PNC prepared to mobilise `political forces'
THE opposition People's National Congress (PNC) says it is prepared to mobilise its "political forces" to support the public servants in their "just" cause. In a statement following the 31.06 per cent and 26.67 pay increases announced by the public service arbitration tribunal, the party said the government must pay. It called on public servants to stand firm and demand the wage and salary increases that are justly theirs. "The PNC demands that the regime (and more specifically the Honourable Bharrat Jagdeo) should make an unambiguous statement accepting the award and give a commitment to honour it with immediate effect," the statement said. President Jagdeo has scheduled a press conference at 10:00 hrs at the Office of the President today to address issues from the award and other matters. Leader of The United Force (TUF), Mr. Manzoor Nadir, yesterday said he was happy that the award has been had, adding that the government and the unions had entered into an agreement to be bound by it. "I expect both parties to honour the award that was handed down by the arbitration panel...I don't understand what the ruckus is about", he said. He observed that the award had come down more on the side of the unions and the workers, and the government had earlier pledged to honour the award. "...this is the first test of Bharrat Jagdeo as President," Nadir said. He stated, however, that the tribunal should have stayed away from issues as to whether or not the government is collecting taxes or if tax defaulters are being persecuted to the fullest. The executive of the Federated Union of Government Employees (FUGE) met yesterday to examine the award and recognised two minor clarifications, which will be looked at later, a press release said. It stated that although the award for 1999 and the year 2000 fell below its demand and expectations, the union grouping has decided to recommend it to its membership for acceptance. FUGE thanked the tribunal for its award and recommendations and called on workers who will benefit to give their best towards increased efficiency, production and productivity.
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