Public service workers should not expect big salary increases, according to Finance Minister Winston Jordan and the main public sector union yesterday expressed concern that his remarks may prejudice negotiations on wage increases and said it was inappropriate.
“This is not telling tales out of school but I told the unions when I met them during the budget consultations, we have to be careful when it comes to wages and expectations of wages because our economy is now coming out of the throes of a slowdown,” Jordan told a press conference on Wednesday.
Critics have said that the government’s decision last year to award Cabinet ministers a 50% pay hike would likely trigger demands from other sectors for similar increases. The 50% pay hike came in for searing criticism for months.
While public servants will receive an increase in salaries before the country’s next budget is presented,