The negotiations between the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU) and the Government of Dominica represented by the Government Negotiating Team which is made up of the Secretary to the Cabinet, the Financial Secretary and the Chief Personnel Officer (Ag.) commenced on November 13, 2009.
At this meeting the Government Negotiating Team explained that the current global economic and financial situation of the country was a significant determinant in developing Government’s proposal for the 2009/2012 triennium. The other major determinant was the need to restructure the public service to increase efficiency. This is being done through a Human Resource Consultancy which is currently ongoing. Three (3) additional meetings have since been held on November 30, 2009, December 7, 2009 and December 14, 2009 respectively. The first meeting focused on non-salaried issues and both parties undertook to do further work and analysis on some of the issues raised. At the second meeting an update was provided by both sides on the issues discussed at the previous meeting. Significant progress has been made on the non-salary issues.
Discussions on salary matters commenced at the second meeting on November 30, 2009. During this session the Government Negotiating Team reiterated the basis for the Government’s salary proposal and the Dominica Public Service Union was requested to do likewise. The two subsequent meetings took the form of updates on both salary and non-salary issues and it was agreed that the next meeting for continuing negotiations would be held on 6th January 2010.
The Government Negotiating Team gave an undertaking to re-assess the government’s offer of 2% for the first year based on the rationale advanced by the Union and this assessment is ongoing. It must be emphasized that negotiations are still in progress. There is no breakdown or deadlock. There is an agreed date for continuing negotiations. The scheduled date took into account the period of transition which is anticipated after any General Election. To do otherwise would have been irresponsible.
It must be reiterated that salary negotiations are still ongoing and the quantum of the planned salary increase to officers is still open to discussion.
It is important to note that only one month and a day has elapsed since the commencement of the negotiations between the Government of Dominica and the Dominica Public Service Union for 2009/2012 triennium and only two (2) weeks have passed since discussions on salaries began.
The Government of Dominica wishes to commend all public officers who continue to display unstinting dedication to the Commonwealth of Dominica.
