Teachers and Public Service Union Leaders met with the Prime Minister at his office in Belmopan today - but this time there was no lunchtime press briefing, or birthday singing for Teachers Union Senior Advisor George Frazer. And coming out of the meeting, the unions had no comment - saying they won't speak to the press at this time - and will only do so after they hold discussions with their councils of management and their memberships.
So, nothing is confirmed but according to our sources neither side budged: the unions aired out their full counter-proposal, while the Government side maintained that there can be no floor on a proposed increase, nor can there be any increase given this year.
The meeting - we are told - was cordial but ended with no agreement, as the unions have to go back to their memberships. But they do have something to go back with - and that is oil. As we understand it, the prospect of a potential commercial oil find factored significantly into the discussions. If there is incremental revenue from an oil find and it leads to a revenue surplus - the teachers and public officers stand to get 50% of that incremental revenue towards a raise.
But that would be for the next financial year - as this financial year is currently not up for discussion. The meeting finished on the understanding that another will be held once more is known about the encouraging oil show in the Orange Walk District. In the interim, a joint committee between the government and the unions will be established to look at ways Government can enhance revenue collection.
Government was represented principally by the Prime Minister along with Ministers Faber, Hulse and Gibson while the unions were represented by Presidents of the PSU, and BNTU Mervyn Blades and Luke Palacio along with past president of the APSSM, George Myvette.
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