The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

GOVERNMENT has finalised and presented its proposal on salary increases to the Bahamas Public Service Union, which among other raises, would see over 2,000 public officers receive higher wages — up to five increments in the first year as a result of the minimum wage increase.

This is in addition to other increases that are proposed under the industrial agreement, according to State Minister for Public Service Pia Glover-Rolle.

In a statement released yesterday, Mrs Glover-Rolle said the agreement proposed to BPSU, which is now under the union’s review, was the best possible offer the government could make at this time.

The state minister also said she believed civil servants would be pleased with the proposal.

“The Ministry of Public Service is working towards addressing long standing issues and concerns held by public servants. At the top of this list are the proposed salary increases for the public service,” she said.

 “Negotiations are ongoing. The government has adjusted its original proposal made on 29 June 2022 to the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) to better reflect the needs of the public service. On 25 October 2022, the government finalised its new proposal, which is now being reviewed by the BPSU.

 “Our goal with the current proposal is to complete the rollout of the public service minimum wage increase, while also delivering additional increases at every level of the public service.

 “The proposed increases represent the best possible offer that can be made at this time. We believe that public servants will be happy with this proposal. We thank the Labour Relations Unit and all union officials who were seated at the negotiation table to bring us to this point.”

 The country’s minimum wage is being raised from $210 to $260.

 BPSU has long called for salary increases, lump sum payments and salary reviews for members across the public sector.

 BPSU President Kimsley Ferguson had previously told The Tribune that the union wants “nothing less than at least $350 per week” given the high cost of living in the country, citing the amount as a livable wage.

 Yesterday, Mrs Glover-Rolle also commented on the success of National Public Service Week which was held between October 30 and November 5.

 “Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of public servants, National Public Service Week 2022 was a resounding success,” she said. “Public servants all around the country celebrated in recognition of their important role as nation builders. The Ministry of Public Service looks forward to all of the great things we will accomplish together.

 “National Public Service Week is a specially designated time for us to display our gratitude to public servants. Moving forward, our goal is to show our appreciation each and every day.”

 A float parade on Friday was part of the events.