Last month we told you that the error in how the BDF soldiers' salaries were calculated was fixed, which meant that a good number of soldiers would be taking home less money. And while it's not a pay cut - it's less take home money. But, today the Minister of Defense said that the soldiers understood what was happening. And that's also because with the correction of the salaries came two new allowances.
Oscar Mira, Minister of National Security and Border Defense
"It's not a pay cut if it was a pay cut it would have affected 100% of the BDF, but it didn't. It affected some. So it means that there was an error in 2019 and we needed to correct it. And it has taken so long to correct. And I am pleased to see that we have now corrected it. And, not only that, but I was able to lobby cabinet to ensure that we got two allowances to all of the BDF and, not only the allowances, but also, you know, access to the commissary, which has given the BDF a morale boost."
Courtney Menzies:
"How many soldiers were affected?"
Oscar Mira, Minister of National Security and Border Defense
"I believe it's about 80% of the soldiers that were affected. It was mostly the noncommissioned officers. So the commissioners, which are two lieutenants on all the way up to general, those who were not affected. So they were receiving their correct pay. It was the other ranks, mostly privates and corporals who were receiving a salary that was not correct. And we had to correct it. And I have been informing them. I have been at the BDF price barracks making sure that they understand what we were doing. And it's not just, you know, when they look at their bank account that something is not the same as before. So they understand and we are doing everything possible to ensure that we keep the morale up and that we are giving back to them and in so many other forms."
