Unions feel betrayed

Charlene Stuart, Gleaner Writer

Vice President of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, Helene Davis Whyte says her members feel betrayed by the government.

This is in light of the revelation that some 40 consultants and executive and personal assistants are receiving pay packages totalling over $100 million per year.

Three months ago some public sector workers agreed to a wage freeze for the 2010 - 2012 contract period after the government said it could not afford to pay increases.

Today Davis-Whyte said her members are extremely concerned about the latest revelation and this could create problems for the next negotiating period.

Davis Whyte is describing the employment of the advisers and consultants as misguided.

She is calling for an assessment to determine how many of them are really needed.

She says she will be consulting with her other union colleagues to determine what course of action should be taken in relation to the matter.

charlene.stuart@gleanerjm.com