Police say yes to 20%

Government sources revealed yesterday a meeting between the police association and the Prime Minister to settle concerns over a compensation package for police officers could take place over this weekend.

Yesterday, the police association executive held a general council meeting with members at the Besson Street Police Station, Port-of-Spain and asked them for a mandate on how to proceed on wage negotiations. The meeting started at 1 pm and ended shortly after 2.30 pm.

President of the Police Social Welfare Association Sgt Anand Ramesar told Newsday, “Officers have asked us to engage in negotiations if Government is really serious about offering us 20 percent.”

On Tuesday of this week, a member of the police association executive met with a senior Government minister in south Trinidad, where the minister offered a 20 percent increase in salaries for police officers.

The police association had demanded a 40 percent increase during negotiations with the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) who has offered five percent.

Tuesday’s unofficial meeting was requested by the minister because of Government’s concern that any prolonged police sick-out would put the security of citizens and would-be investors at risk. The minister promised to seek the interest of the police association and made the 20 percent offer.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Government Information Services Ltd, Government said negotiations are continuing between the CPO and the police association.

“The Government has made no commitment on this matter and wishes to advise that the talks between the Chief Personnel Officer and the representatives of the Police Social and Welfare Association are on-going.”

Even so, Government sources yesterday maintained the 20 percent proposal is being considered.

Ramesar would not confirm or deny if an “unofficial” meeting was held between the Government minister and a member of the police association executive.

Following yesterday’s meeting, several police officers told Newsday they are willing to accept the 20 percent offer because they are aware Government is facing serious financial constraints, and added it is much better than five percent.

Some officers maintained that if the 20 percent is decreased or negotiations stalled for whatever reason, they intend to apply for permission from the Commissioner of Police to have a peaceful march at a date to be announced.

Ramesar said police officers have also stated that pending the negotiations, they have decided to discontinue volunteering for extra duties, including working on March 4, Fantastic Friday, when the International Soca Monarch finals will take place.

“We are now calling it Frantic Friday,” said Ramesar.

During a post Cabinet press briefing on Thursday, National Security Minister Brigadier John Sandy told reporters the Prime Minister is willing to meet with the police association executive.

The basic salary of a trainee police constable is $4,800; constable $5,123; corporal $6,745; sergeant $8,205; inspector $9,735; assistant superintendent $11,535; superintendent $12,397; senior superintendent $14,111; and assistant commissioner $17,319.

These salaries are accompanied by allowances such as meals and housing. Yesterday, the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) issued a press release to support any move by Government to settle wage negotiations with the police, in the interest of safety and security for the citizens.

The TTMA reminded Government of its “prime responsibility to ensure the safety of all its citizens, and urges the administration to work expeditiously to restore a sense of safety, stability and confidence to the nation.”

“The TTMA notes the Government’s recent affirmation that it will not allow the nation’s security to be compromised, and implores the administration to implement the necessary initiatives and systems to conclude the current impasse and secure its citizens.”
have a peaceful march at a date to be announced.

Ramesar said police officers have also stated that pending the negotiations, they have decided to discontinue volunteering for extra duties, including working on March 4, Fantastic Friday, when the International Soca Monarch finals will take place.
“We are now calling it Frantic Friday,” said Ramesar.

During a post Cabinet press briefing on Thursday, National Security Minister Brigadier John Sandy told reporters the Prime Minister is willing to meet with the Police Association executive.

The basic salary of a trainee police constable is $4,800; constable $5,123; corporal $6,745; sargeant $8,205; inspector $9,735; assistant superintendent $11,535; superintendent $12,397; senior superintendent $14,111; and assistant commissioner $17,319.
These salaries are accompanied by allowances such as meals and housing. Yesterday, the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association (TTMA) issued a press release to support any move by Government to settle wage negotiations with the police, in the interest of safety and security for the citizens.

The TTMA reminded Government of its “prime responsibility to ensure the safety of all its citizens, and urges the administration to work expeditiously to restore a sense of safety, stability and confidence to the nation.”

“The TTMA notes the Government’s recent affirmation that it will not allow the nation’s security to be compromised, and implores the administration to implement the necessary initiatives and systems to conclude the current impasse and secure its citizens.”