NUPW urges government to start salary negotiations

The National Union of Public Workers’ (NUPW) says its patience must not be mistaken for passivity, as it presses the government to begin what it describes as long-overdue salary negotiations amid mounting frustrations among public officers.

Speaking on the sidelines of Wednesday’s by-election in St James North, union president Kimberly Agard revealed that while the NUPW acknowledges the government’s ongoing job evaluation exercise and Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s recent statements on public sector pay, workers are still waiting and growing increasingly anxious.

“The NUPW obviously would want any government to be a government that is responsible and caring towards the needs of the workers. That is the main concern of NUPW… proper terms and conditions, reasonable pay, and so forth,” Agard told Barbados TODAY.

“We are about to enter into negotiations. We understand the position that was taken from the prime minister regarding the funds that were shared. However, that does not negate the fact that we are soon to enter into negotiations.”

The union said it accepts that the job evaluation process is an important step that will shape future salary structures but stressed that this must not be used as an excuse to stall talks indefinitely.

“We understand the process that is in the service now. Looking at the job evaluation, we understand that it is a process that will impact the salary negotiations,” Agard said. “We are being a bit patient because we are trusting the process. However, we know that we are eager to get around the table to discuss the salary negotiations.”

The job evaluation exercise forms part of a 2023 agreement that included a six per cent salary increase over two years, a one-off $1 500 tax-free payment, and a comprehensive regrading of posts across the public service.

The NUPW also recently voiced concerns about delays and transparency in the rollout of that evaluation process, noting that it could become a source of unrest if not handled in good faith. (SM)