DPSU executive to support members’ decision

Thomas Letang

The executive of the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) has said it is prepared for any decision that public servants might take at a major meeting carded for Wednesday.

The Union has called a meeting with its general membership to chart the way forward after it claimed that government had refused to address the union’s salary and wage issues.

General Secretary of the DPSU Thomas Letang said the executive is prepared to support any decision by members.

“It is extremely important that members turn out in large numbers to that meeting … whatever decision that the members decide on, all of us, meaning the executive and members, will have to abide by it … the executive cannot override the decision of the general membership as they are the highest decision making level …. so the executive must abide by their decision,” Letang told DNO.

He refused to say what possible courses of action could come out of Wednesday’s meeting but continued to stress that “enough is enough”.

Hundreds of public servants are expected at that meeting.

There have been rumors that industrial action could result from Wednesday’s meeting.

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57 Comments

  1. Frank Talker
    November 22, 2012

    Public Officers are fed up. I believe however that their stance is not against the Government’s ability to pay but against an attitude demonstrated by the Government’s negotiating team. It’s all about communication and respect.

  2. juice
    November 21, 2012

    mister has become a puppet he lost all his zeal and drive they should replace him hes time is done long time we need a new young vibrant person

  3. November 21, 2012

    not sorry to say this but Mr. Letang is speaking Bull is not the first time he saying this great speech and BOOM nothing happens. I dont trust Mr. Letang one bit and over the years he has just been taking us public servants for a joy RIDE he too is one of the many who just run ther mouth with no action garcon Monsieur Letang ou sweyeh? Mr Letang you serious? if i knew it in chinese I would write it too

  4. PUBLIC OFFICER
    November 21, 2012

    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!!!!!!!

  5. from no where
    November 21, 2012

    I learn more reading the comments than reading the news items.How can a country like DA give ministers a 50% raise? Thats insane?If the ministers can give themselves a 50% raise with the economy as is why can’t they give the workers a better raise than 1%.The economy is bad every where but did we ask why?.Ask the CEOs ,they are the ones who get the big bonus checks .The greedy ones that fill their pockets.The people need to stand up and demand what is rightfully theirs.If there is money to do this and do that then there is money for at least a 3% raise or cant the government put a freeze on salaries for say 2 or 3 years.
    I remember the strike when Savarin was the secretary of union .What happen now ? Can’t he advice his PM.Workers stick together and demand what is rightfully yours.
    I dont get a big raise .Every year for say 3 years I only get 35 cents an hour raise.Not much but its something.
    Just my piece.You may not agree but its ok

  6. i know
    November 21, 2012

    government do not have money but you will see what ham and turkey doing all around dominica very soon i wonder where does that money come from?hahahaha

  7. Morihei Ueshiba
    November 21, 2012

    I blame Skerrit. What is Dominicas debt to GDP? What is Dominicas fiscal position? Why don’t we have a surplus? We have too much incompetent, thieving bureaucrats in Government.
    Taxes to high in Dominica. Abolish the VAT! 8)

  8. Serving the Public!!
    November 21, 2012

    Well I am one who won’t be there. Will take the extra time to do work on my desk.

    • *
      November 21, 2012

      You can “Go Hell” “Go to Hell” “Go to Hell”! But i will be there once i am alive.
      You are a non entity! Who cares where you go! Better for you, go grovel to the Red Clinic.

    • oo
      November 22, 2012

      I hope you really working and not canvassing the whole of Roseau during working hours and not producing any work for the day ,and staying after 4 to pretend you are busy.

  9. November 21, 2012

    The country is broke yet they planning general elections if the court rule against Skerrit and Petta.
    When this Skerrit era is over mant people will walk around in shame. I hope we the adults can look our lids on the eye and ask them to do the right thing at all times. Wow Dominica. Please people wr are more intelligent than that which we display

  10. The Moss
    November 21, 2012

    See Nothing coming out of this…

    Dominica is just a typical island where they talk way too much have nothing to show on record.

    Plus they have a kid as their Prime Minister, giving them jokes and misleading them on ever count.

    would never waste my time with Dominicans..

    They simple not ready and will never be ready..
    Keep them in the Dark, Labour they love and Permit a Corrupt Regime…what a foolish nation!

    • Joe
      November 21, 2012

      Why you so upset with us Dominicans? What we do you? Our PM is no Kid he is a man 40 years of age, how old are you 90?

      How should they be ready?? We the people of Dominica democratically voted for the DLP in 2009, and that is your headache?

      Well boss we will not miss you so check your sin!!!!! What u think you that important ah? Boss shoo!!!

  11. November 21, 2012

    It is intriguing to hear Laborites now calling for civil servants to put country first. These are the same people who condone the blatant corruption and wastage in this Labor Party government. The same set of people accepted blatant lies from Tony in defense of gross fraud and robning of the treasury. The same people support chinese labor on projects funded by tax payers. The same laborites who supported the destruction of the farmers and called public works lazy just to justify government misconduct.
    If this is how we behave as a people living in the 21 century our country is doomed. I did not even mention the support for constituitional violations.

    • T
      November 21, 2012

      SO TRUE!

  12. November 21, 2012

    I am no economist but it seems logical to provide the civil servants with raise as a means of stimulating the dead economy. The people have no disposable income. It is no surprise why Dominica does not have a middle class.

  13. advocate
    November 21, 2012

    we comiong down to talk to you this afternoon, do not worry about numbers, there will be always those who will be afraid to come out and they are usually in the majorityHalf of the public service is persons that are acting or in temporary positions. those persons are hiding under cover, but they are with us in mind. Pay us monsieur skeritt, u too like deba—

  14. DESPERATE
    November 21, 2012

    THIS IS A BREAD AND BUTTER ISSUE, I BAWLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  15. maindesk
    November 21, 2012

    The civil servants are not going on strike. Savarin only got them to strike in the 70’s because he had the backing of the gwo bourg. The gros bourg are now on the side of Skerrit. The slave mentality makes our people only do things that are anti government if the gros bourg is also anti government. It is no different now than in the time of Savarin so do not blame Letang if nothing happens.

  16. Anonymous
    November 21, 2012

    Please asked Mr.Thomas, why he does not demand hard on Ross University .He settled for 2% for Ross staffs but 1% from the government is a tone load weight for him.Ross can delieved 2 multiple by 3.

  17. Serving the Public!!
    November 21, 2012

    And see all who will be in that meeting this afternoon. The majority of them – UNPRODUCTIVE. I work in the service and there are lots of them. Parry was not wrong.

    • .
      November 21, 2012

      But the leaders you put there are unproductive, lazy, incompetent,and unproductive. Have you spoken out on this issue?

  18. Joe
    November 21, 2012

    My question to you Mr. LetangL

    WHAT IS YOUR PROPOSAL? The Government said 1% you say no so what in your opinion is a good increase?

    • mal tet
      November 21, 2012

      This is exactly what I have been saying. compromise.They say 1% what is DPSU prpoosing? SMH.

    • ()
      November 21, 2012

      You dont deserve an answer now. Come to the meeting…All of us can’t go the Red Clinic like you to call your master at the clinic ‘God’.

  19. ???????????
    November 21, 2012

    Curious and the others, even you Mr Letang, you seem to forget about the time when the 4% levy was paid by all and sundry and to do what to keep those same civil servants in their job to pay them. Please remember the whole of Dominican employees whether their company could pay them had to give that 4% levy so Civil servants could have a job today. So cannot they make a sacrifice for themselves as well. I know 1 % is not anything much but do you read , do you listen, do you look at the world news? Did you hear that B/dos is looking at cutting short their workers. Do you hear what is happenning in Greece? Please be realistic and do you understand what an economic downturn is? Please people get your act right. Can you people at home give in to all your children wants? I am sure you cannot give all that is asked but you budget your salary to meet the most important expense. Civil Servants do you prefer retrenchment? Curious this is not going to be for the good and good for all of us and country as you said in your comment. No productivity is good for any country and no production not even for one day is good. I will always say I admire the Chinese. They work to have a job finished whilst we in Dominica linger on a job to get more money which infact is not good for the economy. People we are the one to jumpstart our economy. Let us give a fair days work for a fair days pay. Let us eliminate wastage of time and all other things. Time wastage has a monetary value to it.
    Just saying!

    Mr Letang, please advise your members appropriately. I know of Employees who have had the same pay for the last 5 years and magre sa Civil Servants have received increases in the last five years. Even if it was not much. We need to be practical at a time like now. Global Economic recession and crisis. Everywhere, every company on island is experiencing this turn down.

  20. A big DLP Clown
    November 21, 2012

    Mr. Letang garcon where you going with that?

    Alot of us labourites more concerned about the political survival of Skerrit then our own pockets and future.

    But still, good luck

  21. Curious
    November 21, 2012

    “Enough is Enough” I agree with you Mr. Letang. Civil servants please lets rally around Mr. letang. Its for the good and good for all of us and country.

    • ???????????
      November 21, 2012

      Curious you seem to forget about the time when the 4% levy was paid by all and sundry and to do what to keep those same civil servants in their job to pay them. Please remember the whole of Dominican employees whether their company could pay them had to give that 4% levy so Civil servants could have a job today. So cannot they make a sacrifice for themselves as well. I know 1 % is not anything much but do you read , do you listen, do you look at the world news? Did you hear that B/dos is looking at cutting short their workers. Do you hear what is happenning in Greece? Please be realistic and do you understand what an economic downturn is? Please people get your act right. Can you people at home give in to all your children wants? I am sure you cannot give all that is asked but you budget your salary to meet the most important expense. Civil Servants do you prefer retrenchment? Curious this is not going to be for the good and good for all of us and country as you said in your comment. No productivity is good for any country and no production not even for one day is good. I will always say I admire the Chinese. They work to have a job finished whilst we in Dominica linger on a job to get more money which infact is not good for the economy. People we are the one to jumpstart our economy. Let us give a fair days work for a fair days pay. Let us eliminate wastage of time and all other things. Time wastage has a monetary value to it.
      Just saying!

      • November 21, 2012

        You spent your moment talking about the reasons why civil servants should bend back and roll with the punches but fail to mention that civil servants have been sacrificing for 10the years. You also seem to be ignorant of the fact that the ministers had a 50% raise within the same period.
        you also sparingly mentioned wastage cause you know where the fat needs to be trimmed and dont want to touch this. Let us leave that to your conscience.

        With regards to retrenchment no government wants to have to deal with repercussions of sending civil servants home. Besides 70%of the civil service are party supporters. You figure that out.
        How much did the electricity bill rise? What about the multiplier effect.

      • ()
        November 21, 2012

        @??????? You seem to be so politically blinded by the evil Skerrit regime that you forgot
        they had a 50% salary increase, that $ 27 000 000.00 loan money is frittered away in a state my foot garbage,that civil servants cannot afford to pay in full their utility bills, etc,because this country’s cost of living is extremely high. You won’t feel it, because you are under the table picking up crumbs, but its tough.
        Did you mention Greece, B/dos etc,. So why did you fail to mention that Skerrit madefools like you believe that we are insulated from the global financial crisis. We were told that things are so good in Dominica that we are sending money to numerous countries all over the world.
        So go back to the Red Clinic with you laziness, and let the suffering people, the lovers of this once sweet country, which is now polluted with mis management talk, and ask for their just rewards.

      • ???????????
        November 21, 2012

        @() For your information, I am a hard working person who is practical. I have my vocation and I always work. I do not beg nor I go to any red Clinic for your informtion. Stop being political and be realistic. I am gainfully emplyed and I must tell you I have worked at that salary with no increase for the past three (3) years. It is not that I do not want an increase but I am mindfull of the economic crisis and as a main player in my job place, I know how difficult it is to navigate and pay employees. Please stop talking about the PM and if one does not be insultive like yourself, then you brand them political. You are so filled with hatred that you lack objectivity and you are one who would even want to put the burden of the worldwide economic downturn on the this one man that you so hate. Cleanse yourself of hatred and then you will see and think objectively. I do not have to go to Red Clinic to survive and I am not lazy as you perhaps are. The saying goes that when one calls another by a name without even knowing the person then that person is only saying what he or she is. Go get your history correct. Civil Servants have gotten increases over the years. Mr Letang can give you that statistic. The one time increase for the Ministers were given after a long time. Mr Letang can verify this for you. I know that Civil Servants salaries are not the best. But I hope you do remember if you are old enough that those in the private sector and other sector had to pay an additional 4% levy so Civil Servants could be kept in their jobs. We out there made the sacrifices then, can they not wait for better times to get a better increase? And you should never distort the truth. I know the truth and you can only fool those who do not make it their business to know. Those persons blood will be on your shoulders when you get them angry with the lies etc. God i s watching over us and I am confident that we will not have any uprisings etc In the Name of Jesus. The political people will wait for their turn at the polls. I can serve my country under anyone who has been elected. I am not annoyed,nor hate anyone. I am at peace and can have a conversation and not be disgruntled. I can sleep well at nights as well. Can those of you who are so political enjoy the same benefits that our loving Father has given us. Do not fall because of hattred in your heart.
        My take on this for those who turn political over every comment that does not agree with their political preferences or what they want to hear and that is calling one man’s name and blaming that one man for everything goin gwrong in this country.

        () Have a blessed and peaceful night.
        Love ya!

      • ???????????
        November 21, 2012

        Frenz the electricity bills are up for us all and I must say that I try all the cost cutting that I can do myself. Civil Servants have gotten increases over the years. Let Mr Letang give you the statistics. It may not have been 10% or more but they have gotten something. There are those who have not gotten increases for a long time. I know some persons who have not gotten icreases for the past five years. Myself I have worked at this salary for the past three years. Whether what percentage are party supporters – (that is subjective as you have no statistic to supprt but your own mind. Persons always judge and cannot prove which is what is happenning to all the allegations made. Persons are always repeating heresays), truth is truth. I f you have a business and you are not making profit and you cannot pay workers. Will you keep the business? I am sure that you will probably close down which means that those employees won’t have jobs anymore.

        I never heard people speak when persons were sent home by LIME, Marpin TV company, DCP in the early 2000’s. The Companies had to make the decisions to cut costs and this included sending employees home.

        We have to be realistic and not have closed eyes and expect to see things the way we want to all the time. We have to look at the outside happennings. The Stock Exchange losses and what is happenning wrld wide which has an effect on all countries on the world.

        also I need to say as well that the ministers increase also went up after a long time without an increase more than 15 years – Mr Letang can give you the statistics as well.

        And being objective and thinking for myself does not mean that I support A or B part. Stop branding people because they speak their mind and do not conform to your way of thinking. I am a free lance thinker.

        Lets be realistic!

  22. observer
    November 21, 2012

    The government has no money. Look at the global economy? Things are bad everywhere. Why put d government under so much pressure!!!!!! When things get better they will pay. I am not a public servant but just trying to be real.

    • A big DLP Clown
      November 21, 2012

      My brother/sister what are you saying? You forget our master building a 27 million dollar state house? What you talking about?

      • possie
        November 21, 2012

        what i hearing dere nuh, we never got our 5% back, even when they told us the economy had gone back on track… Liat got $8 million, we could have gotten one in dat, they got 47% pay hike, so is us that more tebeh den, boy lets rally with our Union, if it comes to shutting down the country like what Charles Savarin showed us to do, we doing it

      • You are sooooo wrong
        November 21, 2012

        the funding is from whom, do you expect funding to pay salary increase

    • Creds
      November 21, 2012

      The government has been caught in an ongoing conundrum.

      From elections they have trumpeted the story that Dominica is doing well fiscally and that this government is fiscally responsible. They have the largest Cabinet in the Caribbean outside of Trinidad and Jamaica, and boast about how they can give money to Liat, and also to ailing economies in the OECS(remember that ?).

      Now, the reality sets in. They really are presiding over a failing economy, which should really mean that we should NOT have more than 8 ministers.

      If that truth was in the public domain, then the PSU would have nothing to argue. But the problem is the LIE has become the truth.

      The economy is really smoke and mirrors, formed on ‘bom’ as we call it, with so many women subsisting because of some extra man or men paying them for sexual favours.

      The rest is a small revolving door of party loyalists who get to eat well sitting on boards doing nothing but playing met veye, and of course the usual suspects of businesses who have aligned themselves to the government to ensure the status quo. You know their names.

      And in the meantime the labour power masses are catching hell, and are too afraid to even appear on camera much less be heard dissenting.

      Its a funny funny situation.

      The same people will walk up to you and ask your opinion to carry story about how you anti Labour.

      My advice. Always tell them life is great. There is no greater payback for a wasted vote than being brokes and vex and not being able to say anything about it.

      You dont matter any more.

    • RIDDLe
      November 21, 2012

      i love allu excuse, things bad everywhere… 8 million for liat, 27 million for mansion, tax payers money for red clinic, more advisors than a church full of people, to many useless and lazy ministers,dominica doing so good it giving other caribbean islands loans, money for catholic church, 8 million dollar mansion, over 30 million dollar apartments, land fraud transaction,4 hundred thousand dollar house, property in dubai, passport tu pas tu and sick old ministers that wont resign

      civilservants lets blaze the place with a strike

      • November 21, 2012

        I thank you

  23. Seminole Ave
    November 21, 2012

    Wonder if Dominican Civil Servants will turn out in Massive Numbers…hmm

    They such a divided and small minded set of citizens it’s alarming, they lack thinking abilities.

    They settle for less and are extremely timid and passive across the board..

    Their Policy Makers ARE NOT SMART and can be fooled easily by showmanship Regime.

    Dominica is just the Lesser period, that’s why they remain the POOREST IN THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN!

    • father
      November 21, 2012

      take all that, what you have said and shob them up the capital of your mind…………………..

      • possie
        November 21, 2012

        he/she doh lie, it burn you man?

    • ???????????
      November 21, 2012

      Seminole we are not the Poorest in the Eastern Caribbean. We have a lot of resources. They are not small minded too. You seem not to be in tune with what is happenning world wide and the economic turn down. Greece even in Barbados, They want to streamline workers. You insult your people and say they lack thinking abilities.

      I dare you put on your thinking cap – do research. Ask if you donot know about Greece and all the other 1st World countries who are going through this crisis. Read the news. Look at the news. Leave the other soaps etc and movies for a while and listen to BBC, Al jazeerah, Fox, CNN, DBS, Caribbean News, DNO and all the other news channel and then you will see who lacks thinking abilities. I dare you! ?????????? for you – Would you give your child(ren) all that they saw with their eyes that they wanted as against what that is needed????????????????

    • Blue Marlin
      November 21, 2012

      Well said Seminole Ave!. Divided and small minded citizens. They lack critical thinking and settle for less. The people of Dominica need to change their mind set and come up with creative solutions.

  24. November 21, 2012

    How can the civil servants sit back and allow this government. To treat them with such disregard. The ministers increased their salaries by over 50%. They also boosted their allowances. Then there is an oversized cabinet with advisors who cannot even advise kinder garden kids- the gigantic salaries and even traveling benifits. Then there are ambassadors who useless, consultants all useless.
    Then there is massive corruption where a certain company owned by ministers, their brothers they arrest government projects at high markups then turn around and give public works the project less the markup. Go on line and see who run the company a man who has no experience in construction or running any business of that size and nature. We all know that this CEO is just fronting for the minister he worked for in retail business.

    • Lol
      November 21, 2012

      Envy!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • Fairness!!
        November 21, 2012

        yes pure envy

      • November 21, 2012

        My grand ma thought me never to be envious of improprieties for there will be a day of reckoning. As for me i work hard for everything and never look to politicians for survival. I shall talk about corruption no matter which party or group in government.
        I must admit that if ignorance was a noble possession i would definitely be jealous of you Lol cause you do have a plethora of ignorance. Maybe you should consider opening an ignorance bank. Guaranteed to do well.

    • carrottop
      November 21, 2012

      I agree, 100 percent

    • REEEED
      November 21, 2012

      But Mr. Frenz u sooooo upset about d government and their advisors, why would you not counsel public officers to behave as professionals so that administrations in the future do not make the same mistakes.

      I also hope that you do not make yourself available to aid in National Development in the capacity as a Board of Director, an advisor, or an ambassador.

      • ???????????
        November 21, 2012

        Thank you REEED . Frenz make yourself available and I support and quote from REEED above”I also hope that you do not make yourself available to aid in National Development in the capacity as a Board of Director, an advisor, or an ambassador.”

        Too much talking and no action Frenz. Before crying make meaningful contributions instead of just hitting on one person. Dominica is all ours not just those who were elected. They may not be there tomorrow so we have to stop talking – either we pray or put our heels to the wheel and be productive – to the Civil Servants as well.

  25. RIDDLe
    November 21, 2012

    less than one percent.. and dem servants blaming letang..
    if allu come out and strike things will happen,
    remmember pocket before party.

    • ???????????
      November 21, 2012

      Remember Country before self. Productivity brings money or savings and those savings can go back as bonus, increases etc! LOL the cart before the horse. Let us work diligently and avoid wastage so Government can have less expediture so they can afford to give 2% and more next time around. Save time as well. Do an 8 hour job well. Do not linger during the day and then at 4.00 start OT because you want more money. Let us be realistic and be productive. Then productivity and no wastage will boost better spending and you will get a better increase next time.

  26. grell
    November 21, 2012

    dno can you put a recent pic of Mr Letang hope they fight and strike for what belongs to them.skerro is all set.

  27. Shameless
    November 21, 2012

    Until Mr. Letang grow some B*lls he will remain a nonessential in my view. The anointed on is silently laughing at such inflated statements knowing full well that this is jus for show. Just wait until tomorrow when Letang will say the general membership voted to accept the government offer. :twisted:

    Assertive, NOT agressive!

    • November 21, 2012

      Shameless Letang is not DPU and it is fair to say that Letang is trying to awake a tranquilized public servicants most of whom are high on RJJ- Red Joy Juice. Back in the 70’s80’s people genuinely pursued independence and resented colonialism. The Patrick John government just happen to be in position to feel the blunt of the revolutionary mentality at the time. HERO turn Zero Charles Saverin was also a beneficiary. I am convinced that Charles Saverin of 1978 could not motivate the present DPU under the circumstances.
      I think that Letang understands that he is swimming against the tide and he must therefore swim with caution.

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