Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke. Photo: Jamaica Gleaner

Among the key points in the agreement are:

* Increases in salary and salary-related allowances of 5% in year 1; 2% in year 2; 4% in year 3; and 5% in year 4;

* An increase in the amount for the provision of scholarships at the Masters level from $1 million to $1.5 million per scholarship

* An increase in the amount available for tertiary grants to nurses from $5 million to $8 million per annum; and

* The provision of four 30 seater buses to the Ministry of Health to assist with the transportation of nurses who work on late shifts.

* The provision of a 15 seater bus for the NAJ office to assist generally.

Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke, in a statement this afternoon, stated that the negotiations with the nurses “were conducted in an atmosphere of transparency and mutual respect.”

“As a Government, we understand the concerns which include the need for additional staffing, improvements in the working conditions and the provision of adequate equipment for all health facilities. It is our commitment that over time we will address these concerns to ensure the delivery of optimal health care for our citizens,” Clarke further said.

Meanwhile, the finance minister noted that 80% of public sector workers have now signed the government's wage deal.