Two trade unions here, the Public Service Union (PSU) and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers Union (SVGTU) are scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves on Friday 11th January 2019, following a request by the Prime Minister’s office earlier this week.
The meeting was first mentioned by Prime Minister Gonsalves at a press conference on Friday as he talked about the possibility of salary increases.
At a joint PSU/SVGTU press conference on Tuesday, president of the Teachers Union Wendy Bynoe said that after it was disclosed to the public that both unions were planning to stage a picket on January 29th when the 2019 budget is to be presented, and that the said unions were having a joint press conference, the Prime Minister’s office called the unions on Monday and invited them to an urgent meeting on Friday 11th January.
Bynoe said the union requested a formal written invitation from the Prime Minister. She said that the issues identified were pension reform and salary increase.
“Despite the late invitation, our unions will attend,” Bynoe stated.
President of the Public Service Union Elroy Boucher also confirmed that they have received invitation to meet with the Prime Minister on Friday morning and that they will be attending.
The executive members of the two unions are to comprise the team but the unions’ leaders have said that others who have interest in attending can indicate that interest.
