Public Services Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas has issued a stern warning to the Chief Personnel Office (CPO), demanding nothing less than a 10% wage increase for public servants. This comes ahead of a crucial meeting scheduled for November 21, which Thomas claims was initially intended to discuss the economy rather than commence negotiations. Thomas expressed frustration over the CPO’s perceived delays, noting that wage discussions began as early as April 2022. Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo had previously instructed the CPO to propose the 10% increase, a key campaign promise by the United National Congress (UNC) during the April 28 general election. However, Thomas accused the CPO of disregarding this directive and failing to prioritize public officers’ welfare. Meanwhile, CPO Commander Dr. Daryl Dindial emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of Trinidad and Tobago’s macroeconomic profile before negotiations could proceed. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the wage increase but remained non-committal on the Christmas payout timeline. Former Finance Minister Brian Manning criticized Thomas, calling for her resignation, while former UNC economist Taharqa Obika defended the CPO’s role in the process. The CPO outlined its negotiation procedures, stressing transparency and collaboration in achieving sustainable outcomes.