TRADE UNIONS representing public sector workers, disgruntled over the delay in the implementation of new wage rates, have agreed to extend their deadline for payment to February 8.
The extension was primarily based on an assurance from the Ministry of Education that the rates would be implemented for fortnightly paid workers on February 8 and monthly paid workers on February 25.
The Ministry of Education was one of four ministries which has had problems implementing the new rates this month, as was agreed by the ten unions involved and Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Michael Peart, last December
The parties met at the Ministry of Labour last week and agreed to have the increases implemented by yesterday, January 31. The Ministries of Health and National Security have implemented the new rates. The Ministry of Education wrote the unions on Tuesday, expressing regret that it would be unable to meet the deadline and suggesting an extension to February eight. The unions have agreed.
Spokesman for the unions, Keith Comrie, says that they are hoping that about seven Parish Councils, which fall under the Ministry of Local Government, will also be able to implement the new rates by then.
Highlight of the agreement is a new basic weekly rate of $3,500 for the daily paid workers. The unit comprises government workers including junior clerks, postmen and ancillary workers at schools, hospitals and statutory bodies.
The agreement also involves improvements in a number of allowances, including laundry, uniforms and supper, as well as shift premiums and funeral grants.
