Fitun demands input from Finance Minister

The metter was set for yesterday which, according to FITUN, if left unresolved, could take the country backwards.

President of FITUN, Joseph Remy, said from all reports so far, it was clear that if the Collective Agreement for 2011-2014 was resolved, then there was a possibility that this present impasse could be resolved.

FITUN believed that the OWTU was well justified in their call for Government to remove the 0-0-0 wage offer for the period 2011-2014 from the table.

Remy said it was during this time that former executive chairman, Lindsay Gillette, award “obscene” salary increases to select senior executives that resulted in them receiving montly pensions of over $90,000.

Remy dismissed Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s claim that the matter was awaiting judgement from the Industrial Court.

He said there could be no judgement when talks were at a conciliatory stage.

“It is necessary for the Government to speak the truth and level with the country and stop hiding behind their wrong interpretation of the Industrial Court process,” he said.

Remy said the behaviour of Finance Minister Col Imbert has been called into question when he “disrespected” unions offering 0-0-0.

Remy said despite his “unconditional apology”, it was clear that he had not changed his mind.

“The Prime Minister is ultimatley responsible for the actions of his Government, and by extension, the social and economic stability of the country,” Remy said.