Although the Public Services Association (PSA) has not rejected the 13 per cent offer from the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Stephanie Lewis, the association’s president Watson Duke says it is not enough for the 33,000 public servants that continue to operate on a 2010 salary.
Revealing that they were “thankful” for the current offer in the ongoing salary negotiations, Duke hoped that despite falling oil prices, an agreement could be reached which would maintain and even increase the purchasing power enjoyed by public servants.
Addressing reporters during yesterday’s news conference Duke said he was confident that ongoing discussions with the CPO could yield a positive outcome.
The PSA received the 13 per cent offer on December 10, which outlined revised terms of employment and conditions of service for public servants and those employed at various statutory authorities. The breakdown of two, four and seven per cent along with a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) of $160, $175 and $225 for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 respectively, was extended as the latest offer.
Duke said in addition to the 13 per cent, the PSA was also seeking to continue negotiations with the CPO “and in doing that, we will find ways to compensate for the seven per cent.” Referring to the latest offer, Duke said: “While we were thankful, we are still hopeful that the economy and the employer would recognise that the 33,000 public officers that would have laboured over the last four years would have done so with great expectancy to maintain their purchasing power.
“In an attempt to make up the difference for what inflation would have taken out of their salary, which is a difference of seven per cent over the last three years,” Duke continued:
“We cannot have public officers doing yeoman service, paying 14 and 20 bills and making sacrifices for this country and living on 2010 salaries.”
Aware that the global economic outlook could affect the local landscape, Duke admitted:
“We are mindful of the falling oil prices and the future seems to be unknown, based on a global perspective. However, we are confident that if we are to meet with the CPO in good faith, that something could come out of this.”
Feedback meeting
The PSA executive is scheduled to meet with over 100 section leaders at its head office on Friday followed by a general membership meeting on January 4 next year at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya. Duke said the meetings were intended to acquire feedback from members, as well as enlighten them about the union's position.
Regarding the last agreement in 2010 which was affected by the global financial crisis, Duke said sacrifices were made and although they were promised that the job evaluation exercise would have been completed in two years, it has now been four years and a new completion date of February 2015 has been set.
“Public officers are living in expectancy that every year will bring them a new lease in life, but they have been slapped in the face over and over again, and a burden has now been placed upon us to use creative means, non conventional means to settle this dispute as amicably as possible,” Duke said.
Supported by the PSA executive team, Duke said negotiations were also intended to address various issues including salaries, contract employment, the new standards being set for workers, health and pension plans for retirees, job security, existing vacancies and the continued transformation of the public service.
Stressing the importance of public servants, Duke said, “We do not want to engage in any form of behaviour that would reflect the way we feel, because if we were to do so now it will not reflect very nicely. Public officers are under tremendous pressure, bearing financials burdens of this country since the 1980's.”
“However, it is time for public officers to receive a better day, and we are willing to talk about that and we are willing to engage the employer in coming up with creative ways, whether costs or non-costs, but public officers must be able to enjoy a better day in spite of the falling oil prices,” he said.
Asked if he was concerned that the matter could be referred to the Industrial Court if an amicable solution could not be found and which could possibly result in public servants receiving a lower offer, Duke replied, “I am quite clear that this matter will not be sent to the Industrial Court. To do that is to thrust the fist of the State in the face of public officers. We do not want that and it will not be in the nation's interest to attempt to penalize public officers for wanting more, in a time when they have been bearing the financial burdens of this nation for so long. No wise employer would do that.”
Pressed to say how they intended to move forward, Duke said the PSA was ready to meet with the CPO anytime. “If while we are having discussions, if the offer has not improved, then we will have to consider the options and consider our options,” Duke said. He added, “We are not calling a fight or drawing lines in the sand, we know the cost of that to our nation. We want to be responsible adults and we are expecting the State and employer treat with us responsibly.”
Admitting there have been “mixed reviews” from their 20,000 members regarding the 13 per cent offer, Duke said, “Some folks are happy as they consider it better than the nine per cent and the 12 per cent. Some folks who have worked out the maths consider it not to be worthy in so far as purchasing power is concerned. We want to ensure that employees receive a salary that does not rob them of their disposable income and purchasing power, and something that does not place them in a less favorable position than they were in 2010.”
Minister mum
Contacted yesterday, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Rudy Indarsingh, refused to comment on how much the Government would have to fork out to pay salaries at the proposed rate. “Mr Duke doesnt negotiate with members of government, he negotiates with the CPO. We will leave that for the bargaining table.” Finance Minister Larry Howai is currently out of the country.