CPO urges PSA to accept non-cash benefits in arrears settlement

Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Commander Dr Daryl Dindial is appealing to the Public Services Association (PSA) to accept the Government’s proposed non-cash benefits package as part of an arrears settlement, saying the offer represents the State’s “best and final” position amid ongoing economic challenges.

Dindial made the appeal during a meeting with the PSA president and executive, convened to continue discussions on arrears for the periods January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019.

According to the CPO, the Government’s proposal remains structured as 40 per cent cash and 60 per cent non-cash benefits, with the total estimated value of the settlement pegged at $3.8 billion.

Dindial said the State was unable to satisfy several of the union’s demands due to prevailing macroeconomic conditions, noting that economic indicators during both review periods reflected a challenged economy.

He stressed, however, that the non-cash options being offered carried “substantial value” and could ease financial burdens for workers and retirees.

Among the proposed non-cash benefits are assistance with State mortgage and rental obligations, including payments linked to the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and the Trinidad and Tobago Mortgage Bank (TTMB), statutory income tax liabilities, established overpayments, tuition fees at State institutions, a one-time full medical benefit, time-off arrangements, and taxes applicable to the purchase of a motor vehicle.

The CPO also disclosed that retirees are being offered cash payments for arrears owed for the period 2014 to 2018.

Dindial said the Government’s position had been maintained despite difficult fiscal realities and reiterated that the offer on the table was its final proposal.

He noted that arrears payments would be staggered over two to three financial years to allow the State to balance its wider financial commitments.

While urging the PSA to accept the proposal, Dindial said the union had submitted a counterproposal outlining several recommendations for the disbursement of arrears and discussions were continuing.

Despite the ongoing talks, the CPO has requested that the PSA communicate its position within four weeks of the amended offer.

As part of the broader negotiations, Dindial said both parties had agreed to a 10 per cent salary increase and the consolidation of the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), resulting in an average salary increase of between 15 and 21 per cent for some positions. Adjustments to several allowances have also been proposed.