CPO Takes Command of Public Service Negotiations

As a prerequisite to engaging wage negotiations, Chief Personnel Officer Commander Dr Daryl Dindial has extended an invitation to 11 unions and associations and the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) for a special meeting facilitated by the Personnel Department and the Ministry of Finance aimed to highlight the current economic landscape and provide a comprehensive overview of the State’s financial status.
 
The CPO stated in a media statement today that the session outlined key economic indicators, including inflation rates, revenue, GDP to debt ratio and forecasting the economy in 2025/2026, all of which are vital for understanding the fiscal environment in which public service wage negotiations will stand on.

Commander Dindial further emphasised the importance of the meeting, highlighting that a thorough grasp of the economic context is critical for the associations/unions and the Government in approaching negotiations with clarity and mutual understanding.
 
The invitation to the associations/unions not only reflects a commitment to transparency by the State but also aims to foster collaborative dialogue and enable all parties to voice their concerns regarding Terms and Conditions in light of Trinidad and Tobago’s economic realities, as well as, seek the best outcome for their members.
 
Dr. Dindial indicated that of the 11 associations/unions and the (TTDF) that were invited the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Social and Welfare (TTPSSWA) Association requested another date due to prior commitments.

He further conveyed that the Public Services Association (PSA) wrote indicating their unavailability as well as stated “any discussions on the economy intended for the purpose of negotiations should take place around a negotiation table during bilateral talks confidentially between the Association and the CPO.”
 
The CPO notes their position is unfortunate since the Ministry of Finance professionals who are trained Economists would have provided the PSA with context on the state of the economy and it does not limit future discussions with the CPO around the table.
 
The next steps are agreeing to mutually convenient dates for those associations that attended the meeting with the Ministry of Finance to commence discussions in the month of November.

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