PM Tells Public Service Unions To Speed Up Pay Increase Proposals

Prime Minister Gaston Browne is calling on pubic service unions who have not submitted salary increase proposals for staff to do so.

Browne said he hoped that negotiations would have been completed by now after they began in 2018.

In giving an update on the negotiations, Browne said Government’s Negotiating Team has been talking with the bargaining agents representing the interest of public sector workers.

“While those talks progressed, our Government paid 5% wage increases in 2018, without prejudice to the outcome. Also, backpay owed to public servants and payment for outstanding non-negotiated contract periods from 2003 to 2017, have been paid by our government. These two actions were executed at a cost of over $70 million.

Talks have progressed to the stage where the Government’s Negotiating Team has received proposals from almost all the bargaining agents and has submitted counter proposals to half of them. As can be expected, there are differing views on the quantum and the mechanics of the increase. But, the purpose of negotiations is to narrow differences and to find practical common ground.”

The prime minister also announced three measures in the budget to assist public servants to build their own home.

He said those seeking to build their first home will be eligible for concessions provided under the ABIA Construct Antigua Barbuda Initiative (CABI) for a dwelling home valued up to $400,000.00.  The general CABI threshold is $350,000.

Public servants will also be able to benefit from a special window at the Caribbean Union Bank for repairing and refurbishing their homes.  An approved public servant can get up to $50,000 for home repairs, at an attractive interest rate. The Government will provide a guarantee of $5 million, to CUB to facilitate this special arrangement.

In addition, public servants building their first house or repairing their home, will be able to get concessions on import duty normally applied to building supplies and home furnishings.

The prime minister said the Government machinery could never function without the efforts of committed, diligent and professional public servants.

He said the Government will do all in its power, to ensure public sector employees receive their fair share of the increased economic pie.

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