PSU, SVGTU present proposal for compensation to PM Gonsalves

The Public Service Union (PSU) and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU) have put forward a proposal for compensation to public officers and teachers in the absence of salary increases for the years 2012 – 2014.{{more}}

The proposal was presented to Government on Thursday, December 11, when the executive of the PSU and other trade unions met with the Prime Minister at Cabinet Room.

The unions were invited by the Prime Minister to discuss some aspects of the budget estimate for 2015-2016, a release from the PSU said.

“Previous to this meeting the Public Service Union and the St Vincent Union of Teachers jointly wrote to the Prime Minister requesting his audience on a number of issues including salary and non-salary benefits for all categories of workers they represent. During the meeting, the Prime Minister made a presentation highlighting the following: Maintaining employment for all public officers; Awarding of scholarships, and other opportunities for young persons and some public officers; Continued public assistance to the elderly and indigent poor,” the release said.

The Public Service Union raised the issue of salary increases for 2015 and the payment of an end of year bonus.

According to the release, the Prime Minister stated that the present economic and fiscal situation does not allow for any salary increase or the payment of any end of year bonus.

The PSU and the SVGTU put forward their proposal for a one off payment to public officers and teachers in the absence of salary increases for the years 2012 – 2014.

According to the release, one of the options proposed, is the payment of one (1) month’s salary for public officers and teachers in grades K-H, and half(1/2) month’s salary to public officers and teachers in grades G – A. This proposal took into consideration the increases of cost of living over the three year period. Both unions will meet to finalise this document and have it submitted soonest

“The Public Service Union also raised the issue of Government’s failure to negotiate the collective agreement previously submitted on behalf of public servants, and was given the assurance by the Prime Minister and the Director General of Finance and Planning that this agreement, will be negotiated early in 2015.

“The Public Service Union will meet with its members to update them on these discussions held with the Prime Minister.”