DPSU gives gov’t deadline for salary negotiations

Thomas Letang

The general membership of the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) has flatly rejected government’s offer of 1% salary increase and passed a resolution giving the government until December 14 to conclude wage and salary negotiations with them.

“Members have rejected government offer and they have moved a resolution mandating the executive to guide them in taking any action that is necessary to demonstrate their rejection of the offer and their dissatisfaction of the offer,” Thomas Letang, General Secretary of the DPSU, said.

He also said government was given until December 14 to wrap up the negotiations with the union. “The resolution that was tabled has given us up to the 14 of December by which time negotiations should be concluded amicably,” he pointed out.

Letang had earlier told DPSU members that the meeting was “the most important general membership meeting ever” which he said, would decide the way forward. “This will decide if we as public officers are serious and willing to stand up, won’t be taken for a ride and we are not party before pockets (PBP),” Letang stated.

The DPSU boss called on the public officers to stand up for what they believe. “We have to demonstrate to government that we are not only public officers but are citizens of this country….the country can afford more than 1% salary and you have to be prepared to stand up and fight for that,” he told them.

He warned them about being “intimidated” and called on them to “stay together, be united as a unit.”

In his address to the gathering, DPSU President Steve Joseph pointed out that while the cost of living in Dominica continues to increase, the wages and salaries of public officers remain static.

“The cost of living continues to increase…..the government has been unreasonable while we, as the DPSU, have been fair, reasonable and patient that is why we did not call you out before,” he said.

Joseph called on members to  be “meticulous and calculated in our decisions and wipe out all emotions as we decide how we move forward.”

Three years ago the DPSU was able to secure a 3 percent salary increase for its members and according to Letang the organization is now being told that “things are much worse than it was then”. The DPSU and government have been locked in negotiation for the 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 period.

DPSU General Secretary, Letang, has always complained that the offer tabled by the government was “far from attractive” and had said prior to Wednesday’s meeting that “enough was enough.”

Rumors were rife that drastic measures such as industrial action would result from the meeting but this suggestion was shrugged off by Letang after the meeting on Wednesday. “We will write to the government and tell them what took place at the meeting and take it from there,” he said.

Meanwhile, the police have also rejected the government’s offer of 1%. The  Police Welfare Association has  called its membership to a meeting and its chairman, Jefferson Drigo, has stated that their decision not to accept the offer, saying that government needs to come much better.

A section of the audience at Wednesday’s DPSU’s meeting

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89 Comments

  1. CallASpadeASpade
    November 28, 2014

    Public Servants always want an Increase all 4000+ of all you police, teachers all of all u want.
    The reality is it don’t have so all you not going to get. So much people that making less than 1800.00 like me. 1200.00 well private sector. cost of living going up for everybody..all of us have to buy de same bread , de same flour, sugar, milk etc. but for some reason all you want 5% in this kinda economy..either all u greedy, selfish or just stupid. The most selfish thing is all you calling for the man tht trying to negotiate for all u to resign because he cannot get what all you want.

    So basically fire somebody because all you don’t get an increase.smh..MAKE A fellow Dominican lose his job because all you cannot get 5%…that my friends is being selfish. Everybody feeling it private and public I have teacher friends I want them to get paid but if it dough have. it don’t have. stop trying to put the Nation in friction its hard enough already. That’s why i don’t vote its just another reason to blame someone else for your problems. How treasury going to continue pay that $18 * 4000PublicServants is already $72,000.00 added on what tht is already being paid, how much more all you think all you going to get.

    Sometimes we need to just let things take it turn and stop stirring up trouble. So much teachers and police that just sit down there and want increase for doing nothing. They not trying to get there degree and educate there self so they can move up in the system the right way or even get another more paid profession. All you want to just sit down and get increase for cost of living. #AllYouBelieveIsSo (dno please start to Hash Tag)

    I would give all teachers with a Degree an increase I would also give all Police officers that making use of the programs of the Government by bettering there self to. Evrybody else gets 1% since that is what they performance deserve.

  2. Anonymous
    November 23, 2012

    I just think that public officers get the worst deals. all for outsiders duty free, waiver in hospital fees, house, education money, and all goodies is not for public officers give us our increase please.

  3. Curious
    November 22, 2012

    hmmm giving 20,000 to rabbit fest.hahahahah Skerro a fair days work fair days pay. common we all know the country is in economic crisis. hey for so long we are begging … thats not our business now pay us… its time.. cut down on cabinet, the red clinic, pumpping money uselessly …pump it where it should be pumped.. cut down on travelling… we need more investors… you know know how to do it… common public servants deserve better…teachers of dominia are the lowest paid in the caribbean. st lucians say its a disgrace…

  4. nyc
    November 22, 2012

    The grass is not greener on the other side. nyc civil servants know that all too well.

  5. dominican canadian
    November 22, 2012

    those guys a lucky to have a job we dont even get 1% we get 1/2 %

  6. Teacher
    November 22, 2012

    After working so hard to try and educate our children so that they become the future leaders of tomorrow. I still have to buy chalk and my own manilla paper and markers etc to ensure that my students get the best because Government doesn’t give us enough supplies. Now to watch me and tell me you giving me 1% on my little 1350.00 salary. Helas Magwe sa. Have a little respect for us please. And what that burning me is that we still shouting we love our PM. Well PM love us back. Thank you

    • @
      November 22, 2012

      Good for you…You that put them there, take what they had in storage for you like a man/wowan…. SOMETHING IS HAPPENING,and it is so Exciting.

  7. Truth be told
    November 22, 2012

    Is this the same prime minister who told us that things were so good with Dominica economy that he gave our money to Anguilla to help that British colony with the economic crisis? And all of we like fools believed the lie in Dominica! Well it is time to go back to Anguilla and get our money Mr Prime Minister!

  8. It's a HOAX
    November 22, 2012

    I read this post and verily believe that it is a fair comment and would like to share it here as it relates. Thanks for the opportunity to so do ADMIN: “The DPSU’s BOSS and his executive are a bunch of jokers! You come out blazing talking of how much the decision is left to the public officers and how the UNION WILL support the body in whatever decisions it takes. When it comes down to the wire, the people are incensed and willing to defend their own cause (stand up/die for their rights) here you are now trying to appease the people. Savarin was the best union leader ever, when the man spoke people listened and acted accordingly. In 1979 it was said that Savarin allegedly said these words, “the police will not work, the teachers will not work etc….. and the public officers FOLLOWED THE LEADER! Letang seems to be cutting on both sides. He’s acting in a manner to preserve his attractive salary as union boss whilst at the same time protecting his interest in a SECURITY COMPANY that the government has awarded a contract. Be wise people, open up your eyes…..all dem fellers are only interested in their own personal wellbeing. Let’s start a grass root lobbying organization with men and women who are determined to FIGHT FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE! I am ready!!!!!!!”

  9. fuente
    November 22, 2012

    So what Skerrit and his Government think? To watch a big person that have a meager average salary of $1800.00 and give them 1%, that is $18, is total disrespect
    Is a shame how that government treat people. 54% was good for them, but is 1% that looking like us. But them #$%^&* Dominican will still jump and vote for him.

    What he needs to do is increase people salary so they can stand on their own and won’t have to come to his office for hand out. Increase people salary so they can go to the bank to get a mortgage. Increase people salary so they can go to the bank to buy a piece of land.

    People of Dominica do the maths, a decent piece of land is about $50,000 a mortgage for a comfortable 3 bedroom 2 bath room is about $300,000. House + Land = $350,000. Monthly payment on that is about $1400. On a salary of $1800, can you go to the bank? I don’t think so. Before you get that $350,000 u need about 10%, that is $35,000.

    I don’t think I need to say more.

  10. morefire
    November 22, 2012

    this government does not give one care in the world for Dominicans. Chinese build state house, roads and have most of the business places in town (only time you see Dominicans on these projects is with a stop or go sign or with a spade and pickaxe). even Haitians are treated better than Dominicans by the government. 1% is a disrespect for public workers and it would have been better to just say no.

  11. hmmmm
    November 22, 2012

    we are blessed with land and water the world is hungrier each minute!! be real lets invest in our agriculture to feed those in need then more money will be there to pay the civil servants. ask china for a loan to ease the pain on the farmers , roads, imputs Markets…china can buy all that we produce to help pay back the loan, setup factories to increase the shelf live etc…….more jobs more movements that’s the next level we should be talking about

  12. Morihei Ueshiba
    November 22, 2012

    What on earth is the skerrit administration doing about Inflation? Dominicans losing purchasing value on there dollar everyday, u either do something to lower inflation or you increase people pay. You taking more and more loans for infrastructure, then people saying don’t blame the Govt. You doing nothing to stimulate the private sector which is the engine growth for every economy on earth not Government!
    Instead of doing reforms to lower our debt, and lower taxes, u all increasing debt and increasing taxes.
    This Govt needs to go, not because imf say to put VAT u have to obey, dem fellas no good. :mrgreen:

  13. Dissappointed
    November 22, 2012

    Those public servants look tired. They working hard to ensure the island stays afloat while the Prime Ministers and his minsters gallivant and get involved in shady deals. 1% cant be a deal when those in authority enjoy all the perks.

  14. November 22, 2012

    If am the minister of labour, i would agree to give the union what they want, under one condition. all those workers that pass 15year of service will have to go home and those 55 years old will have to go home and decrease the size of government, and also hiring a few more young people. so either the union agree to lose employees, or give them what they want the increase they want, cant have the cake and eat it to. Times are hard all over the world, even the rich countries are suffering imagine Dominica.

    • father
      November 22, 2012

      cant have the cake and eat it to?

      one must have the cake in other to eat it or it would just be wishful thinking.

    • Voice from the North
      November 22, 2012

      By the way you speak I can guess that You either receive handouts from Gov’t or you are not a civil servant.

    • Anonymous
      November 22, 2012

      times are hard and the government ministers increasin their salry

    • November 22, 2012

      Madam I agree things are diffecult all over but they dont let go people for spite and now it’s up to individuals as well as companies when it comes to retirement because it’s no long mandatory at 65yrs or 70 yrs in countries outside of D’ica to retire from tte work force of cause in D’ica it’s 55yrs correct me if I’m wrong which is rediculous if you let out all the experience persons who do you have to train those that will be hired, my dear lady experiences are very important in the developing of the Island another thing some of thing the mature persons will put up with the younger folks will not so you see it must be a balance system for all. In other Countries you have other avenues to go too like less hectic jobs or volunteer in D’ica we haven got that system on the Island. Right now we have a customer service problem we need to look into I know that we just had a three day session with some of the agencies and G’ovt departments which is a srart but we need much more because employees have to be fully trained it’s not just letting go someone just to hire a younger person it shouldn’t work that way we need to have a balance. You talk about rich Countries they have systems in place for persons when they leave or retire Dominica cant afford such so stop comparing Dominica with other Countries.

    • Anonymous
      November 22, 2012

      THen the minister should go home too :)

      • fuente
        November 22, 2012

        Good one

    • fuente
      November 22, 2012

      Heather You bread well butter so you can talk so. Is so all u be. when all u in good position all u can careless about the poor man.Serpant

    • HIM
      November 22, 2012

      @ hEATHER ..GO TO DOCTOR BENJAMIN…It would be safer to have you inside.

  15. right mind
    November 22, 2012

    1% is just for social security its hard I must say. yes I agreed its better to get 1% than to lost your job but try and squeeze in something more we are the ones building this beautiful country.

    • fuente
      November 22, 2012

      Them man take 54% they can give us 24%. wicked they wicked.

  16. dayandnightvision
    November 22, 2012

    What do you expect from a’Blue Executive’ They dont care if the country falls into a deep dark financial hole, is blue they blue.
    But i want to warn them, 1% is better thatn no salary
    Letang say he not political. i want to tell him” Parlay bah marin, pas kitay matelot tan ou, Letang

  17. ?????
    November 22, 2012

    blood can not come from stone

  18. ?????
    November 22, 2012

    u can noy get blood out of stone

    • Not a herd follower
      November 22, 2012

      Is it only the public officers to make sacrifice?

  19. maindesk
    November 22, 2012

    The union keeps talking in percentages rather than real money which is a mistake. What is 1 per cent of a salary of 1500.00 a month? Just 15.00. With increases in everything in the stores and market what can 15.00 do to help a person’s living. The percentage must be no less than 3 per cent. If government cannot give more than 1 per cent then the administration must give other benefits to improve the life of civil servants.

    • Jude Nicholas
      November 22, 2012

      Maindesk while a 1% increase on 1,500 is in fact 15.00 dollars, 1% increase on a wage bill of $150M is in fact $1.5M that the government would have to find in this time of global economic and financial crisis.

      All I am saying is that 1% and I am keeping my job is much preferable than I losing my JOB

  20. November 22, 2012

    the threat to lose Public officers Job is not really a threat. indeed they have the power but don’t realise it. all officers are secure for the state to run propely. What to realise is the contratcs given out by the policy levellers….at the Ps and minister level..and at the SEO levels…and then, public officvers below such ranks should examine their input in state governance.

    we know how government work: privatise essentials…and give the same work to contractorts who support the government at 3 n 4 times the cost so….trust me, if your jobs are threathen….don’t vote them in again……SIMPLE!

    It is so sad to see the state of these officers….alas!

  21. sauve jollyson
    November 22, 2012

    if we accept one percent we dont have an increase it goes right back to the government for social security which increases every second. i recommend a strike

  22. Plain Talk
    November 22, 2012

    Give them what they want and decrease the size of the public service. Case close. Can’t eat your cake and have. Wicked they wicked.

  23. change
    November 22, 2012

    Public Officers are the ones who perpetuate the saying; ‘Public Officers are thier own enemies’
    Ah magwe sa, what sustainable impact? money in constituency empowerment, this gigantic Cabinet and advsors, red-clinic and all these big allowances for ministers travel having? Let them cut down on these and much more and govt would be able to give public officers a reasonable salary increase, 1%%%% stupess

  24. why an increase now?
    November 22, 2012

    The PSU executive should guide the membership in making the best decision for the workers and DA on a whole. WE KNOW THATthe world is in an economic crisis and as a result money remittances to DA via MoneyGram and Western Union has been reduced. Tourism has been reduced. Inflation is on the increase.
    It means that the finances of DA CANNOT afford an increase now. Why get an increase which will cause an increase in taxes and prices in the store. It is best to stay for the same salary without an increase inflation.
    Can we return to IMF again? NO! Therefore, think wisely before acting emotionally!!

  25. Career Civil Servant
    November 22, 2012

    The advertisement on Q95 convinced me that the UNION is not being apolitical. That is my view and that of many public officers. I have worked in the Public Sevice, have been there for three decades from Pj to mamo to eddo to now. I see every day cut backs in government’s expenditure. I see many a government program come to a halt as a result of the serious cash flow situation. Bananas are out literaly, the tourism industry is seriously ailing with the ongoing crisis in the American economy, national production (private and public) is faltering at best. The only aspect of our society that seemingly is bouyant is the entertainment industry where the major telecoms service providers are ina dog fight to remain relevant. See what happened a few weeks ago with the Independence celebrations – parties/seewo galore mostly sponsored by one telecoms compnay or the other. of course there is the underground economy.

    It is reasonable then to advance the view that we should do something about all our economic sectors in order to get them back up to speed. We may be in need of new and fresh ideas. that is fine. Whatever it takes, then we should aim at that even if it means changing government. But the reality on the ground is that the country does not have the resources to pay what the union bosses suported by a handful of public officers are demanding. By the way when we are seeking to change government, it should not be on the basis of a blank cheque. The party that is seeking to replace the government must be prepared to give a full acount of their program complete with details of their economic and social development agenda. Importantly that program must also detail how Dominica intend to treat with the financial and global economic challenges that is forecast to continue for another two or three years.

    • Papa Dom
      November 22, 2012

      By the way is The party that in government giving a full acount of their program complete with details of their economic and social development agenda. Importantly, does that program detail how Dominica intends to treat with the financial and global economic challenges that is forecast to continue for another two or three years.

      • Joe
        November 22, 2012

        papa Dumb, maybe they are not maybe they are, this is totally irrelevant, what is relevant is for those who wants to replace state their agenda as the civil servant outlined…. Put it that way, you want me to change tell me what is in it for me in great details or i may just choose to remain… Don’t check who is there now they are there already your focus should be on you, your convincing plans etc…

        With supporters like you another political party will never win!!!

      • Career Civil Servant
        November 22, 2012

        Thank you Joe. I suppose Papa dumb” was not here for the last two general elections (2005 & 2009)when the opposition failed and failed miserably at that to present their manifesto (on each occasion) so that the people of Dominica could decide between “good, beter and best”.

        Since mr.james was found to be “careless” for want of a better word, with the truth by a commission of enquiry, then I cannot trust what he is advancing only in speeches about his party’s plans are for developing Dominica. if you want to replace Mr. Skerrit, youmust coem with a better, workable plan. Your plan cannotbe developed in isolation towahtis happening around us – WTO realities especially where the agricultural sector and marketingof farm products isconcerned; Global financial meltdown, recession in the EU; dwindling tourism economies etc. If you have a plan that can bring back the cruise ships to Dominica, without offering the cruise hip companies the heart and soul of Dominica then you have a right to let me know so that I can properly decide onelections day. I will not accept a slight remark that my party can do better without a clear working alternative. Nor will I accept as an example wof how the other side can do better the weekly episodes of soap type media grand standing as the reason to change. I want better for my country, but I will certainly not act in the dark. Remember I had four and a half years of experimentation. That was enough to learn a hard lesson.

    • //////////
      November 22, 2012

      IN OTHER WORDS NO MATTER HOW TERRIBLE THE PRESENT @Career Civil Servant. NO MATTER HOW TERRIBLE THIS ONE IS, UNLESS THE OTHER PARTY CAN’T TELL YOU HOW THEY WILL DEAL WITH EVEN WHAT THEY CANNOT SEE, DON’T CHANGE.
      Your comment is moronic,wicked and intellectually bankrupt… Friend things are so da- hard in Dominica now, it could be a politically and intellectually stupid man/woman like you, i would go with it. It can never deliver anything worse.

  26. I Fachay!!!
    November 22, 2012

    People be reasonable, 1% under the current state of world financial affairs??? Seems reasonable, at least we getting 1% some people losing their jobs. Some government workers using their vehicle to do all their private business and then claiming mileage, using government supplies wasting it, taking it for their own personal use, roughing up government vehicles always have to be replacing parts, they in a n office they want microwave fridge stove like is at their home they be and before it have a lil problem is throw and ask for another not trying to fix because is not in their pockets it coming out. all tht money dere could go to salary increase but instead they misuse the resources, government have to spend money to replace therefore it DOH have to give more than the one percent. so next time u think u cheating government by claiming for things u know u dont deserve or u wasting paper, ink, pen, toiletries and u checking is not you that paying for it so wat?? just think about it, is yourself u really cheating, then come and ask for more than 1% increase, they cannot squeeze blood out of stone for allu…

    • November 22, 2012

      I believe you a out of touch with what’s going on around you you all like to compare Dominica to other Countries but in other places they go on job slowdown, strike or they go to abetration/mediation they discuss the matter otherwise they move from one point to another so it’s not a matter of they cheating themselves and they should take what the get after all one hears of all the millions of dollars spreading around D’icans have to find other ways of doing things to much talking doesnt bring result.

  27. Anonymous
    November 22, 2012

    1%, that’s an insult

  28. fan of b/ball
    November 22, 2012

    my 1% is only 13.50 and i have a family so please help us

    • Banan
      November 22, 2012

      I live in the Virgin Islands, Electricity and Water rates have increased by 19%, yet my employer gives me 13 cents increase. Consider the hardship one has to go through in the USVI.

      We all know what happened in the USVI (St.Croix) in particular, are we prepared for a similar situation. Nurses, teachers and several other category of workers were fired and others had a 8% salary cut, do we wish to have the same happen here?

      Did the Dominica Government and Dowasco not agree to have a rate hike to help keep employees employed, so Mr. Letang wha7t exactly is your beef?

  29. Riddim Up !!!
    November 22, 2012

    if you cannot afford more than 1% increase then decrease the 50% increase you gave yourself in an act of solidarity….
    things were “hard” for you, so you increased your salary by up to 50% ? you remember that ?
    and reduce the large cabinet and extra advisors…..

  30. 4u2C
    November 22, 2012

    Governement can afford more than 1%. It s easy calculation. Reduce the # government useless advisers, Reduce the large number of ministers; Mamo ruled with 8 Ministers and she did well. Now there is 18 and we worse than where Mamo started. Reduce the ministers salaries by 25% cuase the country cannot afford the large payout to ministers. Add that all up and the public service can get a 6% increase…. problem solve.

  31. looking
    November 22, 2012

    The Union bosses are too weak….First, they should take a page out of Savarin’s and do as he did and shut down the country if we cannot be treated fairly. He should also have called the meeting at 8 a.m. in the morning so that the Government knows that its time to get down to business. They take how much increase for themselves plus another 3% and we getting 1%. Stupes….

  32. fair days work
    November 22, 2012

    90% of the public servant that making noise for more money don’t deserve half of their present pay cause they simply are not efficient. those that work less is they that have more mouth. If is more money they want, then cut down on the work force to give the xtra cash they want. some public servant too greedy and bias. it is hard economic times, the country is feeling the economic pressure of the world, IMF is putting pressure on the government, what do public servant expect?

  33. Deborah Peters
    November 22, 2012

    To public officer have u realized that with one percent we will be worse of than we were before? Some of u do not think before u write. the one percent has already been taken by social security and with the increase in our tax ceiling and social security after the increase do you realise that we are going to have much less money than we had before in our pockets. We r also aware of what is happening. Maybe we should stop giving retirees contracts, since they receive double gratuities, pensions and plus salaries this too will lead to upward mobility in the system.

  34. Kakabawi
    November 22, 2012

    twinkies anyone…anyone…..hmm!

  35. Papa Dom
    November 22, 2012

    PUBLIC OFFICER & Reflection.

    i can see where you’re coming from but I hope your views are genuine so that “if” there is a new gov’t in office and the economic situation remains the same, that you will continue to feel the same way a you do now. I remember a certain teacher, a strong supporter nd member of the freedom party holding those same self views when her party was in office but as soon as UWP came in she was on the side of those calling for strike action.

  36. public,public server
    November 22, 2012

    can we not bargain for 2,2 and5% we would be satisfied and herzberg’s theory will be realised.

  37. Albert Swinger
    November 22, 2012

    Take what u all get.
    More than 50% increase to minister on 1% to public offers? who in this world will agree to that? Wicket wicket not human. This should not have a thing to do with politics just facts. Govt is of the opinion that they can do what they want just wait and people will see.

    PSU boss show the govt the list of officers in high places who are ready to strike before 8am today.

  38. public,public server
    November 22, 2012

    as a servant of the people can u all imagine an increase of 21.00 on my salary! what is that my lights has doubled water same no added features if so in the next few months i will be better off at grotto.not being political can we think of merging some ministries and putting off some non productive parliamentarians?

    • Career Civil Servant
      November 22, 2012

      If your water bill has doubled it means that you are either using more water, or you have a leak on your line or you are allowing your neighbours to take water form your service. DOWASCO’s increase two years ago was less than the price of a beer even when the beer was being sold at two for five. Argue you position on facts and not om trump up or fictiious stories.

  39. get it going
    November 22, 2012

    Now as a public officer i am very interested in getting a Higher salary increase but the questio i am asking myself is at cost? Mr Letang has indicated that more can be awarded. Do i believe that? Yes but from an analytical point of view this ioncrease we seek will come at the slow and painful cost in 2013 of retrenchment, redundancies, non renewal of temporary workers contract and the lot. This i believe is going to wreak more havoc on the economy than anything else. He may have never felt the agony of being a single mother of three teaching or working as a clerk on a temporary basis being unable to determine whether or not when your time ends that you will continue in some other area or be given an extension in this same area.
    Many of the persons pushing for the increases are appointed ones who generally, give out less work than their temporarily appointed colleagues. Yet they stand shourded in the cloak of permanent and demand more than they give. Yes as i said i am all for it. But with my limited level of intelligence and my constant tuning into CNN i can assess and make the fair assumption that if big industrialized countries are experiencing severe hardship so to is Dominica. Which by the way is down trodden as it relates to private investments, agriculture, tourism and the list goes on

  40. Doc.Love
    November 22, 2012

    This is some kind of joke, we have heard that before. Instead of taking immediate action,they are giving an ultimatum. Dont be surprised that in the next few days, the Skerrit Labor Government is going to write a love letter taking them how it loves them and how the state of the economy is in bad shape ,therefore,they should reconsider their actions. While they are telling the PSU that, I would not be surprised that all them ministers especially Skerrit will be leaving the country to spend Christmas elsewhere at US$400 a night, while some members of the PSU cannot even buy a christmas ham or turkey to put on their tables.

    • Doc.Love
      November 22, 2012

      I wish to confirm as predicted that a LOVE letter would be sent to the Public service workers.A letter dated 16th November 2012,dont be fooled Public Workers.

  41. All should eat
    November 22, 2012

    Now its Governments turn to make the sacrifice. We the people have been making sacrifices over the years to show our love for country. Our salary was cut among other things. Now is the time for those who are in authority to start thinking of a salary cut , a cut in travelling , entertainment and telephoone allawance , cut out the monthly medical allawances because when they fall sick is still the peoples’ tax money that pays for their overseas medicals. If these are done among other things , then the government will be more than able to give a better offer to the hard working people of this country.The worker of the country need to be treated much better than this. Its hard to believe that they are boasting this country is doing so well, much better than the other Caribbean countries and the government is still not able to offer more than 1% to its workers.Or are they “LIARS”?

  42. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
    November 22, 2012

    Many of all you gathered there, helped ot install this wicked regime, which is impoverishing the nation state of Dominica. Now the table is turned,all you are crying. He should not give all you anything. These are Skerrit’s words.
    “A COUNTRY GETS THE GOVERNANCE IT PERMITS”……He rules with contempt.
    Sad to say by the time Many of you realize that the country will be worse off than Haiti.Domlec should stop taking half payment for electricity bills from all you.Now all you are feeling “Thanks God For Skerrit”!

    • Lougaoo Mem
      November 22, 2012

      Very well said and well pointed out. “The citizens get the governance they’ve voted and allowed to rule over them”. The majority of our nation continues to demonstrate that they are the most backward in the former British colonies. What a shame eh!

    • Serving the Public!!
      November 22, 2012

      You are being political. You dont make sense!

      • ()
        November 22, 2012

        @ Serving the Public. Simply because your brain is empty… Go sweep the white dust from it.

    • Lol
      November 22, 2012

      So what is the solution?

      Can you recall when this DLP government came to office in 2000 reason prevailed and Rossie Douglas as Prime Minister withdrew the case that was before the courts between the Union and the UWP Government for salary increases?

      The UWP would love for Dominica and Dominicans to forget that they were wicked with Public Officers>

      Imagine the UWP imposed user fees at the hospital and if you did not have EC$5.00 you could literally bleed to death!!!!

      UWP guaranteed Domlec profits from 1996 whereby they could increase the rates of electricity if their profits and guaranteed rates of return were threatened.

      VAT you would recall was also UWP idea!!!

      Public Officers must learn to budget their salaries wisely. There is over EC$10 Million of public Officers debts that are constantly being refinanced, consolidated, between the banks, credit unions, fast cash, easy money, big edge, DPSU micro loans, and others. It is a competition between public officers for dressing, who have the better looking car or ride. They forever going sub and having more than one hand in a sub and is to hear them eating each other when one cannot meet their obligation.

      The government should phase out mileage claim as it currently exists and rationalize the use of the school transportation assets to allow public officers to travel and do government’s work.

      Government should discontinue duty-free concessions on vehicles for public officers. That would force public officers to use public transport and save the money for a ride in their bank accounts instead.

      Mister Honorable Prime Minister and the minister with responsibilities for the Public Service: there is an urgent need for an HR Audit. There are too many junior officers typing letters that the senior officers and technicians should be doing for themselves. A number of benefits would be realized instantly: higher productivity and less leaking of confidential information.

      • him
        November 22, 2012

        @ Lol Quoting Roosevelt Skerrit himself….. A COUNTRY GETS THE GOVERNANCE IT PERMITS…The people have permitted this rubbish so it will continue to multiply.

    • Joe
      November 22, 2012

      How you know who they vote for??

      I find the Skerrit regime is doing a damn good job and i will vote them in again when that time comes around..

      But that is not the issue the issue is what can the government reasonably pay without having to increase taxes??

      We have to be reasonable in our approach, this is beyond politics and who exercised their DEMOCRATIC right to vote for who they feel is the best team to lead the country… Pdeople like you say Dominica Democracy is under threat but yet you try to chastize and intimidate persons who voted against the party you support… what an irony!!!

      • him
        November 22, 2012

        @ Joe.. A COUNTRY GETS THE GOVERNANCE IT PERMITS… Just go and think of the statement. that’s what Skerrit said in either Nevis or St Kitts. He was DAY PARLAY ING.

  43. BRAIN DAMAGE
    November 22, 2012

    Best solution: Pm increase VAT to 20% and give Civil servants 4%. Case close.

    • Serving the Public!!
      November 22, 2012

      I agree!

    • DOMINICA
      November 22, 2012

      Are you MAD, CRAZY or DOWTISH????

      15% is already hard, you want them to put 20%?

      it will be worst.

      • ??
        November 22, 2012

        Haven’t you heard of sarcasm? Change your name to DOWTISH!

  44. PUBLIC OFFICER
    November 22, 2012

    Government is offering what the country can afford. Just refer to the latest IMF report. As a Public Officer I prefer to accept what Govt can afford instead of loosing my job. Let us be reasonable.

    • Q
      November 22, 2012

      yeh another one who will make the system kill us all, u have guts stating ur a public officer and be docile and take this disrespect. in other words ur saying….”let massa beat me, at least i eating a dry bread everyday”….dumb dumb dumb!

    • RIDDLe
      November 22, 2012

      you are not a public officer because you would know what kind of sacrifice we have been making for all these years.
      so BUTTFLY please stay away from here. and let people that feeling the pain comment

    • samething
      November 22, 2012

      I agree. Don’t want to go home. Many of the bigger countries we think that “have it all” and is “better off” keep sending home hundreds of workers because of their economy Why do we want to squeeze little Dominica? Well if that’s the case i also support Brain Damage to.

    • possie
      November 22, 2012

      but is a political position yu have… so doh talk, let those of us who are qualified and got our positions the right way talk… cha man.. all yu have to do is do your job well and even though a nex administration take over yu will still have your job.. political slut

  45. Syncretism
    November 21, 2012

    More has to be done re Public Officers levels of productivity, more over salary negotiations. a country/countrymen that produce will be rewarded simultaneously.

    I am also concern about the level of participation on the part of public officers in these negotiations and the ability of DPSU to truely integrate its membership.

    By all indications Our nature isle is in for a rough curve and that the Regional and Global economic environment is still very much weak. How much more can we truly demand from the Government?

    My sincere advice, that we increase our levels of productivity and boost output.

  46. huh?
    November 21, 2012

    In my honest opinion, from my many experiences, the majority of public servants don’t DESERVE and increase. The level of work is poor, the attitudes are the same, especially among the younger employees. Granted there are those who work hard and try to encourage others to do the same, be professional and so on, but on a whole, I figure they are lucky they’re even getting 1%.

    If quality goes up then so can salaries…

  47. November 21, 2012

    christmas coming give thoes people their money they got their family to feed.

  48. Reflection
    November 21, 2012

    So exactly what percent is the Union looking for? and what makes it so certain that Government can pay out more than 1%?

    • Q
      November 22, 2012

      maybe the fact that the cabinet can increase their already large salary to 100% when we are here doing all the work n eating peanuts? have u seen the price of gas lately ‘reflection’? or do u also have a high paying job so u dont feel the pressure?

    • 2 much wax in ur ear
      November 22, 2012

      You have not been following up on discussions eh! All that was explained.

    • possie
      November 22, 2012

      because they take 47% hike for theirself, because they could give LIAT $8 million, because they could build the state malace for $27 million, because all the board members at petro carib getting $US5000 for each board meetings they attend, because to each time they travel they getting $US400 per diem, and we can go on and on and on

    • RIDDLe
      November 22, 2012

      if they can give liat 8 million and build a 27 million house for skerrit, it can pay more

    • November 22, 2012

      GOVERNMENT CAN ALWAYS PAY………COME ON! Dont be fooled!

      we see the cost of running government….don’t wee…and imagine that you are a clerk in government…you must be seeing more than average! trust me, the public officers know that they can get 3%…..let them have it!

      labour need to win in 2015!

      • Joe
        November 22, 2012

        WNT they will!!!

  49. thickness4so
    November 21, 2012

    hmmmmmmmmm……….lets see what they get out of this

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