Otto Carrington
TTPost has rejected a 24 per cent wage proposal from the T&T Postal Workers’ Union for the periods 2014-2016 and 2017-2019, describing it as “excessive” and “detached from economic reality.”
“This outrageous 24 per cent counterproposal is not only impractical but also a calculated manoeuvre by the union’s executive to stall negotiations and serve their personal interests, disregarding the welfare of our hardworking employees,” TTPost said in a statement.
It said the union’s initial demand of an 18.6 per cent hike was already unsustainable, given the corporation’s fragile financial position, the global downturn in mail services, and the challenging economic landscape.
TTPost vowed to stand firm against unrealistic demands, stressing that it remains committed to negotiating fair wage adjustments that reflect the corporation’s financial limitations while safeguarding jobs and ensuring operational stability.
“We will not be coerced into financially reckless agreements that could cripple TTPost and endanger livelihoods. Our employees deserve stability and security, not empty promises and dangerous gambles,” the corporation said as it called on employees to reject divisive tactics and trust the ongoing negotiation process.
TTPost reaffirmed its readiness to engage in constructive, good-faith dialogue with the union.
Secretary general David Forbes, who described the TTPost statement as mischief, explained that the 24 per cent wage demand was broken down into different periods: 13 per cent for 2014-2016 and nine per cent for 2017-2019.
Forbes accused TTPost of negotiating in bad faith.
“The management had also sent a memo to staff before formal discussions took place, further frustrating the union. The union believes these actions are a deliberate strategy to frustrate both the negotiation process and the workers,” he said.
In January, the union rejected a proposed four per cent salary increase, describing it as “far less than what we were expecting.”
