The Public Services Association (PSA) said the offer of nine per cent to Petrotrin workers is an indication that the economy has improved and the union wants to move quickly to get double digit wage increases for public servants before year's end. "The nine per cent serves as a beacon of hope for thousands of public servants.
"It is an indication that the once fragile economy has improved to the point where more than five per cent can be offered." Noting that the offer signals a great and better day for all public servants, he added, "The winds of change must be timed and maximised. "The PSA is seeking to capitalise on the financial windfall and we are committed to pursuing with rigor and haste 2013 negotiations."
Duke made the announcement at a news conference at the PSA's office on Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain yesterday afternoon. His announcement came shortly after news broke that the Oilfield Workers Trade Union (OWTU) called off its promised strike and settled with the Government for a nine per cent wage increase for Petrotrin workers. The OWTU had rejected the Government's earlier offer of five per cent and promised 90 days of war starting today if their demands for better wages were not met.
Duke said, "The PSA congratulates Roget for his exceptional work in achieving nine per cent for five bargaining units. "It is a proud moment for all trade union leaders. It is a win for the OWTU, the PSA and the labour movement.
"When negotiations started in 2010, they offered one per cent and then moved to five per cent.
"Today is a red letter day. The offer has moved from five per cent to nine per cent." Duke said 2012 negotiations would include settling the job evaluation issue of public servants and the filling of thousands of vacancies in the public sector. He said there were 5,000 vacancies in the regional health authorities and 11,000 in the civil service.
Duke said the PSA is encouraged by the resolve taken by Petrotrin employees. "The PSA and its members are informed by their actions," he noted.
