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PM Says Unions Will Get Raise, But they Must Be Patient
Wed, November 27, 2013

Three weeks ago on this newscast, you heard the Unions complaining that they wanted to re-open negotiations with government on a salary increase.  And they repeated their demand that government commit to some minimum increase, what they call a floor.  Today the Prime Minister said they will get an increase but he still won’t commit to a floor:

Prime Minister Dean Barrow
"The teachers and public officers can rest assured that salary increase there will be. It will take place next year, after we've had a chance to see what the entire revenue stream is for the fiscal year, so it would kick in, I think in July, but I think retroactive to April first, and I am positive that, as I've said, that there will be a substantial increase. But, Lord, man, I have to appeal to the unions. Please, that is what I had put to you; I thought that we have pretty much had an agreement. Now is not the time to say that we demand that you give the increase now in the middle of the financial year, and we demand that there be a floor. Look at what is happening to the entire country as a consequence of the calamity that has overtaken us. Look at all that the Government has to do for all the people of this country. And as a matter of solidarity, please be patient."

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