Two of the biggest trade unions in Jamaica have signed a contract with the government to freeze wages for state workers for three more years.

The Caribbean island's government reached the wage restraint deal with leaders of the Civil Service Association and the Confederation of Trade Unions on Wednesday.

Public sector employees have been working under a pay freeze for the last five years.

The police syndicate and other unions have not signed the new contract. They argue that their members have suffered enough with stagnant paychecks.

Jamaica's debt-burdened government is seeking to contain spending as a precondition for finalizing a new deal with the International Monetary Fund.

Civil Service Association leader O'Neil Grant is calling for the remaining unions to sign the deal for the good of the country.