Certain classes of public servants may be getting an increase in salary.
This from PSA President Watson Duke during a Labour Day rally held at the Scarborough Esplanade on Wednesday.
In spite of heavy rains, Duke led a large group of workers representing different factions of the country’s labour movement through the streets of Scarborough for the annual Labour Day march.
He said negotiations with the Chief Personnel Officer for better terms and conditions for public servants at the lowest range was yielding success.
“On June 25th the CPO is going to give to us a figure that is going to take the lowest paid worker in the Public Service. Every wardsmaid, every cleaner, every messenger, every attendant, to double digits.”
According to Duke his organisation has “argued for it, she has accepted it.”
However, he is awaiting the response of the Minister of Finance Colm Imbert on the issue.
He said the increase was justified, as the monthly-paid workers under the banner of the PSA have not gotten an increase in salary for the last five years.
The trade unionist criticised the Government for its proposed pension amendment to increase pension benefits for the Prime Minister, President, judges and legislators.
Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly Kelvin Charles was not spared as well.
Duke said the Chief Secretary “sat quietly” while the government increased their pension yet there was no increase for the members of the Tobago House of Assembly.
He also accused the government of seeking to pass the legislation, which will see Venezuelans replace local employees.
He called on the trade union movement to remain steadfast in their pursuit of workers’ rights in this county. He warned that within the coming weeks, there will be a nationwide shutdown.