Public officers demand greater fiscal responsibility from government before paycut is discussed

By Benjamin Flowers: Public officers are not entirely opposed to taking a salary cut but are only prepared to do so if the Government of Belize makes key changes, according to the joint union negotiating team working with GOB on cost-saving measures.

Today the joint union, which comprises of the Nаtіоnаl Тrаdе Unіоn Соngrеѕѕ оf Веlіzе (NТUСВ), Рublіс Ѕеrvісе Unіоn (РЅU), Веlіzе Nаtіоnаl Теасhеrѕ Unіоn (ВNТU) аnd Аѕѕосіаtіоn оf Рublіс Ѕеrvісе Ѕеnіоr Маnаgеrѕ (АРЅЅМ), held a press conference in Belize City, to explain its counteroffer to GOB’s cost-saving proposal, which includes a 10 percent salary reduction and a three-year annual increment freeze. The unions said that, through its counter proposals, it is urging GOB  to consider a number of things that need to be addressed including transparency and accountability for government spending, before the conversation on salary cuts can be had.

“What we’re saying is that we have made some recommendations,” explained Sharon Fraizer, APSSM President. “If it is the government takes into consideration those recommendations and still, they are not realizing the savings that they envisioned we’re prepared to come back to the table and negotiate which might very well mean considerating of putting a cut to our members but certain things have to take place before that including necessary regulations for proper fiscal management and monitoring for how government spends.”

She added that the APSSM cannot concede to salary cuts for public officers while GOB is simultaneously approving $3 million worth of new employees or spending $84,000 on office rental space while facilities like the Laing Building are government property. The joint unions noted that systems need to be implemented to address issues like the common practice of a new government administration replacing employed public servants with new hires once they assume power.

The joint unions also noted that the government has taken the position to cut salaries without regard for the impact that taking $60 million from working-class Belizeans will have on the economy, or numerous cost-cutting and revenue-enhancing measures that the unions have repeatedly submitted over the years.

“If it is that they claim that there is no other way, there is no other method besides cutting salaries then I have to believe him (Prime Minister John Briceno) when he said that we have limited talent,” said BNTU President Elena Smith.

Smith also said that the joint unions are calling for an end to telephone and entertainment allowance, as the expenses are unnecessary. The unions said that GOB is trying to expedite the negotiations because the reading of the national budget is due soon, however, the unions maintain that concluding the negotiations with an end to set structures in place to recover and keep the economy running efficiently supersedes the time limit of the budget.

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