And while the PSU's members voted a resounding no for the pay cut, the Minister of Education feels that the union leaders have a different view. Francis Fonseca is part of the ministerial team that has been engaging with the unions for the past few weeks and last night on Uncut, he told us that though the joint unions have basically rejected all of their recommendations, but he still believes the leaders are simply acting on behalf of their membership. He said that he feels the leaders themselves understand the economic crisis and the need for salary cuts.
Hon. Francis Fonseca - Minister of Education & Culture "I believe as I said earlier I genuinely and sincerely believe that the leaders that we are engaged with at the table are acting in good faith. I believe they understand the severity of the economic crisis that the country is facing. I think in good faith they want to work with us and find the solution. I keep making this point, there is a trust gap that exists that they themselves are frustrated that they are not able to bridge that gap between ourselves, themselves, and their membership."
Jules Vasquez "So, are you saying that the union leaders are of one mind and their membership are of another one? That the union leadership accepts the position of the government?"
Hon. Francis Fonseca "My sense is obviously I don't speak for them but my sense is that they do accept that we have to make these adjustments."
