The Secretary to the Cabinet and officials of the Department of Public Administration (DPA) had a cordial and fruitful engagement with the Acting President and other executive members of the Public Workers Union on Thursday, 13 October 2016.
The parties discussed a number of matters of mutual concern, as they relate to Public Service employees. Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, one DPA official described the general mood as being “being open and honest,” with all parties “expressing their interest in continuing the dialogue in an effort to proactively confront any issues concerning employees.”
A follow-up meeting is carded for early November.
The Government of Grenada affirms its intent to continue its engagement with the Public Sector Unions and Associations on Fringe Benefits and Salary Increases. The Government is working towards a speedy conclusion of these matters.
On Tuesday, 11 October, Government met with representatives from the Public Sector Unions and Associations to look at a mechanism for continued engagement on pension reform, that will do justice to affected Public Service employees across the Nation.
This follows a 2016 study by the Caribbean Regional Technical Assistance Centre (CARTAC), commissioned by the Government, to explore viable pension options and to provide further guidance on this crucial issue.
In April 1983, the then Government of Grenada enacted Peoples’ Law No. 34 —The Pension Disqualification Act. Under this Law, Public Officers who were engaged in the Public Service on or after 4 April 1983, would no longer be afforded a direct pension benefit from the Government.
Since then, successive Governments have undertaken various initiatives to design an equitable and sustainable pension scheme for Public Officers.
The Government, therefore, reassures the public that this matter is being treated with the utmost transparency and importance, with a full recognition of the rights and legitimate expectations of Public Officers for equitable retirement benefits.
GIS
