Senior Reporter
sascha.wilson@guardian.co.tt
Despite demands for the Government to honour its promise to pay public servants their outstanding wage settlements, University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) chairman Dr Selwyn Cudjoe says the money is simply not there.
Speaking on the issue in San Fernando yesterday, Cudjoe said the Government may have to consider a combination of cash and bonds.
“The country has no money,” Cudjoe said, adding: “You could make a million demands, but unless the Government has the money, you have to wait and see how best they can distribute what they have for you. The money is not lying in a bucket.”
He said the Government came into office with a significant deficit.
“I am the head at UTT. We came in with a $24 million deficit. And CAL, it’s the same thing. So, it cannot create money. In the United States, yes, the central bank can create money. We cannot create money. The Government is trying to do its best with what it has.”
Cudjoe said he was confident an amicable agreement would be reached.
“Maybe some in terms of cash, some in terms of bonds or whatever. But I think that the Government is acting in its best faith, but the money is not there,” he said.
Cudjoe’s comments come as public-sector unions await implementation of a 10 per cent wage increase agreed with the Chief Personnel Officer for the 2014–2016 and 2017–2019 negotiating periods.
Several unions continue to press the Government to settle outstanding wage negotiations.
Earlier this week, Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath intervened in a dispute between the Public Services Association and the Water and Sewerage Authority over stalled negotiations.
The Communication Workers’ Union has also been pressing for a 10 per cent wage increase for TSTT workers, with the union warning of industrial action if the matter is not resolved.
