NUGFW targets Govt

Union officials are expected to convene in Chaguaramas today to discuss the matter.

Newsday was told yesterday that the retrenchment proposal came about in the midst of the ongoing salary negotiations for a better wage package for daily paid workers.

Presently the Public Sector Negotiating Committee (PSNC) is in discussions on the NUGFW’s demands for wage increases. The PSNC includes Energy Minister Lenny Saith and Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Conrad Enill.

Yesterday, NUGFW President General Robert Giuseppi said he could not confirm speculation about the retrenchment plan but was aware of an ongoing exercise in the public service, especially in Local Government bodies. He said that exercise required managers to make recommendations about their workforce requirements.

Giuseppi who is in Geneva, referred Newsday to acting President General James Lambert.

But Lambert too was unsure of details of the plan, saying “I cannot say ‘yes’ or ‘no.’

“But the union is soliciting certain information which we will make the media aware of at a press conference next week.”

Communications Specialist at the Ministry of Local Government, Deodath Ojah-Maharaj denied an exercise as described by Giuseppi was ongoing at the City and Regional Corporations or the ministry.