New Pay Scale to Affect Public Officers Making More than Twelve Thousand Dollars

Financial Secretary Joseph Waight says the new pay scale for government workers and teachers is backed by agreements made in negotiations with the Unions and legislations passed in the House. Although the President of the Public Service Union, Dean Flowers says the scale which took effect retroactively to June first is permanent, and that increments will also be ten percent less when reinstated, Waight says the issue of what will happen with increments down the road has not been discussed.

Joseph Waight, Financial Secretary

“I did not hear what the president had to say. But I can say that the pay scale is a consequence of the two pieces of legislation that were approved, whereby the scales were reduced by ten percent. For those officers who were earning just above twelve thousand dollars. It is consistent with what was approved. I think there was an S.I. that was signed. It was attached to the pay scale for information. Also there was an act that went through the House and the Senate. In addition to a reduction in actual salaries of ten percent, there is also the freeze of increments. That was also proposed by the government for a period of three years.”

Paul Lopez

“The president stated that when the increments are re-instated after the three years period, that it will be ten percent less. So, government employees will receive ten percent less on their increments. Is that how that will work?”

Joseph Waight

“I have no idea of what the president is saying. I think the Deputy Prime Minister said that ah, the scales would be reinstated. Whether the increments would be reinstated is a decision that has yet to taken by the government.”

Paul Lopez

“Would you be able to say why a new pay scale, an entirely new pay scale, if it is only a temporary measure until he economy recovers?”

Joseph Waight

“Well you know, a pay scale is a critical element in actually processing the pay. If there is any change in salaries, the scale is a guide. It is almost a directive as to how the new changes will be put into effect. When we had salary increase, going back four five years, anytime there is an across-the-board salary change, a new scale is published to reflect those changes. It is part of our operating procedures.”