Mr PM, I thought we were all in this together?

THE EDITOR: During the difficulties of the pandemic, our Prime Minister, the Minister of Health and others heaped praise on frontline workers, including doctors, police and others for going well beyond the call of regular duty.

At the time, the clarion call from those in authority – who are now offering an insulting two per cent over an eight-year period – was: We are all in this together.

The stark reality couldn't be any clearer. There is a famous quote which goes: “We are not all in the same boat. We are in the same storm. Some have yachts, some have canoes, and some are drowning.” Oh, how true!

Some time in January, the Prime Minister said many calls from public servants for wage negotiations to begin were not falling on deaf ears.

He further said submissions would be made by the Minister of Finance to Cabinet and the expectation was that negotiations can commence in March.

It is safe to state that members of Cabinet discussed this matter and apparently all agreed with this ridiculous proposal of 0,0,0,0,1,0,0,1 which the CPO gave to the trade unions.

As an industrial relations practitioner for several years, I have not been fooled by pronouncements made on initiatives to address outstanding negotiations.

I am fully aware that once our political system remains as is, working-class citizens will always struggle to enjoy the fruits of their labour and to be properly and fairly compensated.

In fact, many are now struggling to earn a living wage while the cost of living skyrockets. Our parliamentarians have failed us by not truly representing or championing justice for us, their constituents.

Unless those who labour hold the reins of power, the interests of working-class citizens will remain on the back burner, as those in power, who believe they own the nation continue to seek the interests of their financers and the class they represent.

Time for working-class unity!

BRYAN ST LOUIS

La Brea