The Government yesterday announced a five-percent increase for public servants and four-percent increase for contract employees.

Dr Gopaul, according to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, said the meetings will be used to explain what Government is doing and to appeal to employees to understand and appreciate the position the country faces.

In an address at a symposium for Human Resources Practitioners held at the Hotel Tower yesterday, Dr. Gopaul said that labour relations over the years have changed and especially within recent times, the Government has been doing everything possible to build confidence and establish a relationship of trust with the Unions.

According to Dr. Gopaul, a number of circumstances including those created by the crime wave and a general slowdown in the economy, have compounded to influence the proposed wages and salaries that the Government can afford at this time.

Gopaul said this position has been explained to the Unions who remain adamant in their demands for higher wages and salaries.

Earlier yesterday, the Permanent Secretary met with the entire staff of the Ministry of Education to share the Government’s concern.

According to Dr. Gopaul, the staff at the Ministry was very appreciative of the consideration shown in having the Government’s chief negotiator explain the situation to them.

Today, the Permanent Secretary plans to meet with the staff of the Ministries of Health; the Ministry of Housing and Water; Home Affairs; Agriculture; Fisheries, other Crops and Livestock; the Ministry of Public Works; Local Government and the staff of the Public Service Commission.