STATEMENT: Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) on 2025 salary negotiations

The Dominica Public Service Union informs public officers that negotiations with the Government of Dominica for the trienniums 2021-2024 & 2024-2027 have been concluded.

The Union is pleased to report that the proposals agreed to will positively benefit public officers.

Summary of Agreed Benefits :

– All non-established workers will now receive the bridge pension, paid by Government, upon reaching retirement age, similar to established public officers.
– Paternity Leave has been increased from three (3) days to seven (7) days.
– 85 non-established employees have been approved for establishment as public officers.
– A policy to increase pensions for Government pensioners has been approved. Pensioners will receive an increase every 3 years, aligned with Social Security legislation.
– Government has agreed to a bridge pension, covering the difference when transitioning to Social Security benefits at the DSS pensionable age.
– Several allowances have been revised: separation allowance, shoe allowance, travel allowance. The mileage rate has increased and will be reviewed every three years.
– Teachers will receive a resource allowance of $250, paid in September each year.
– A one-off payment of 50% (equivalent to one month’s salary) to officers who received less than 1% increase from reclassification or salary revision; 35% to those who received less than 3%; and 25% to those under 4%.

Salary Increases for the Period:

– 2024/25 = 3%
– 2025/26 = 2%
– 2026/27 = 3%

It is anticipated that the increases for 2024/26 will be paid by the end of September, with retroactive pay to follow the next month. The 3% increase for 2026/27 will be paid next year.

Additional Agreements:

– A comprehensive organizational review and reclassification exercise will be conducted every ten (10) years.
– Salary structure review will occur every five (5) years.
– The last job evaluation and salary structure implementation took effect on September 1, 2023.
– Government has committed to considering a phased insurance allowance for public officers; details will be finalized during the next triennium.
– Non-salary benefits related to health and wellness, education, and member support have also been agreed upon.

Special Announcement:

After twenty-five (25) years, a salary adjustment has been implemented for Village Council Clerks, effective July 1, 2025. The adjustment amounts to $439.67.

The Union emphasizes that officers working within local authorities should benefit from collective bargaining and will continue advocating for fair compensation and treatment.