By NALINEE SEELAL Saturday, August 4 2012

MEMBERS of the General Council of the Police Service Social and Welfare Association yesterday rejected the nine percent salary increase of National Security Minister Jack Warner on behalf of the Government.

The council was called on to solicit from the members what percentage increase in salaries they would agree to settle on by way of conciliation. Newsday understands members agreed by a vote of 110 against 96 to have the matter determined by the Industrial Court and not accept Government’s offer.

President of the Police Social and Welfare Association Sgt Anand Ramesar, who attended yesterday’s meeting, said while he was a bit surprised at the General Council’s vote, the membership has spoken and, “that is the end of the matter.”

Salary negotiations were referred to the Industrial Court but the association’s executive met with National Security Minister Jack Warner who asked what percentage they would accept and they proposed a nine percent increase. Warner had assured he would put their counter-offer to Cabinet and ensure they receive what they asked for. Now that the General Council has rejected a nine percent settlement, it remained unclear if Government will make an attempt to try to convince the General Council to accept this percentage.

Ramesar stressed yesterday the matter will stay at the Industrial Court. Newsday understands First Division officers are planning to approach Ramesar to settle for the nine percent on their behalf.

About five months ago, First Division officers asked the association’s executive to settle at five percent as offered by the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO). The executive convinced the officers to defer such a decision and now they are willing to settle for nine percent if such option is available. The Police Social and Welfare Association has been in negotiations with CPO for over two years for salary increases for its members and when talks broke down the matter was referred to the Industrial Court.