A major showdown is now looming between the government and the Police Federation which represents rank-and-file members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

The Federation issued an ultimatum on the Finance Ministry last week after wage talks collapsed.

The Central Executive has made it clear to the Ministry that it cannot accept the offer currently on the table under the Compensation Review programme.

During a sometimes raucus mass meeting of its membership on Friday, Chairman of the Federation Corporal Rohan James told the members that he cannot accept the offer of 20 percent spread over three years.

He read an internal email obtained by the Central Executive in which the Finance Ministry expressed concern that if it accepts the offer submitted by the Federation, including increased benefits, it could cause an explosion of the country's wage bill.

According to Corporal James, the document recommends that the salaries of rank and file police personnel be placed in a separate salary structure from other public bodies.

Corporal James blasted the Finance Ministry, accusing the Finance Minister of showing disrespect to the police.

He said he would rather step down as Chairman than sign the government's offer.