‘Lacking’

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations (CTUSAB) is not convinced that the government’s budgetary proposals will deliver solid benefits for labour, although it endorsed several measures while offering possible alternatives.  

In its assessment of the financial measures presented by Prime Minister Mia Mottley last Monday, CTUSAB suggested in a statement issued Tuesday, that while some proposals provided “psychological comfort” to the public and the workforce, it fell short of tackling serious issues.

“The absence of measures to address the rising cost of living and inflationary trends is particularly concerning, as these factors undermine the modest wage increases recently granted to public sector employees,” the umbrella organisation for local trade unions said.

CTUSAB was also wary about Prime Minister Mottley’s announcement of no new taxes, pointing out that while many may have breathed a sigh of relief, they must brace for upcoming adjustments to the rates of some services.

The congress said it was also troubling that the ease given by the government to consumers in the reduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT) payable on electricity bills is scheduled to end on September 30 while natural gas rates are to be increased later in the year.

Turning its attention to public workers, CTUSAB questioned the granting of five annual lieu days. Mottley had announced that from June 1, public servants would be allowed five paid personal lieu days “to deal with emergent personal and family matters” which would be given back in half-day or whole-day slots.

CTUSAB suggested that it would be better for authorities to consider “an alternate concept of providing limited time off from work for specific reasons, and without the need for repayment in time for such occurrences”.

Zeroing on incentives for frontline workers, including police, teachers and nurses, the trade union body gave the government its stamp of approval for its announced incentives for police officers but suggested it should have gone further to address other pressing concerns.

It said: “The recognition of the needs of The Barbados Police Service and the provision of allowances for the Criminal Investigation Department officers are both commendable. Nonetheless, the congress contends that the stress and burnout suffered by members of The Barbados Police Service, due to the shortfall in the full complement of officers, needs to be urgently addressed.”

CTUSAB went on to praise the planned establishment of the Teaching Services Commission, but cautioned that the inclusion of “licensing” within the profession may prove to be “a contentious issue”.

Similarly, it gave broad support for the introduction of Master Teachers in the education sector saying “it could attract and retain qualified educators”, but advised that any such undertaking without addressing issues such as inadequate infrastructure and administrative inefficiencies may limit the overall impact on anticipated outcomes.”

Government’s incentives for nurses, however, failed to impress CTUSAB which knocked the Mottley administration for failing to provide incentives to train more nurses and reduce the exodus of those healthcare workers headed abroad.

CTUSAB said the government should have included in its budgetary proposals, its intention to address the congress’ proposal submitted in the Public Sector Wages and Salaries Negotiation 2022-2025, for a contribution to insurance premiums as part of a group coverage plan “for this special group of frontline public officers”.

“The proposals which have subsequently been revised, call for a Personal Accident Insurance Plan for members of the protective services (police, prison and fire officers), nurses and members of the public healthcare service, and a Home and Motor Insurance Plan for public officers who fall within the Z Scale, in the first instance.

With respect to the expected increase in the minimum wage, the trade union body said “the government is to be commended on its foresight to index the minimum wage consistent with inflation, and to a full review every five years”. 

“In the interest of ensuring that equity applies on a national scale, this approach should also be applied to the Public Sector Wages and Salaries Negotiations exercise,” the trade union added.

On the subject of the 24/7 workday, CTUSAB said it is committed to the recommencement of the discussions on the matter which commenced since the 1990s at the level of the Social Partnership. 

(SD)