CPO Takes Command of Public Service Negotiations
In preparation for upcoming wage negotiations, the Chief Personnel Officer Commander Dr. Daryl Dindial invited eleven Unions and Associations, along with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), to a special meeting organized by the Personnel Department and the Ministry of Finance on October 24th, 2024. The purpose of this meeting was to highlight the current economic landscape and provide a comprehensive overview of the State’s financial status.
During the session, discussion on key economic indicators, including inflation rates, revenue figures, the GDP-to-debt ratio and economic forecasts for 2025/2026. These insights are crucial for understanding the fiscal environment in which public service wage negotiations will take place. Dr. Dindial stressed the importance of comprehending the economic context to facilitate clearer and more effective negotiations between the Associations/Unions and the Government.
The invitation extended to the Associations and Unions reflects the State's commitment to transparency and aims to foster collaborative dialogue, allowing all parties to express their concerns regarding terms and conditions in light of Trinidad and Tobago’s economic realities. This collaborative approach seeks the best outcomes for all members involved.
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare Association (TTPSSWA) requested an alternative date due to prior commitments. Additionally, the Public Services Association (PSA) communicated their unavailability, stating that discussions on the economy intended for negotiations should occur around a negotiation table during confidential bilateral talks with the CPO.
The CPO expressed regret over their absence, emphasising that the Ministry of Finance's trained economists could have provided valuable context on the state of the economy, which would not limit future discussions with the CPO.
Looking ahead, the next steps involve coordinating mutually convenient dates for the Associations that attended the meeting with the Ministry of Finance to commence discussions in November.
