Unions Reject Offer, Usher Calls for Calm  

Tensions between the government and public sector unions continue to simmer, as salary negotiations hit another roadblock. With all unions now rejecting the latest proposal, the Minister of Public Service Henry Charles Usher is calling for calm and conversation. While teachers took to the streets in Dangriga to voice their frustration, Usher says the best way forward is through respectful dialogue, not confrontation. 

 

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service

“Each increment represents, more or less, two and a half to three percent of a salary adjustment when it comes to any particular public officer or teacher. So if you want to look at the numbers, those are the numbers.”

 

Paul Lopez

“What are your thoughts on how things have progressed since then? I know around that time you, have all received word that the unions, now all of them, rejected the proposal that you supported?”

 

Henry Charles Usher

“The truth is that I am somebody who will always prefer being around the table discussing these issues in a respectful and productive manner. I always say that it’s important to speak to each other rather than at each other and right now, we received a response to the proposal that the government has made. The Cabinet met yesterday to discuss that response and a reply will be sent to them.”

 

Paul Lopez

“This morning, you had the teachers speaking at the government with a road blockage in Dangriga. They feel justified by their actions.”

 

Henry Charles Usher

“You’re saying that as a matter of fact or have you discussed that with the teachers?”

 

Paul Lopez

“Clearly, they wouldn’t do something that they don’t feel justifiable doing.”

 

Henry Charles Usher

“I believe that they are taking every opportunity they can to express themselves which is fine. I don’t have a problem with that. But as I say, it’s always better to discuss it in a productive and respectful way.”