Public Services Association (PSA) president Felisha Thomas has dismissed claims that the union is receiving political favours after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar directed the National Insurance Board (NIBTT) to pay outstanding 2014–2016 arrears to 950 workers, estimated at $100 million.
Critics, including PNM MP Brian Manning and the Banking Insurance and General Workers Union (BIGWU), called the move political payback for PSA’s support of the UNC in the April elections. Manning argued the Government is trying to appease the PSA ahead of failing to deliver its promised 10% salary increase, which he said is fiscally impossible.
BIGWU president Don Devenish agreed the payout was political but noted NIBTT had already set aside funds. He urged fairness for other unions still awaiting settlements. NATUC said it was too early to claim bias but pressed for payment of the outstanding 12% increase owed to port workers.
Thomas hit back, saying the arrears stemmed from a court-approved agreement and cannot be labelled favouritism. She expressed confidence the Government will honour its 10% promise and insisted the PSA remains united with other unions.
The PSA–NIBTT dispute, based on the blocked 2014–2016 wage settlement, remains before the Industrial Court and is expected to be heard this week.
Leave a Reply