Unresolved issues surrounding their uniform allowance and a graduate policy for educators pursuing further studies were among the main concerns raised by delegates on Tuesday as the Jamaica Teachers’ Association rejected the Government’s wage offer.

The rejection was confirmed on Tuesday after delegates voted at the JTA’s 62nd annual conference at the Ocean Coral Spring Resort in Trelawny. Of the 213 delegates, 155 voted against the offer while 54 supported it. There was one spoiled ballot and three rejected ballots.

The Ministry of Finance and the Public Service recently reached agreement with the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) on a modified three-year wage package covering April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028. The deal includes a one-off payment of $80,000 for the 2025-26 financial year followed by a five per cent salary increase in each of the next two years.