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HOME	FEBRUARY 5th, 2005

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The three public sector unions in Grenada have denied claims by Finance Minister Anthony Boatswain about them being informed of government's plans to freeze salaries of workers for the next two years.

Boatswain appeared on the Beyond the Headlines programme at the Grenada Broadcasting Network (GBN) Monday evening in which he alleged that the Public Workers Union (PWU), the Grenada Union of Teachers (GUT) and the Technical and Allied Workers Union (TAWU) were told of government's decision at a meeting on December 21st last year.

Presidents of the GUT Marvin Andall and PWU Madonna Harford respectively along with Vice President of TAWU Bert Patterson denied that their meeting with government officials last year dealt with salaries for workers.

They claimed that discussions focused on the state of the economy, the recovery efforts in the aftermath of hurricane Ivan as well as assistance being provided to the country by international donors. The unions had negotiated salary increases for their workers for the periods 2003-2005 with a 4.5% increase to be paid at the ending of January this year.

Government has announced its inability to pay due to the economic situation facing the country following the passage of the hurricane in September last year. The public sector unions gave details about a letter received on January 12 and dated one day before from the Government Negotiating Team headed by Mrs. Beryl Isaac.

It was to invite them to another meeting in the Ministry of Finance to discuss ways and means where by the unions can assist the country obtain sustainable development. President of the PWU Madonna Harford told reporters at a news conference Tuesday that they were shocked when they were told by government officials at that meeting about not being able to pay the 4.5% increases due to the economic situation in the country.

She spoke about a proposal coming to the table from government asking the unions to accept a freeze in wages for 2005 and 2006 with a promise from government to continue meeting with them from time to time to discuss the situation.

"As unions we felt we could not have accepted a freeze for our workers at this pointing time, as you would know workers have been experiencing the same problems like other workers in the country and as citizens in the country" the PWU President noted.

Harford pointed out that workers have been badly affected after hurricane Ivan with some still in the process of rebuilding their homes while others are presently residing under tarpaulins. She noted that some of their members are continuing to sleep in their vehicles or put sheets of galvanize over their garages in order to get a night rest.

The PWU President stated that based on the conditions their members are presently faced with they found it difficult to accept a wage freeze for the next two years when other arrangements could have been put forward by the Negotiating Team.

President General of the GUT Marvin Andall stated that in consultation with their membership they were advised against accepting a freeze this year. He noted that the unions, in a democratic institution have to abide by the wishes of the majority of their members and to act accordingly.

Andall pointed out that the GUT is finding it difficult to accept a wage freeze at this time since the increase was already negotiated and agreed upon. The GUT President General believes the money can be paid if stricter control of government's spending is implemented so as to avoid wastage of State resources.

TAWU Vice President Bert Patterson who also addressed the news conference is of the view that government should lead by example and accept a wage freeze as well. He pointed out that none of the ministers had given up on their special allowances and incentives afforded them saying that they are continuing to travel overseas on what he referred to as joy rides.

He accused the ruling New National Party (NNP) administration of a breach of their contractual agreement with the unions by imposing a freeze on workers wages without first meeting with their representatives.

The unions have given government up to the ending of February to pay the increases failing which they will report back to their membership who will then instruct them as to what actions if necessary will be taken.