Independent Activist Comes Out Against Joint Unions

Delroy Herrera

Negotiations between the joint unions and the Briceño administration over a proposed salary cut are ongoing, despite both sides being tightlipped about the process.  News Five understands that cabinet met today, but we are unclear whether any progress has been made on that end.  This morning, however, a press conference was held by an independent activist whose position on the suggested reduction is more in line with the government than it is with the unions.  That’s because he says that B.N.T.U. and P.S.U. have done little, if nothing at all, to prepare for life after the pandemic.  According to Delroy Herrera, the issue of salary cut can no longer deferred.

Delroy Herrera, Independent Activist

“We remind the unions that the grocery bag, the pantry bag or the so-called “dan-dan” runs out at the end of the month.  Why hasn’t anyone spoken about this?  Why not offer to help distribute these basic goods and help support members who are hurting from this pandemic?  We consider it very selfish of the unions to use their might and muscle to strong arm the government to avoid a little pain after years of plenty, and I’m relatively speaking.  The bottom line is that we cannot kick the pan down the road no more.  A pay cut of ten percent, five percent or even two percent, as the commissioner of police said, is better than retrenchment.  It’s better.  Compare that to the real possibility of the devaluation of our currency and, like I said, mass retrenchment of the very said people you the unions are fighting to protect.  There has not been no overt effort on the union’s part to begin any sort of plan for preparation after this pandemic.  No plan for the teachers, what after the pandemic or whatever the case may be.  They have taken time off to deal with COVID outbreaks and managed to slow the already languid pace of government operation. The cosmetic change the unions are proposing seem to deflect away from the responsibility of government.  But this is no blame game, it is time to find an amicable solution.  What is a little pain now and in two years or three years, people are rehired and working again and the economy is going back into good standing?  We can’t pretend that this isn’t happening.”