CITY workers are due to receive an eight percent increase in their salaries, retroactive to January 2014.

The Guyana Local Government Officers Union, which negotiates for the workers, was able to reach agreement on the increase following serious deliberations with the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. Chairman of the union, Dale Beresford, had proposed a 12% increase in wages for workers, but an amicable consensus of 8% was eventually agreed upon by the two sides.

Speaking during a meeting with City Hall on Friday, Beresford said the workers were deserving of better wages, as “many employees discharge their duties with competence and diligence, and often work beyond the call of duty.”

He said the union’s proposal took into consideration the financial constraints of the council and the economic state of the country.
Beresford noted that he was happy the council did not breach the international labour convention on bargaining for wages and salaries for employees.

Mr Oscar Clarke, chairman of the council’s negotiations committee, said the increased wages and salaries are not the only benefit an employee receives, and he underscored the need for the council to receive value for money.

Town Clerk Royston King said the council is at a juncture where it demands excellence. “The union has a responsibility to implore it members at all levels to improve their service to the municipality and the citizens in general,” King said.

Wages negotiations for 2015 are scheduled to commence before the end of this year.

King and Beresford have agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding to address the training and information needs of the employees in social areas such as suicide prevention and domestic violence. Beresford noted that these social issues have a negative effect on the workforce, and can adversely affect production.

The union and administration of the council also agreed to use the Guyana Local Government Officers ground and Hall for sports and staff training.