After labelling the $15 million allocation to the labour movement as a surprise, the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) yesterday denied it was a pay-off for JTUM's support of the PNM.
After 20 JTUM members met for close to six hours, the group took a decision which they will convey to Finance Minister Colm Imbert today.
A source close to the group said it was likely that JTUM would decline the $15 million allocation.
Previous government administrations have given allocations to the labour movement in the past.
The National Trade Union Centre (NTUC) had previously received allocations of $250,000.
The emergency meeting of JTUM members took place at the Banking Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU) office, Barataria, where members discussed whether they would accept the money announced on Monday by Imbert.
The allocation has raised some concern from the public as well as the Opposition.
Opposition MP Suruj Rambachan asked, through a Facebook post, whether the allocation was a payback.
JTUM leader Ancel Roget told the media yesterday JTUM viewed the allocation as a recognition by the People's National Movement (PNM) administration of the significant role the labour movement played in the T&T's economy.
"We have taken a firm decision but out of respect we will send our decision to the minister before informing the public," Roget said.
The letter is expected to be sent to Imbert this morning.
Roget, as well as several other JTUM members, met with both Labour Minister Jennifer Baptiste-Primus and Imbert last week.
He said at no time in discussions prior to the election or at meetings with the Minister of Labour or the Minister of Finance did JTUM raise such an issue.
"We discussed national issues, bringing back state enterprises and issues regarding the economy, as well as a balance to negotiations settled and negotiations unsettled even in dire economic times."
However, Roget admitted discussion of an allocation was raised at the meeting.
He added: "The ministers did talk about an allocation to JTUM but nowhere in our wildest dreams did we think of this quantum.
"We will like to believe that it is in recognition of the role of labour. We are responsible for productivity levels in this country.
"The country is in dire need of being put back on the right track and this can only be done through the efforts of all workers. We did not make such a request."
Asked about concerns that the allocation was a pay-off, Roget said that was not true.
He added: "It certainly cannot, is not and will not be a buyout of the trade union movement and its leadership. We could make the argument that would not be enough.
"It is for that we express our appreciation. However, the situation needs to be discussed thoroughly as it is taxpayers money that will be allocated in such a quantum for the first time to the labour movement.
"We should have proper and thorough discussions as to its acceptance and its use if accepted.
"Because we are dealing with taxpayers money, the highest levels of transparency and accountability must be brought to bear on the allocation and in fact any allocation of the Budget.
"So, by example we want to ensure that any allocation given to us is used not just for our members but so the country can get some benefit out of that."
NATUC leader Watson Duke said he was on vacation and would not comment on any issues.