The public sector unions still want a workgroup to discuss payment of the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for civil servants and teachers (see related story). That can’t be good news for Finance Minister Richard Gibson, who has been trying to keep the budget balanced despite an apparent slowdown of the local economy.
Perhaps that’s why Prime Minister William Marlin didn’t reply to the letter asking for such yet, although
Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (WICLU) President Claire Elshot has indications steps are actually being taken to form the committee in question. Mind you, the supposedly-outstanding COLA regards 2013, 2014 and 2015, so to say the unions and their members have been patient would be an understatement at this point.
On the other hand, it’s no secret either that Government’s financial situation is far from rosy. In fact, spending cuts rather than increases are currently the order of the day.
Then again, allowing the issue to remain unresolved is in itself hardly the best policy. This leaves room for continued expectations that might not be realistic in monetary terms.
Elshot is therefore right when she says they can’t keep burying their heads in the proverbial sand. Some kind of firm decision is needed, taking into account existing agreements, rules and regulations, but also the state of the national treasury.
A one-time so-called “lump-sum” retroactive COLA payment of 50 per cent was made several years ago, but the salaries were not indexed accordingly. A similar arrangement may be the answer now, because having this matter drag on much longer will do nobody any good.
