Public sector teachers across Jamaica went on a strike

Peaceful Assembly

There has been significant activity in Jamaica’s civic space since the beginning of 2023.

In March alone, there were protests from three different sectors. For instance, public sector teachers across Jamaica went on a strike to protest the government’s new wage offer. The Minister of Education—Fayval Williams—called the protest unlawful because the Union did not formally notify the Minister. The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) initially rejected the compensation package by a special vote but eventually signed a new compensation agreement despite the JTA President’s disagreement.

In a separate incident, Jamaican immigration officers engaged in a two-day strike due to a breakdown in negotiation over their compensation packages. Dozens of immigration officers from the country’s two major airports went on a strike until negotiations resumed.

In addition, firefighter Leo Bennett climbed the Half Way Tree Transport Centre and remained there for over five hours in protest at the poor working conditions of his fellow firefighters. Bennett’s protest attracted a large crowd as well as many via social media.