MPATT issues an ultimatum

The Medical Professionals Association of TT (MPATT) yesterday said the Joint Negotiating Team (JNT) of Regional Health Authorities has prolonged the negotiation process for consultants and registrars and even made reductions in the package previously proposed. MPATT last week announced that senior doctors have decided to give the RHAs one month’s notice (starting November 1) to improve the pay package proposed or else they will forego on-call service and the allowances provided for working after 4 pm on weekends and public holidays. In a release yesterday, MPATT stated the JNT refused to acknowledge the significant differences in the level and expertise, postgraduate qualifications and responsibilities between a house officer and registrar and between a registrar and consultant.

MPATT said the points of contention are: the house officers’ package allows them to earn 1.7 times the basic salary hourly rate for overtime duties, whereas the RHA’s proposal for consultants and registrars is 1.1 times the basic salary hourly rate. MPATT said the RHA has totally ignored the service provided by the consultants and registrars on weekends and public holidays. The proposal does not suitably compensate for service on these days. “The house officers’ package allows them a compensatory day for each day of service provided on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 8 am and 4 pm.”

Comparing with non-medical officers in the public service at similar range (teachers and magistrates), MPATT stated there was a great disparity in the basic salary that becomes apparent when the ranges are compared. MPATT said “the senior doctors are placed at a greater disadvantage when compared to officers at similar and lower range. Thus, they suffer a significant disparity with their pension and retirement.” MPATT said negotiations for consultants and registrars for 2003-2005 began in March. No date has yet been set for a meeting with the JNT.