The final settlement proposal offer of five per cent for 2008 to 2010, a shift from the original one per cent, has been made taking into consideration current economic realities which face Trinidad and Tobago and the need to stabilise the economy and encourage growth. This was stated in a media release from the Ministry of Labour about the wage increase proposal made this week to public sector workers represented by the Public Services Association (PSA).
The release said: "Over this time, the CPO has faithfully upheld the collective bargaining process in an effort to settle the matter of revised salaries and COLA for approximately 33,000 officers of the Civil Service and Statutory Authorities. "An officer in the position of Clerk 1 (Range 14) working for a minimum salary of $3,768 per month currently will receive a salary of $4,091 and a minimum backpay of $11,348," it stated.
The Chief Personnel Officer and the PSA began meeting from last October 13 to negotiate revised terms and conditions of employment for officers of the Public Service and Statutory Authorities under the Statutory Act, Chap. 24:01 for the period January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2010. The ministry stated: "These negotiations have been ongoing against a background of the economic realities facing Trinidad and Tobago today. "It is in this regard, that this final offer is being made to the PSA in an effort to settle payment of outstanding wages to public officers," it said.
Details of the final offer is as follows:
• Consolidation of existing COLA of $125 per month with salary as at December 31, 2007.
• Salary Increase: 2008-two per cent; 2009-one per cent; 2010-two per cent.
• New monthly Cost of Living Allowance: 2008-$125; 2009-$125; 2010-$135.
Apart from the settlement offer, consideration is being given to introduction of family coverage under the existing group health plan. In addition, there is a commitment to undertake a job evaluation exercise in the Civil Service and relevant Statutory Authorities over the period 2011 to 2013, with all attendant costs. Once the past period 2008 to 2010 is completed, the CPO will be ready to begin negotiations for the 2011 to 2013 period.