At least one member of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) has broken ranks with the group in the wake of it signing a new four year wage deal with the Government.
The Union of Schools, Agricultural and Allied Workers (USAAW) says it will not sign a wage agreement with the Finance Ministry because it is still not pleased with the current offer.
The JCTU signed the wage and fringe benefits agreement on Tuesday.
But Keith Comrie, General Secretary of USAAW, told RJR News that his members will not benefit from the government's offer.
"People who (are) receiving $6,000 per week cannot be given five per cent increase because that would still keep the workers below the poverty line; and therefore, in light of that, I refuse (to) have my organisation signitory to it," he contended.
The Confederation said six unions signed the deal because their members wanted retroactive payments in March.
They include JALGO, the BITU, NWU, and the Jamaica Civil Service Association (JCSA).
Under the agreement, public sector workers will receive a five per cent increase in the first year, two per cent in year two, four per cent in year three, and a five per cent increase in the fourth year of the contract.
But USAAW has said the government's wage offer is not adequate to cushion against inflation, arguing that with present conditions, it is guaranteed that prices for services will increase.
"If the government want four year (sic), we ask for 20 per cent - five per cent per year," Mr. Comrie purported. Without this agreement, he said the union would not sign onto the government's offer.
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