Government says it's flat broke and absolutely HAS TO save 60 million dollars on wages and 20 million on increments in the next fiscal year, but the unions aren't caving to that ultimatum.
Last week, they were tasked with developing a counterproposal to GOB's initial proposal of 10% salary cuts and increment freezes for three years. Well tonight, reliable reports tell us that they have rejected salary cuts on a whole in that counterproposal.
An internal memo from the BNTU dated March 10 advised its members that two unions have agreed to accept a one year increment freeze as a compromise. There is no suggestion of salary cuts in the memo.
The BNTU then asked their members to fill out a survey by March 15, which is today. That survey poses the question, "Would you accept one year increment freeze as a compromise to GoB's proposal instead of 10% salary cut and increment freeze for three years?"
The PSU reportedly also met with its members today. The unions are expected to present their counterproposal to the government, who will then make the next move.
We are a little over ten days away from March 26, when the budget is expected to be presented - including these cuts. On Wednesday night, the Minister of state in the Ministry of Finance will be on uncut to explain the government's position.
