The Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers (JALGO) is a Public Sector union which operates in Jamaica. The Association was formed in November 1940 and represents several categories of workers in Local and Central Government, as well as Statutory Bodies and quasi-Government Agencies in Jamaica, including Firefighters, Officers and Sub-Officers, as well as civilian staff of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, employees in the Pre-supervisory and Supervisory units of the National Water Commission, workers in the Island's hospitals and Health Service, schools and Parish Councils.

The Association's Head Office is situated at 15A Old Hope Road, Kingston 5, from where the Principal Officer - General Secretary Mrs. Helene Davis-Whyte operates.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The Aims and Objectives of JALGO, as set out in its Constitution include the following:-

organize the whole of the professional, administrative, technical, clerical and other employees in all departments of the Public Service and engage in bona fide Trade Union activities on their behalf.

To do all such things as may from time to time be considered advisable to safeguard, maintain and improve the status and promote the advancement of workers in local and central government, statutory boards and quasi-government agencies.

To give support to any member or members making representations to a Parish Council or any other government department, statutory board or quasi-government agency in any matter affecting such member or members.

To obtain and maintain just and proper rates of wages, salaries, commissions, hours of work and other conditions of service and generally , to protect the interests of its members.

To strive for and endeavor to maintain the highest standards of ethical practices among its individual members and by exemplary conduct, to promote this objective.

To affiliate or merge with all such other Trade Unions, workers' groups, or associations in Jamaica or overseas as, in the opinion of the Executive Council, may appear desirable.

To further the policy of tripartism in support of the progress and development of government, employers and Trade Unions pursuing joint policies in the interest of the country as a whole.

To maintain and support a continuous programme of worker education to meet the ever changing challenges of the World Economic Order.

CRITERIA FOR MEMBERSHIP

There are three classes of members:

Members - Open to all employees in Local and Central Government, Statutory Bodies and quasi-Government Agencies, as well as employees of the Association
Honorary Members - status conferred on persons who have an interest in Local Government and persons who support the work of the Association but are not employees of the Government
Retired Members - retirees of the Public Sector who are elected by the Executive Council. Retired members maintain all the rights and privileges of a member.