There is no decision yet on what measures will be implemented by the Government to reduce its ballooning wage bill.

After a more than an hour-long meeting yesterday, officials of the finance ministry and the trade unions emerged without an agreement on the measures.

"The usual suggestions were put on the table but no decisions were made as the ministry is to provide the unions with data to be considered," James Francis, president of the United Union of Jamaica, told The Gleaner.

"The unions are going to look at the figures and we return to the finance ministry next Wednesday for more discussions," Francis said.

At least three other union leaders who participated in the yesterday's meeting gave a similar account or refused to comment when contacted by The Gleaner.

Key financial data

Courtney Williams, acting deputy financial secretary, Economic Management Division in the ministry, and Drs Wesley Hughes and Christine Clarke, who focused on key financial data and other relevant fiscal information, made presentations.

The Government is trying to keep the lid on the public-sector wage bill which is projected to approach $140 billion in the 2009-10 fiscal year.

Among the measures being considered are a freeze on salary increases already approved, salary cuts and staff cuts.

The public-sector wage bill was $111 billion for the fiscal year which ends on March 31.