Dookeran says 5% wage offer is only part of compensation package

Finance Minister Winston Dookeran told reporters Wednesday the Government will take all the steps necessary to preserve industrial peace.

He spoke with reporters after a speech in Port of Spain at the regional meting of accountants and chartered auditors. 

"Maintenance of industrial peace is something that we feel strong about and we will take all steps that are required to keep industrial peace in Trinidad and Tobago," he said.

The minister explained that Government's wage offer must not be seen in isolation.

"In the first instance we cannot shape the argument in the context of what they call a five per cent cap. We have been looking at this issue as an issue for the compensation of the workers which the salary component is one part of that but there are many other aspects to it," he said.

He explained that if the government consolidates the cost of living allowance (COLA) in some of the Sate enterprises that will be an automatic increase of between 13 and 20 per cent.

Trade unions are angry with the government's offer and have accused the government of reneging on a promise. Last Thursday they threatened a national strike if Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar doesn't intervene to remove the five per cent wage cap and other measures taken by the government.