The Minister of National Security is calling on members of the Police Federation to discontinue the apparent protest action that commenced last night.

Minister Bunting stated “This behavior is not appropriate for an essential service; it exposes the public to unnecessary risk; and may damage the professional image of the JCF that has seen significant improvements in recent years.”

The Ministry of Finance and Planning has put on the table an effective offer of 6.5% in year 1 and 5.5% in year 2. This is comprised of the 3.5% per annum increment which every JCF member receives plus the additional 3% offer in year 1 and 2% offer in year 2. Several other items of claim have already been agreed.

During the period of wage restraint, a typical member of the Federation would have seen salary improve by over 20% when the compounded effect of the annual 3.5% increment is taken into consideration as well as the payments for certain public holidays which was introduced during the last contract period, and the lump sum payment of $25,000 in August each year.

Certain contingency measures have been put in place overnight, including the increased use of JDF personnel in support of the Police, in order to mitigate the impact of this action. The Ministry of National Security stands ready to assist the negotiations between the Police Federation and the Ministry of Finance and Planning once this action is discontinued and the parties return to the bargaining table.

The Minister is calling on the Executive of the Police Federation to demonstrate leadership in this situation, and is appealing to the membership to restore normalcy, and return to the bargaining table.