The Government Information Agency (GINA) said this was disclosed by Permanent Secretary in the Public Service Ministry, Dr. Nanda Gopaul on its television programme ‘Answers’ .

Noting that very often the fiscal year is ended without an agreement being brokered between the Government and the union, Gopaul said contentious and sincere bargaining by both sides could see public servants receiving an early increase in their 2003 wage package.

He said it is expected that the negotiations would be for a multi-year package for 2003-2005 and the Government is hoping that having been invited, the union will put forward a proposal.

Gopaul, however, cautioned that projections for the economy would have to be examined, GINA said.

Excluding certain conditions such as the increase in criminal activity and expenditures on the bauxite industry that affected 2002, the year 2003 should be a better one for public servants, he explained.

But he cautioned that it would be in the interest of workers and union leaders to move away from the confrontational approach in bargaining and work towards consensus and compromise.

GINA said Gopaul pointed out that it is not the country alone that will suffer, but the workers and the people and it is the Government’s earnest desire to take the union along in the drive for national development.