And tomorrow, the BNTU president along with the rest of the joint union leaders will be meeting with the government about their 10% pay cut and their frozen increments. But last week the prime minister said he doesn't think they're at a financial position to reinstate the 10% and the increments. Today Smith said that they'll be the ones to judge after they see the documents.
Elena Smith, President, BNTU
"Our meeting for tomorrow should be on. We don't expect that there is going to be any change in that. We've had several changes so we don't expect any more changes and we look forward in hearing from the government side in terms of the government's financial position of the country where we are with that, how those expenses has been going, collections and where are we in terms of the 10% and the increment freeze of our membership."
Reporter
"The prime minister has already said that he doesn't thing they are ready to take off the pay cut from the unions and we when we ask him about your letter that asks for a certain information to be disclosed, he said he only give what was relevant. What was your reaction to this?"
Elena Smith, President, BNTU
"This is not about what the prime minister thinks or what he feels. It has been very clear that once the country gets to a position where we can afford to be given back our 10%, that it should happen. So, regardless if he feels that we deserve now or not, if the position is that we are able to then that's what we will fight for."
Reporter
"And if when you see the finances in your viewpoint and I know you have to go back to your membership and the lawyers that you guys have, you believe that this is the time that you can get your money or you can get back your increments and your full pay, will you fight for that again?"
Elena Smith, President, BNTU
"Well of course. Once we get to that point that we see the numbers are showing that we are able to, that will go to our membership and our membership will decide then what will be the next step. But of course, if it is that all documents are showing that we can, then we will fight for it."
