KINGSTON - Salary negotiations between the Guyana Power and Light Company (GPL) and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) are still ongoing, with GPL awaiting a response from the Union on its latest offer.
Through a November 16, 2015 letter, GPL invited the GPSU to begin negotiations on Wednesday, November 18, 2015. This was following advice received from the Ministry of Finance on the applicability of the 5% and the $5,000 salary increase announced by Government.
At this meeting, GPL made an offer of a 5% salary increase (inclusive of 2% across-the-board and a 3% in-scale increment) and $10,000 monthly ($120,000 for 2015) as one-off payment, both with effect from January 1, 2015. GPL also proposed an increase in the mileage allowance for use of personal vehicles from $135 to $150 per mile and an increase of $100 in meal allowance for overtime work. These were also with effect from January 1, 2015.
In response, the Union requested a 5% across-the-board increase; $200,000 ($16,660 per month) to be included in salaries for 2015; an increase in the meal allowance by $500; and a mileage allowance of $220 per month.
On November 30, 2015, the GPSU wrote to GPL, rejecting the Company’s offer. In turn, the Union proposed a 5% across-the-board increase and requested that the GPL’s offer of $120,000 for 2015 be added to the current annual salary, with effect from January 1, 2015.
On December 8, 2015, GPL revised its offer, accepting the Union’s proposal for the 5% increase. GPL also restated its offer of a $120,000 one-off payment, along with its initial offer of increases in meal and mileage allowances.
Currently, GPL is awaiting a formal response from the Union to this revised offer.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) hopes that an amicable resolution can be reached in this matter shortly.
