Public Service Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas has announced the union’s commitment to finalizing public sector wage negotiations by Christmas, ensuring workers receive long-overdue payments. Speaking at a media conference on October 14, Thomas addressed what she termed ‘misinformation from the opposition’ regarding the recent ten per cent wage offer proposed by Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo during the October 13 budget presentation.
Thomas emphasized the PSA’s dedication to resolving the negotiations swiftly, stating, ‘We are serious about settling your negotiations. Our aim is to have your negotiation settled by Christmas so that your money will be in your pockets.’ She also criticized former Finance Ministry official Brian Manning for his public remarks, urging him to refrain from interfering in public servants’ affairs.
Thomas accused the opposition of spreading ‘lies’ and attempting to undermine the PSA’s achievements on behalf of civil servants, statutory authority workers, and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). She referenced a May 2022 memorandum of agreement from the chief personnel officer (CPO), which outlined previous wage proposals, describing the earlier two per cent offers as ‘disrespectful’ and a catalyst for protests.
Thomas hailed the revised ten per cent offer as a turning point for public sector workers, restoring dignity to the negotiation process. She confirmed that the CPO had acknowledged the PSA’s request for a meeting and expressed optimism about commencing formal talks.
Labour Minister Leroy Baptiste praised the ten per cent offer as a victory for public workers, condemning the previous ‘unjust’ four and five per cent offers. He highlighted the government’s efforts to save jobs and improve the standard of living for working-class citizens, emphasizing its people-centred approach. Additionally, the government announced initiatives to support small and micro enterprises, including mentorship and financing for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Thomas concluded by urging public servants to rely solely on the PSA for accurate information regarding the negotiations, warning against the opposition’s attempts to ‘create mischief.’