Industrial Disputes Tribunal (IDT) in January 2025 and concluded on April 1, 2026. The JMDA has given the Tribunal until October 2, 2026 to deliver its decision.

The JCTU said Section 12(1) of the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act requires the Tribunal to make an award within 21 days after a dispute is referred to it, or “as soon as may be practicable” where that timeframe is impracticable.