Dookeran refers PSA matter to Special Tribunal

Finance Minister Winston Dookeran on Friday referred to a special tribunal the matter of revised salaries and allowances for members of the Public Services Association (PSA).

On March 11 Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Stephanie Lewis reported the matter to the minister as an unresolved dispute.

The CPO has offered a five per cent increase in salaries for the period 2008 to 2010 with a revised Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) and a lump sum payment of $2,000, which the PSA has rejected.

The association has asked for a 34 per cent increase with an offer to settle immediately for 16 per cent. The government has insisted that it cannot afford more than the five per cent it has offered.

Both sides have held 14 meetings since October 2010, with the last meeting being held on March 1.

In a media release Friday the finance ministry said the minister has taken into consideration the fact that despite all efforts of the CPO, significant differences continue to exist between the positions of the parties.

It added that it "does not appear that agreement would be achieved bilaterally by the deadline specified in the Civil Service Act."

Any award given by the tribunal must be for a period of not less than five years from the date on which the award takes effect.