The Police Welfare Association will be meeting with its members on November 30, to decide on a way forward after salary negotiations with the government ended in failure.
Chairman of the association, Jefferson Drigo, said the police have refused the offer tabled by the government on the matter.
Drigo said the association’s executive recently met with government officials to discuss salary increases for 2010-2011 and 2011-12. “During negotiations the government negotiating team offered the police 1 percent for 2010-2011 and 1 percent for 2011-2012 with no consideration for other non-salary benefits,” he said.
He pointed out that the offer was turned down and a meeting will be held on November 30 to discuss the next step.
Drigo said the police are proposing 7 percent salary increase for 2010-2011 and 9 percent for 2011-2012.
He stated that the last time the police got an increase was for the 2009-2010 period when 6 percent was proposed and the government offered 3 percent with other non-salary benefits. “And we accepted,” he noted.
According Drigo, it should be taken into account that contributions from salaries to Social Security will be increasing by .25 percent per year over the next three years. “It will eventually amount to 1 percent,” he pointed out. “When we do the maths you will notice that the 1 percent we are given in one hand is taken in the other hand.”
The government is also at odds with the Dominica Public Services Union (DPSU) over salary increases for public servants it represents. At a meeting on Wednesday, members turned down the offer of 1 percent offered and gave the government until December 14 to settle the matter ‘amicably.
Meanwhile President of the Dominica Association of Teachers (DAT) Celia Nicholas, speaking to the media recently, was tight-lipped about details of salary negotiations between her organization and the government of Dominica.
“We discussed the issues re salary with the teachers which is government’s proposal to us of one percent for 2010/2011; also one percent for 2011/2012,” Nicholas said. “We will be informing the government team about the decision taken by the teachers. I don’t know what they have accepted or not accepted but a decision was taken and due information will be given,” she said.
She explained that DAT had also asked government for two other matters which she said was to be presented to Cabinet and the teacher’s union was awaiting a response on those matters.
Government take their share now we want our share of the pie. 1% is equivalent to 100% disrepect. One dollar can no longer buy a pound of sugar and you all talking 1% for 2011 2012. Be reasonable and you all will come and ask for our vote to stay in office for the next 20 years. Dont let us become like the Antguans and jamaicans.
Police need incremet of salary
first there wont be any increase for the police. Crime is on the increase, cops are being arrested and u ask for an increase. Drigo we have worked together in the pass and all you did was drink rum. Today you head the associationmy god. So people you see where i am coming from.
I see where you coming from- crack house is where you coming from cause you sound like a crack head
Patrick John offered Charles Saveriv 79% he rejected that offer and demanded 123%. That was in 1978.
Why are salary negotiations always backward looking instead of forward looking? We are talking about 2010-2011 and 2011-2012!!
Government must negotiate in good faith, and so should the police and public servants (including teachers and nurses). Government should start by cutting all salaries above $5000.00 by 10%. Then all salaries above $4000.00 should be frozen for the next 3 years. That’s the only way to explain to public servants that the country is facing a financial crisis.
Public servants should agree to 1% back pay (’cause that’s what it is), for 2010-2012 but should be given a 5% increase to span 2013-2015 (3 years – a frozen rate).
Whether we hate DLP or not, whatever they negotiate now must be sustained by every government of the future. Have we increased our productive sector or do we hope to borrow to pay salary increases? Should we tax the suffering farmers, groaning small businesses and struggling hoteliers to pay salary increases? You tell me!!
1% of a $2000.00 salary is only $20.00 but if 5000 public servants are each given $20 then the country has an extra commitment of $100 000.00 per month and $1.2 million dollars per year. For a country with struggling banana and tourism industries, this is huge. But I do agree that workers should have reasonable increases and ministers should have their salaries cut. If government talks austerity, they should be willing to set positive examples.
I thought excellence deserve merit and rewards. But note thst underpaid police officers giveway to temptation and corruption which is no stranger to the the DPF.
tell the police to come better than that if they want an increase…..crime is on a rapid increase….they aint even doin much for robberies…robberies have fun with ppl belongings…and show off right infront of u….killers go free cus police aint dig up for evidence to put them away for life…..they dont patrol the streets…they dont do vehicle inspections(drivers get away with running over pedestrians or causing accidents)….drivers fly the highways….speed overtake…i see the police do the same…..wake up police…start to work and get paid for how u work……then domincans will push for that increase (rally behind u) but for now….get to working
I would like to say that there are some in the Police Department who are dedicated to their work and do an outstanding job but there are clouds of distrust in every community for the few Officers who have ‘Friends’ who are selling drugs and guns.
Dominica is a very small Country where everyone sooner or later ‘knows’ what is going on behind ever bush and rock.
For example; Is it true that there has been an airplane landing at the airport on Thursday mornings before sunrise, taking on fuel, exchanging items and then flying to Puerto Rico.
Is it true that after this plane left Dominica and the guns and drugs were being unloaded in Puerto Rico, all of the US Custom Officers who were getting paid off for the illegal flights , were caught red handed and arrested.
Yes the United States is (very aware) of Dominica. They are aware of what happens here and who is involved… Are you ?
It is time, we the police make the government respect us. Without us, the police, airport close down, PM and PRESIEDNT without security. I already tell policemen, they can get any increase they want. WHat happen in Jamaica, can happen here and they will have no choice but to give it. Let them call me a revolutionist. Police i all the way with what ever decision we decide to take. If it means we saty out of work till they give us that increase. We getting little money compare to the other islands. What they can do? Fire all of us when we stay home? We can get anything we want. And i am disappointed in the minister of Nationa Security in accepting 1 percent. A man who onced demanded a big increase in time of Patrick John administration.
Most of these officers do not serve the citizenry of the state. They serve Skerrit.I concur that most do not need anything.They are inefficient,too political and unprofessional in the conduct of their duties.
HE WILL TREAT THEM WITH CONTEMPT,AND HE IS RIGHT!
You all need ZERO increase!!!!!
For them to get an increase they have to kneel down and kiss Skerrit foot. After that they will be promoted.
Nurses need to ask for there 7 percent too
I am not reading the statement, I am not reading the posts. I think the police should get raise based on PERFORMANCE. McDonald’s raise its employee’s pay at this rate 25cents for excellence, 15cents for average, 10cents for effort, and 0cents for just being an employee. Everyone should know all employee receive raises based on PERFORMANCE. I do not see PERFORMANCE. The Government should give CREDIT where CREDIT is due. Some of them do deserve a RAISE.
Boy what happen to allu dominicans in america nuh????? Allu should not be afforded an opinion on CERTAIN issue till you all live here for at least 1 FULL year.. Those domericans there is jus daybar. Coming and talk about mcdonalds, stupessssssssssssssssssssssss
No wonder you flipping burgers at Mc Donalds.
Who in this world that is under paid feels like working. Why should someone work and at the end of the month your head is ready to EXPLODE under financial poroblems? The prime minister tells you to come to the RED CLINIC for MONEY so that your pride can be taken from you and you are label a BEGGAR.
people are so low minded,all of them saying no to the salary increase to police officers, when something happen to them they running police headquaters and make complain lol idiots.wen election coming the government giving them paint to paint there house lol and when they put who they put in power they makin noise saying they not good lol.vote for paint lol
well if the government dont want to honor the request of the police all we officers have to do is strike like antigua did wen they demanded 40 percent. after striking they got it by the hook or the crook. so we here in dominica need to pull a serious strike let the government officials tremble in their offices let them see is that we the people that run the country and is we that put then in the positions they now hold. make them respect the votes they receive.
What is happening is the chickens are coming home to roost. police officers some of them my friends have given up their integrity, morals and even civic duty to defend a corrupt and unproductive labor administration, iTeachers and Civil servants some of them are my friends, relatives , acquaintances they to have defended this lazy administration even while they can see that the country is in reverse gear. All these people have been making excuses and even singing if nt SKERRIT who. Guess what the fire had been under your feet now it is burning in your pockets. It is about to get worse.
Let them stand on their own , stop the silent suffering and continue to pay your bills in increments or on kwedit. Keep singing something happening cause I know things are happening in your homes, with Marpin, Top ups, ,DOMLEC, Dowasco. Are you still sending money to relatives in the USA
Keep singing when we get to glory land
I hear the red clinic patients going on strike next week. Peeping Tom the General Secretary of the Red Clinic union says he wants 5%. But i hear Observer wants as additional benifits a delivery system to drop of the government cheese instead if the humiliation of walking up the stairs of the financial building. Jude Nicholas wants his red clinic check posted instead.
1% of 1000.00 is 10.00 so even they made 5000 a month which i doubt. thats only 50.00 wow I thought dca was doing so good they lending money
Well well, I hope Ms.Nicholas makes sure she is working in her members’ best interests eh… Go public servants go! Cause’ when this administration increased their salaries by 47% and increased their benefits, increased number of ministers and advisers and junior ministers, body guards and other allowances, they were not concerned about whether the country could afford it. The members of this administration are like vampires sucking the life out of Dominica. Just look at the state of the economy right now. They say that the entire world is going through global financial crisis so we are too; bull crap! Dominica should not be going through any economic crisis with the assets we have: water, fertile soil and sand/stones. See the amount of sand coming from the layou river right now, why don’t we have a cement factory? Why don’t we have a barge to ship this overseas for profit? This sand is high quality sand and its just there watching us in layou. This administration has no foresight, no vision on how to make this country come out of the hole it is in. You know how many countries would love to have what we have… The only vision they have is to see all where they can push money in their pockets…just a shame.
The words of the PM A COUNTRY GETS THE GOVERNMENT IT DESERVES….A Failed State!
Drigo, Drigoooooo boy put some sense in your head. Government offering 1% you asking for 7 and 9? where they getting it for you? four and five sounds more like it. Now all the idiots who using this issue to come down on police officers plz get a life. Only when you all are directly affected you all crying police police. One day you all will ask for police but will never find them. Engrois
carnival, creole festival, christmas and all other senseless activities you all have police working their guts out for the same minimum wage not other for of compensation yet still they not doing anything? only when it comes to giving you all wavers , backstamping passports for you all and giving you all clean police records when indeed you all have convictions police nice? Time will tell
The police=Skerrit,,,,,,,,,Skerrit= the Police….MEM BET MET PWELL……………
DON’T GIVE THEM ANYTHING SKERRIT….99% of them are part of the spoil that has infested this once beautiful country called DOMINICA.
A whole lot of them are too political and deserve nothing OR ZERO PERCENT (0%)… The police force is one of the failed institutions on island.Many of them were hand picked by Parl Reps anyway,so Skerrit can kick them all around lioke footballs, but alas there are some genuine ones,and this is the problem.
Well boys, it appears that you are going to have to deal a little more drugs, steal some more guns and sell some more passports to make ends meet! Because is only the ministers of government and their advisors and ambassadors that can expect proper pay and benefits in this civil service in Dominica. By the way remember when the civil service was exactly that, for those who chose to serve. Now ministers getting rich in the civil service and is the little teacher, police, nurse and so and so they squeezing and what hurt me the most is that Dominicans supporting that because of party politics. Shame shame shame Dominicans!
What ever you decide we along for the ride.
I strongly believe that the police officers deserve their seven % increase. # who feels it knows it.(lazy,unproductive) choose your words wisely Bro….
No they don’t… What r they doing to deserve it?
A you kidding me they deserve 7% but the civil service servants should take 1% tell me what are you smoking.
Hold tight officers. No politics here nor party is interest of members and the financial issues confronting your memberships. Therefore best solution is to be united all unions work as a united team.
give them the increase and them clean up the bad and dishonest ones
and what have u done to contribute to country?
my comment was in relation to john’s and annonymous comments
I’m not saying that I’m against police officers receiving a raise BUT on what grounds are they getting a raise here? I mean if these police officers step up and start proving that they can perform their job better than what’s being done right now then YES I could agree upon a 7-9% increase. After all, after being in Mourne Bruce for 6 Months, being drilled every morning (maybe every morning), learning to utilize firearms, MY QUESTION IS, where is the training of learning to solve crimes? Where is the basic motto to protect and serve, which they don’t execute well. WHEN THESE POLICE OFFICERS STOP DRINKING SO MUCH ALCOHOL on a working day, when they receive the proper training on solving crimes, when they start patrolling the streets more often instead of hanging out with their buddies having a good time then I will SHOW MY FULL SUPPORT on giving them a 7-9% increase in their salary. Until then, no increase to drink more alcohol and party more.
You are just full of crap, (I ON YOUR CASE) can you tell me what is a police officer working ours. It seems to me you dont think they deserve to have a life of their own. I assuming you want them to come hang out at your home. You seems to be one of those sour fools who only want police to work in your intrease. The only person who seems to be influence by alcohol is you, your judgment seems to have been altered. Your thinking is like a child. I know christmas is coming, so please stop, LEAVE THE POLICE ALONE. they work their guts out to make this country as safe as it can be. When all the suspected drugs guys go missing why dont you go look for them. Do you know who go look for them POLICE. When drugs men are there spoiling and ruining the young men and denegrating young women, where are you what are you contributing to help stop antisocial behaviours. The police is always under constant threat, their families in exposed to danger. When police are been attacked you praise it and say the deserve it. When the delinquents and and criminals are arrested you all shout out leave poor people children alone. THE POLICE IS THE HARDEST WORKING ORGANISATION IN THE COUNTRY AND DESERVE 7-9%. SO FOOL GO AND DRINK ON THAT.
MISS CONCERN for your information, The only thing I see influencing you here is bad grammar. For example, the word is ***HOURS*** and NOT *OURS*… ***INTEREST*** and NOT ***INTREASE*** UNLIKE YOU, MY comment was factual and debatable instead of making a comment that is about my personal interest. I know Drigo personally and if I can advice my friend positively then you should mind your own business and stop making bias comments and read and understand my points. MERRY CHRISTMAS FOOL AND I guess you’re one of those women that wait around for the police officers to pay your bills for you while they have their wives at home. NOW YOU GO DRINK TO THAT!!!!!
The gov’t is broke, they building a state palace while they broke, all-u cannot wait then? There’s no money, all the police do is stay at police station and cook braff and look for marijuana, you want an increase for that? smh…lol, a-joke-dat-man!
woye woye woye something’s happening.
POLICE LETS WORK TOGETHER(DPSU) AND WE WILL GET REPECT…
saverin must go home so other people can get jobs, he was not even elected and is 69 years old at that.. that man make all his money already, its time for him to retire
imagine that the police getting a one and one for 2010-11, and 2011-12 and their salary is more than a civil servant that getting 1 percent only..
BUT THE POLICE WILL ACCEPT IT BECAUSE WELFARE ASSOCIATION A AND BAND OF LABAR ACOLITES
Hi, Mr Drigo am a supporter of the Police Department because I spent twenty four years with the New York City Police Department. I have never received a one year pay increase of Sever and Nine percent in any one year. I feel a proper request would be Three percent for 2010-2011 , Four percent for 2012-2013 and the Government should increase the uniform allowance buy two hundred dollars. I also feel that Officers contract should be three years so don’t have to deal with this every year. Thanks Officers you all are doing a good job whith the resources you have.
NYPD starting salary of $45 K. After 6 months $46 K. After 4the years increases bring $63 K and after 5.5 years increases bring $90K. Now that does not even account for the benifits that grows with seniority.
So talk your pawol enitil.
All of that doesn’t matter. To me it is just hypocrisy and foolishness to bring in NYPD OR LAPD or any orther PD in this affair. Why haven’t you provided input on how the NYPD would close the fire bombing.
Hi, you made some good points but I didn’t comment on their salary rather I commented on the yearly percentage increase that Mr Drigo requested which seems excessive. Look based on what I read about the fire bombing it is clear to me that the Police know who committed the arson.
Maybe there are some other motive why the Police is not looking to make an arrest. Maybe we need an outside agency with subpoena and arrest powers to reinvestigate this crime. I have commented on this issue on prior posts and its not a difficult crime to solve.
Did you have a three year contract with the NYPD? Sometimes some of you just babble away uninformed. NYPD terms of employment and Dominica are different and Dominicans police and civil servants can ask and demand of the government whatever wage increases they like thank you!! DO you have any clue the conditions these people have to work under while dummies are exploding in their jackets off the fat of our tax money? Negotiations will bring about hopefully something worthwhile so let them demand what they want.
By the way who tell you is every year they are dealing with this issue? This is coming up because the government has not been honouring their side of the established contracts, so the back wages are constantly on the front burner. Why not pay them off, and establish something fresh and stick to it?
Hi, based on what I read in the article. Mr Drigo asked for 7 and 9 percent per year. As a supervisor we had three and five year contracts and we received zero up front but the City raised their contribution to our deferred compensation plan and our uniform allowance . I am a supporter of the Police Department and I hope they receive a decent wage increase but they should negotiate for a three or five year contract.
you guys should think if you ask for 3% you may get %, but if you ask for 7 to 9 % you may get 3% thats the way you negotiate
@ TONY :It’s easy to tell when some of you lose touch with Dominica. You just found DNO man you all over the place ranting senselessly? Calm down and welcome papa!! NYPD ki-sah? NYPD officers salary and benefits can compare to what Dominican and regional police get paid? You are out of touch on many things going on in Dominica so sit back and relax your comments make no sense and add nothing.By the way were you a police officer or an adminstrative employee of the NYPD?
Hi, Please don’t be to Fed Up. First I did not just find DNO and I didn’t compare the Dominica Police Officers salary with that of NYPD Officers salary. I commented on the percentage increase of 7&9 percent that Mr Drigo requested which I said seems excessive to me. Well I will admit that am a littleout of touch with the politics of Dominica because I could not believe how it is dividing some of my family in Dominica. I know how politicians argue with each other during the day but at night they go to the same restaurant and have dinner together.
Now to address your last comment. I held the following ranks with NYPD, Police Officer, Detective Third Grade, Detective Second Grand, Detective First Grade, Sergeant and Sergeant Specical Assignment which was at the same pay scale as a Lieutenant . I was also the Commamding Officer of a Detective Squad where I supervise Two Sergeants, Thirty six Detectives and Three civilians. I have five family members who are members of the Dominica Police Department and I hope they received a reasonable pay increase. Also one of my nephew who is a member of DPF is currently in New York with me and I was able to get him a seat to attend the NYPD Internal Bureau course where he is learning to fight corruption. I will always feel welcome in my country .
What? Police looking for a 9% increase??? Whoa
Talk al the talk but Skerrit and this Labor party is the best thing to ever happen in Dominica since the biggest disaster of installing the new prime minister after the death of Pierre Charles. The installation of this PM after Pierre Charles will be remembered with even worse feeling than those of Hurricane David and Disaster Charles Saverin
true talk!
Lol anonymous is such an idiot that the sacarsm just flew right into the face and still did not recognize the essence of the comment
Let us hear those Laborats criticize the police and chastise them for being inefficient. On your marks get set go
And can it be…
My Fellow Dominicans,particularly our Dear Police Officers, I was almost blindsided by the news caption “Gov’t, police at odds.” Let me state categorically that your government will never be at odds with you. I appreciate everything that our amazing police have done and the truth is, I do not want to make the same mistake the last administration did by making promises that they couldn’t keep.
When our police do not feel good, they cannot be happy and I am proposing my own plan that will reward those officers who make the mark. To the other officers, your increase will come but more likely in 2014. Have a little patience.
As you know, because of our good human relations policies, morale among our police is at an all time high. We have implemented protocols to keep us informed of everything that happens in our towns and villages, no one is above the law and more importantly we exercise due diligence on the issuance of firearms. Thanks to our efforts, our country is still one of the safest places; crime has dropped off the scale so much so that it even prompted the former Police Chief to write to the Americans to request an Arsonist.
My dear Police Officers, please know that you are very important in our quest to move this country to the next level.
Thank you.
we in the next level already, sadine 4 dollars, corn beef almost 9 dollars, gas 16 per gallon…some people weighting fig in de market. i noticed you were subtle with the police and harsh with the civil servants.. the question is, are you affaid of the police or are you one of the labor bishops that uses the police to protect your corrupt and evil practices. the police have guns and civil servants dont, or so you fill.. do you think you will be protected when the shit hits the fan?.. i hope your rain coat is toughened plastic, cause you will stink of it.
When the poeple of the Island cannot trust their policemen/women and the police department how do you expect us to accept your analyse the men in white/gray do not deserve any increase in pay.
You cant even detect simple sarcasm?
is history being repeated?
Hold your own officers! Drigo watch back because you know how people can be victimized for standing up against bad government policies.
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
work with result. make us safe again and trust. all the increase is yours. no 3, 2, 1 percent thats what we can give now or what about a cut people trust God he will do the rest.
yes sa papa, first is civil servants now is police. two sets of lazy and unproductive set of the labor force. Police like they always on vacation, have nothing to do and involve in more corruption than civilians but is they that want to hold the country at ransome…but one day one day….
There is corruption because police salaries are inadequate. The Judges are paid well so they dont fall victim to corrupt practices. Think about it.
So Skertit, Timothy, Tony and others are corrupt because they don’t make enough?
i dont know what u talkin about..but my husband is a police officer and i already tell him its time to leave that *** force because he has no time for his self muchless for family..
Police don’t do nothing to deserve an increase…
They are Skerrit’s puppet so i concur. In addition the whole police institution is a failed institution on island.
The police officers here are fully underpaid for all the hours that they have to work an incrtease of one percent is a joke we talking about 27 dollars d police should get an incrtease of 300 dollars easilly things getting hartder ministers pay increase well d countrys security should be priority on d list without them government would fall no order no peace rioting stealing killing rape and fire bombing would be on the rampage treat the police well so that they can be happy and do well