Gov’t, unions continue talks today

Critical talks are to continue today between the government and unions representing public sector workers.

The discussions are to take place at a meeting of the Public Sector Monitoring Committee.

Among the issues expected to be discussed are wages and the government’s talks with International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The government has repeatedly stated that reforming the public sector is essential to helping to put the country on a path of growth.

As part of that thrust, the government has emphasized the need for a new formula for public sector wages and the implementation of pension reform.

Those plans would see reduced benefits to public employees and has been criticized by some public sector unions.

A team from the IMF is expected in the island later this month for continued negotiations with the government.

The administration is hoping to ink a new deal with the multilateral agency before the end of the year.

editorial@gleanerjm.com