St. George’s, November 8, 2012 – For the second time in a week, Grenadian workers have taken to the streets of St. George’s in protest and demanding government’s intervention.

A group of unhappy young nurses, who marched on Tuesday with trade union officials, is threatening further action in a couple of weeks if their appeal for increased wages is not met.

“I think within a matter of two weeks the government should respond,’’ said Madonna Harford, president of the Public Workers Union (PWU), which represents Grenada’s nurses.

“We find two weeks adequate enough for them to address the matter,’’ added Harford. “If not, the nurses that belong to the Nurses’ Association and the Public Workers Union will stand up. We want the government to show that you are a government who cares.’’

The nurses are complaining about EC$700 they receive monthly for services performed at the General Hospital.

It’s the same amount they received while in college as trainee nurses. Some completed college six years ago.

About 40 of them, who are now registered nurses (RNs), participated in Wednesday’s protest.

The nurses, who are also seeking permanent full-time employment, were joined by Harford and other PWU officials, as well as by representative of the Technical and Allied Workers Union (TAWU).

The protesters were prevented by police from entering the Botanical Gardens where the Ministry of Health, the Prime Minister’s Office and many other government departments are located.

Health Minister Sen. Ann Peters, reacting to the protestors’ complaints, said hiring and payment arrangements for Grenadian nurses are the responsibility of the Public Service Commission.

“One would know that you can only be in the employ of the government either via contract – under 340 for technical services – or through a public service appointment,’’ Peters said. “Ms Harford serves on the Public Service Commission and she is also president of the Public Workers Union. So, she knows the process.’’

Peters said it’s unfortunate that the RNs “are being utilized in the clinical area with no authority by either the Public Service Commission or the Ministry of Health directly, via contracts or via appointments. It is unfortunate; but there has been a breach of procedure and protocol.’’

However, the health minister’s explanation is not satisfactory for Grenada Nurses’ Association president, Patricia Strachan, and Dr. Winston Thomas, Second Vice President of PWU.

The nurses’ pay increase demand is reasonable, Strachan said.

“They are registered nurses. Registered nurses do not give service for $700,’’ she said. “Their request for decent pay is justified.’’

Dr. Thomas described the $700 payment as an “anomaly,’’ and equivalent to the minimum wage in Grenada.

“That anomaly is crying out for justice and correction,’’ he said.

About a week earlier – on October 30 – workers at Gravel, Concrete & Emulsion Production Corporation (GCEPC) engaged in street march after receiving letters notifying them of staff layoffs.

The workers, who are represented by TAWU, petitioned government which says it has stopped the GCEPC from proceeding with the retrenchment of workers.