The decision by members of the Police Federation to protest outside the Ministry of Finance and Planning on Monday, to press their demand for more pay, is not getting the support of the police top brass and sections of the private sector.
Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas called members of the Federation executive to a meeting to discuss Monday’s protest which saw the lawmen blocking the path of the vehicle of Finance Minister Dr. Omar Davies.
“We must learn to resolve differences through dialogue and negotiation,” the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica told the Police Federation in a statement, calling the protest action “a backward step”.
While the Finance Minister said he was not forced to address the protesting lawmen, the police commissioner said he has ordered a probe into what happened at the demonstration outside the offices of the Ministry of Finance and Planning, National Heroes Circle, Kingston, according to the Jamaica Gleaner.
“The investigation may boil down to disciplinary action,” said Commissioner Thomas.
According to the commissioner, the main topic on the agenda of his meeting yesterday with members of the federation’s executive was Monday’s action outside the Finance Ministry. “They are saying that the minister voluntarily spoke with them, but we will continue to discuss the matter to see what went wrong,” said Commissioner Thomas.
The Commissioner was prompted to call the meeting based on what was said to be the inappropriate behaviour of some lawmen during what was supposed to be a peaceful demonstration. The PSOJ said that “Such conduct by some members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force is a backward step. This action sends a message to the wider society that roadblocks and disruptive activities are acceptable courses of action.”
Added the PSOJ: “We must recognise that when law enforcement agencies begin to adopt the very measures that they are sworn to prevent, our society has slipped a little further down that steep slope we are seeking to overcome. This latest move by some members of the JCF is regrettable and we hope the JCF high command reinforces this view very strongly.”
In the meantime, the negotiating team of the Police Federation will meet with the Ministry of Finance and Planning team today.
Last week, the federation gave the Government a seven-day ultimatum to respond to its 24-point claim. The police, who have been negotiating since last year May, are asking for a 47 per cent salary increase and improved fringe benefits.
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