NUGFW claims ‘bad faith’

Indicating in a release that these negotiations will continue next year, Lambert said he has written Labour Minister Jennifer Baptiste-Primus on this matter.

He also said the union was, “very thankful that throughout 2016, there were no major loss of jobs, although new ones were not created.” However, Lambert continued, “The union is concerned about vacancies that are not being filled, resulting in a depletion of the establishment.” Lambert said while President General also stated that while NUGFW is very much aware of and concerned about the state of the economy, “it is pertinent that the Government meet with NUGFW to discuss the social aspect of the Union’s proposals.” He claimed the Government met twice with the National Trade Union Centre (Natuc) to hear its proposals.

Lambert stated, “At the forefront of the negotiations are the pension plan for daily-rated workers of Central and Local Government and the Tobago House of Assembly, and the reverting of the retirement age for daily-rated workers from 60 to 65.” He added the NUGFW remains optimistic and expects a favourable outcome in 2017 and called on the Government to engage in discussions.