T&T public servants to get TT$600M payout

TIMES INT'L

The decision of the Public Services Association of Trinidad and Tobago to accept a five per cent wage settlement with government, estimated to cost TT$600 million, is now being termed a “sell-out.”

The accusation was levelled against PSA President Watson Duke by angry public servants and union leaders on April 09th. They are calling for Duke, whom they say acted in a “high-handed manner,” to tender his resignation immediately.

Meanwhile, union leaders, political analysts and economists, who have estimated the proposal to cost in excess of TT$600 million, have all expressed shock by the overnight turn of events.

And while Duke has justified his decision to accept the proposal, which is cushioned with housing and insurance benefits, Sunday Guardian learnt that the shocking development has caused emotions to run high among several members of the general council, leading to a face-off between PSA Assistant Secretary Joanne Capirette and Duke. Not mixing words, former PSA staff representative Merlin Barrow blasted Duke, saying: “That is a sell-out! Duke has to go! He had people in a charade up and down the country. It is a sell-out! We hope public servants wake up now.”

Former PSA head, Jennifer Baptiste-Primus, also accused Duke of betraying public servants. “It is a complete sell-out! … It is incredible. He is misleading members with regard to this million-dollar medical coverage. Since 2009, the monthly premium was increased. Duke is misleading public servants.” Attempting to make sense of the hastily-made decision, economist Dr Dhanayshar Mahabir said the gloomy state of the economy may have been a factor in arriving at that decision. (Trinidad and Tobago Guardian)

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