Budget 2019 consultations continue, GPSU submits wish list

─ Minister Sharma says consultations satisfactory

─ Higher wages, better working conditions priorities for GPSU

DPI, Guyana, Friday, September 7, 2018

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma expressed satisfaction with the pace and tone of ongoing 2019 National Budget consultations. Following the conclusion of the second day of consultations, the minister said, the unions are proposing what they believe to be fair and reasonable.

He added that discussions with trade union representatives were cordial thus far, “…they put their proposals forward and explained what they were expecting”.

Minister Sharma shared that the longest submission was from the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU). He described many of the proposals submitted as fair, with some issues being decades old, “they keep recurring … since 1992.”

This afternoon’s consultations featured the GPSU led by Chairman, Patrick Yarde, executives and branch representatives from several sectors. The union head highlighted issues such as public service wages, working conditions and lack of equipment.

The minister assured that the submitted measures will be considered, and could find favour, once they fall within the parameters of the budget. Minister Sharma reminded that whilst every sector demands resources, these are limited, particularly with revenue collection, hence the need by government to prioritise how allocations are made.

Budget 2019 consultations continue on September 10 at the Finance Ministry’s boardroom from 10:00hrs.

By: Paul Mc Adam.

Image: Jameel Mohamed.