Local News

STATEMENT FROM THE OPPOSITION LEADER REGARDING INCREASE IN SALARIES FOR MINIMUM PAID WORKERS

As Leader of Her Majesty’s Opposition, I empathize with all workers as they struggle to cope with the tough economic situation facing the country at this time.  

Like security guards many workers experience severe economic hardship making it extremely difficult to make ends meet.  We feel the pain of such employees as public workers, teachers, police officers and the other categories of workers who are forced to accept less pay and in some cases have lost their only source of income because of the worsening economic situation and the lack of leadership and management by the Tillman Thomas administration. 

As members of Her Majesty’ Opposition we all understand the urgent need for minimum paid workers to receive an increase.  At the same time, we are appealing to all concerned to engage in consultation and discussions to achieve the optimum results and benefits for both workers and businesses.  This we believe is necessary.

 Additionally, we are appealing to the Trade Union Movement to engage the Government so that serious efforts will be made to address the real issues affecting workers at this time.  There must be aggressive actions on the part of Government to genuinely stimulate the economy. As an opposition we are extremely concerned that while the economic situation continues to worsen, the Government is taking actions which aggravate the already dismal situation. 

 For example the Government’s wage bill has risen from 17 million dollars in July 2008 to almost 27 million dollars without one cent going to increases for public workers who continue to work hard serving the nation.  Workers continue to suffer from the economic depression while Government Ministers and officials continue to travel on unnecessary trips costing Government millions of dollars at a time when we can ill-afford it. 

 As an Opposition we will always support any initiative that has the overall interest of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique at heart; initiatives such as the expansion of economic activities in the country, and improving the working conditions for Grenadians. Finally, we applaud the Grenada Trades Union Council for any positive initiative taken on behalf of Minimum Paid Workers and urge the TUC to take similar actions for all workers throughout the country.

Comments are closed.