The Grenada Union of teachers stands in solidarity with the TA Marryshow Community college Workers. Today marks day two of the industrial actions, protesting outstanding increments owed to the workers amounting to over six million dollars. The non-payment of increments to TAMCC workers dates back to 2013.
President of the Grenada Union of Teachers Lydon Lewis says it is time the governing body at the college and government pays the staff their due increments. Increments are legal entitlements he says once one becomes a permanent member of staff, and should be paid in January of every year. Lewis says however this has not been the case with the TAMCC workers, hence the unions concern.
Lewis says it is time that that outstanding debt is settled, and so they stand in solidarity with the staff in their protest action. Lewis promised to join them again on Monday as protest action continue, to show that it is a just cause he says.
From his understanding Lewis says government has offered to pay workers 1.03 million dollars, which is considered a drop in the bucket compared to the amount owed.
Through the public workers union a payment of 2.9 million dollars would cover 2014 and 2015, this however would mean that the areas for 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 would be outstanding. The GUT president believes a payment plan could be made for the rest in a reasonable time. Payments however were made for 2013. Protest action continues on Monday with the hope of a speedy resolution.
