PSA Trinidad & Tobago

Public Services Association joins the rest of the nation in congratulating our Olympians...

After prolonged and protracted negotiations between your Union, the Public Services Association and the Government, regarding the debt owed to public officers the issue has finally been settled. In the Memorandum of Agreement agreed between the Public Services Association and the Chief Personnel Officer, dated 8th July 2002 the Government agreed to pay to Public Officers the arrears of Increment owed to them for the period 1987-1995.

According to the memorandum of Agreement this money would be paid on or before 30th November 2002. This is excellent news for public officers who have been suffering and experiencing undue hardship for 15 years since the removal of increments in 1987. It has been a long, bitter and arduous struggle by the Union through three consecutive Governments. However it is a relief to all, that this matter has come to an amicable settlement.

Members should visit their respective Ministries to ensure the accurate completion of your Pension and Leave Records. Don’t wait for the last minute to do so.                                                                                    

Labour Day 2002 was celebrated as it is usually done on 19th June 2002. This year's celebration was not without its share of controversy. There was a great deal of dialogue in the Media as to whether there would have been a celebration at all. Over two hundred PSA members attended this year's celebration. They came from South-East, Central and North regions of Trinidad and Tobago and from all Sectors of the Public Service. They were splendidly attired in their bright green jerseys with green caps and sun visors which created a beautiful scene in the bright June sun.

The Port of Spain contingent assembled at the PSA Head Office and left by Maxi Taxis to Avocat Junction to begin their March to Fyzabad. The mood was one of festivity.

On the arrival at Avocat Junction all the various groups converged together and created a large band of green accompanied by a very entertaining rhythm section comprising our members from the Mount Hope Hospital, which provided the music which propelled the March to Fyzabad.

After years of struggle some members of staff are beginning to see the light!!!

After years of denying Mrs. Jemma Gobin her just due of a 10% increase as outlined in the terms of Agreement between the Chief Personnel Officer and the Public Services Association. Mrs. Gobin finally received the 10% (2:2:6) increase as well as outstanding arrears. We continue to relentlessly pursue other matters on behalf of Mrs. Gobin.

Nurses employed on a part time basis at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex have now received allowances bringing them on par with their counterparts who are employed full time.

Patient Escorts at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex have received outstanding monies for Shoe and Uniform allowance.

However, there are several out-standing grievances still to be resolved.

Finally after a long and very bitter battle the Nursing Personnel employed with the Ministry of Health are to receive an Incentive Allowance of 25% on their monthly salaries.

It was not an easy struggle in 2000 because the authorities were determined to obstruct the Nursing Personnel in the struggle for better terms and conditions of employment. Their efforts finally paid off when the Memorandum of Agreement between your Union the Public Services Association and the Chief Personnel Officer was signed on 9th July 2002.

The agreement States in part that all Nursing Personnel employed by the State will be paid a 25% Incentive Allowance. Please be advised that only those nurses who have remained in the Service as well as those who are no longer employed by virtue only of retirement from the service will be eligible for this Allowance. Any Nursing Personnel who have left the service for any other reason shall not be eligible for this allowance.

Nursing Personnel are reminded that this Incentive Allowance shall only be payable up to March 31st 2003. After that period it shall then be up for review. The Ministry of Health has been mandated to implement this agreement from August 2002 while the arrears in respect of the period April 1st 2000 to July 31st 2002 shall be effected as of before December 2002.

Thompson
The Public Services Association joins the rest of the nation in congratulating our Olympians on their sterling performance at Beijing Olympics. Special mention must be made of Richard Thompson who led our sprinters in their stellar achievement. Their labour, sacrifice and unity of purpose have been justly rewarded on the podium. We also extend congratulations to the rest of Caribbean participants led by Usain Bolt as we caused the world to sit up and take notice of the power and strength of the region.
Onwards to 2012!