Dental Assistants Protest Wage Agreement

Dental Assistants staged a protest this morning at the Ministry of Finance at Heroes Circle in Kingston. Their actions came a day after the conclusion of the National Budget Debate 2023/2024. 

They say their recent salary does not reflect what they signed on to.  Just a day after Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke closed the Budget Debate, thanking several public servants for agreeing and signing to the compensation package, dental assistants staged a protest outside the Finance Ministry at Heroe’s Circle, claiming their pay didn’t reflect their wage agreement. Smith Parchment says since the protest on Wednesday, they heard they will be paid on March 29. General secretary of the Union Of Technical, Administrative, and Supervisory Personnel ( UTASP), St Patrice Ennis says when the agreement was signed, they were promised their increase within the normal pay cycle, but no explanation was given for the oversight of dental assistants

St Patrice Ennis, General Secretary UTASP says he has received calls from the minister of health and wellness and discussions will be had to iron out the issues. Teachers, junior nurses, doctors, and the police federation, are some of the government workers who have signed. The police officer’s association is yet to sign. Dr. Clarke in his presentation on Tuesday implored outstanding bodies to make their decision before the March 31 deadline.

Reporter: Kimberly Henry

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