PSU expresses concern over Prime Minister’s remarks

The Public Service Union has expressed concern relating to threats made by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves with regards to alleged sabotage of government’s operations by public servants.{{more}}

According to a Press Release dated September 6, 2010: “The Union regards the remarks made by the Hon. Prime Minister as inflammatory, inappropriate, and unwarranted and not keeping with the norms of good governance.”

The press release relates to the comments made by Gonsalves at Park Hill, which were published in the Searchlight on August 31, 2010.

The release further stated that the PM does not have any general oversight, and that he has no part of any disciplinary process “except to bring such cases to the attention of the appropriate authority prescribed by the constitution.”

The procedures for disciplinary action, the press release outlined, are set out in the Public Service Regulations. These, they said, should be observed by the Prime Minister.

The PSU urges public servants to carry out their duties in a professional manner without fear or favour and not to be intimidated by the pronouncements of the Prime Minister. The release further assured public servants that all their constitutional rights and privileges are intact even if they are employed in the public service.

The Union also stated that they are ready to represent and defend all of its members where such threats are carried out against public servants without due process.

The Union is also calling on the Prime Minister to pay the outstanding 2 per cent due to public servants since January 2010, as well as settle other matters related to the completion of the reclassification exercise.

“The union will not be side tracked by the meanderings of the government with regard to meeting its obligations to public servants,” the release, signed by President Cools Vanloo and Public Relations Officer Valcia Thomas, stated.