By Caribbean News Global contributor
CASTRIES, St Lucia – In an open letter to the Trade Union Federation (TUF) president Julian Monrose on the subject of “governments proposal re: Short-term salary adjustments” prime minister and minister for finance Allen Chastanet is attempting a desperate appeal for TUF to accept government’s payment proposal for civil servants (50/50 cash and government bond) amidst COVID-19 crisis.
The crisis now looms with a drop-dead date, June 1, 2020, for an amicable resolution and/or action by either party.
The prime minister’s letter reads: “Should our offer not be accepted, we will have to examine our legal options in order to ensure that we as a government can function, can meet our obligations and can continue providing essential services to our citizens.” [See letter below]
The government is said to be “broke” albeit: “Any attempt to suggest that my government is gloating or proud and believing that we’ve achieved something colossal with three percent economic growth – No”, said prime minister Chastanet, delivering the 2020/21 budget estimates in a masked economy.