A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) yesterday condemned the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration’s arbitrary imposition of what it described as “another paltry ‘freck’” on public servants’ salaries.
The government on Saturday announced wage increases of between 5% and 8% for public servants. The announcement followed the pattern in recent years where there was no discussion with the public service unions.
In a statement, APNU called on the PPPC to “enter into sincere and serious negotiations aimed at paying reasonable and meaningful increases, wages and salaries to Public Service employees.”
It further insisted that the government “respect the collective bargaining agreement and the rights of public servants and their Union. The ‘annual’ arbitrary imposition of a small increase in wages and salaries for public employees is a clear example of the PPP/C administration’s arrogance and its abandonment of any pretense at collective bargaining.”
APNU also called for an immediate review of the conditions under which public servants work and the payment of “a living wage” to public servants. It argued that workers at the lowest levels – who comprise over 75 per cent of the Public Service – will see their salaries rise by less than $2,500 per month with the proposed 5 per cent increase.
“Public servants are frequently unable to afford to meet some basic household expenses, utilities and transportation and often are forced to borrow money for emergencies and to settle day-to-day expenses. They are convinced that they deserve a higher increase, particularly in light of the high cost of living”, APNU said.
The main opposition coalition argued that the government must adhere to the International Labour Organization’s Conventions ratified by the National Assembly that deal with the Protection of the Rights to Organize and Collective Bargaining.
