Unions Say They Were Not Consulted in Drafting of Budget

Elena Smith

With government and opposition senators weighing in on the budget in detail, one complimenting the financial plan and the other altogether condemning it, what is the union’s outlook for the year ahead? The wage bill for teachers and public officers will balloon to four hundred million, but the lack of consultations in crafting the budget did not go down well for the unions. This morning Senator Elena Smith, who represents the trade union congress painted a picture of grave concern in the absence of stakeholder consultation.

Elena Smith, Senator, Unions

“This same circle of people was not properly consulted or had even a glimmer or engagement in the process of putting together this budget.  The practice of meaningful engagement Mister President, I believe, should be embraced by any government, not to mention an administration which gloats about transparency and accountability and even more so, one that was ushered into office on a promise of accountability and transparency.  Any level of true consultation would legitimize appropriation of funds, as by so doing the administration would truly be allowing for participatory approach by the very people who empower them.  While all the workers cannot be directly involved in the process of consultation there are organizations like ours, the trade union congress and civil society who represent a vast number of these people; therefore it would be in the best interest of the government to seek audience with us.  So, Mister President, I want to underscore and emphasize the fact that this budget before us is one orchestrated in the absence of a very critical element: consultation with significant stakeholders that would have taken into consideration the voice of the working class.”