MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

                      JTA INVESTIGATING SCHOOL CLOSURES, MERGERS AND CONSOLIDATION

DATE: September 23, 2026

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) wishes to advise its members that it is actively addressing concerns arising from the closure, merger and consolidation of schools across the education system.

The Association is particularly concerned that these changes are being implemented without consultation with the Union, despite the direct implications for the employment, professional status and conditions of service of our members. The JTA has already publicly raised this concern and called for the Association, as the representative body of teachers, to be included in the process. 

Information reaching the Association indicates that some affected members are experiencing significant changes to their employment circumstances and professional status as a consequence of these arrangements. The JTA views any action that may adversely affect the employment rights, tenure, status, remuneration or conditions of service of its members as requiring urgent attention. Said actions could be interpreted as Union busting.

The Association has written to the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information seeking information and clarification regarding the schools affected, the arrangements being implemented and the implications for members. This action is consistent with the JTA's established mandate to safeguard the interests of its membership and to make representations to the appropriate authorities on matters of common interest to members.

Members are therefore urged to act immediately. Any JTA member who:

• is employed at a school that has been closed, merged or consolidated;
• has been advised that his or her school is being considered for closure, merger or consolidation;
• has been transferred, redeployed or otherwise affected as a consequence of such action;
• has received a Form 503 or other documentation affecting his or her appointment or employment status;
• has experienced or been advised of a change in post, rank, tenure, remuneration or conditions of service; or
• is uncertain about his or her employment status because of a proposed or implemented school closure, merger or consolidation,

should contact the Jamaica Teachers’ Association immediately and provide all relevant information and documentation.

Members are also encouraged to seek guidance from the Association before signing or accepting any document that may alter their employment status or conditions of service.

The JTA will continue to engage the Ministry and take the necessary steps to protect the employment rights and legitimate interests of affected members. The Association's constitutional objects specifically include safeguarding members' interests and representing them before the appropriate authorities.

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association remains committed to ensuring that no member is left to navigate these changes without representation and support.

For further information please 

Contact:

Leaon Nash 

Administrative Officer

Communication & Public Relations

Tel:876-874-8162

Email: [email protected]