Public Service wage talks to begin Wednesday; union eyes 40 percent hike

Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 June 2016, 17:16 by Denis Chabrol

Public sector wage and salary negotiations are set to commence for the first time in many years, with the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) aiming for a 40 percent increase.

GPSU President, Patrick Yarde, however; expressed concern that no mention was made in government’s invitation to discuss an increase in allowances that is  overdue for at least 20 years. Yarde said he has since formally sought an “immediate” explanation from Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

The talks are scheduled for Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 10 AM. Leading government’s delegation will be Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Presidency, Reginald Brotherson. This is in keeping with a 2015 general election campaign promise that there would be real collective bargaining between government and the GPSU.

The union also wants a reintroduction of the incremement system and de-bunching to cater for blurred increases outside the established salary bands.

“Tomorrow’s meeting is at the invitation of the govern  and they have indicated what they would like to discuss. We have sought clarification because we feel the discussions ought to be much wider and perhaps coming to a speedy conclusion about this important aspect of remuneration generally,” said Yarde.

The GPSU boss said he also wants government to provide details about
GYD $6 billion that have been allocated in the 2016 National Budget for other employment costs.

The GPSU reiterated its desire for a wages policy and multi-year agreement.