No decision on Government wage bill

There is no decision yet on what measures will be implemented by the government to reduce its ballooning wage bill, after a meeting between officials of the Finance Ministry and the trade unions produced no results.



The government is trying to keep the lid on the public sector wage bill, which is projected to approach $140 billion in the 2009-10 fiscal year.



Among the measures being considered are a freeze on salary increases already approved, salary cuts and staff cuts.



The private sector wage bill was $111 billion for the fiscal year, which ends on March 31



President of the United Union of Jamaica, James Francis told The Gleaner that the ministry is to provide the unions with data for consideration at another meeting scheduled for next Wednesday.



At least three other union leaders, who participated in today’s meeting gave a similar account, or refused to comment when contacted.



In a release this afternoon Senator Dwight Nelson, the minister with responsibility for the public sector, said the meeting started discussions on possible solutions to the fiscal and monetary challenges facing the government, in its preparation of the next budget.



Have Your Say at www.gleanerblogs.com