Premier Cox On Employment, Cuts, Unions
This afternoon [June 3] we spoke with Minister of Finance and Premier Paula Cox about the union wage negotiations, the job losses at the two Government golf courses and more.
The Premier said,”I think that with regard to the union allocation, we made some provision in the budget based on an estimate. We were hoping there would be a wage freeze, but we did not expect that was necessarily something that would be agreed to by all the unions.”
When asked if she expected to see any additional staff cuts, the Premier explained that Port Royal is a quango, and she feels that is seen as separate from civil servant positions. The Premier also mentioned that 9 of the 11 persons have found new employment and that they are aiming to preserve established civil servants positions, while “making sure we trim the fat.”
Bernews…..Please do something about the video clip above. I have not pulled it up but Paula looks like a blood Pirate with that patch on her right eye……………
How appropriate! Cap’n Paula! Arrrgh me lad!!
That’ill be Admiral Paula to yee me lad. Now man the bilges ann pumps ye scurvey layden backstroker…………..
more bs and bernews is screening too much for some reason
We haven’t blocked a single comment on this article.
However that said every day we get complaints for both “censoring too much”, and complaints for “not censoring enough.” Either way we go, the complaints roll in, so we just try and do the best to can to skate down the middle.
Like my Admiral comment…..
The simple Fact is The Goverment is not making enough revenue for wage increases , so the unions fight for a small rise and others lose a job . Goverment needs to put a wage freeze for 10 years . Thats how long it is going to take in my opinion to get out of this financial mess Bermuda is in . Rising Taxes on the people who are still working is a double whammy .
@ Mark – I can appreciate you giving a possible solution. The only problem is prices around the world will continue to go up and wage freezes will hurt us as well. A loaf of bread today will cost more, 10 years from now. I know people feel we are in a real financial mess but $1.5 billion is really not bad. There are people who in the world that can pay off our debt and it be like a speeding ticket to them. Trimming $150 million from the budget for 10 years would in fact pay for it but what concerns me is the interest. In order to really eliminate debt, we need to create a surplus. We can not cost cut our way to out of this. Either way, whether it is raising taxes or government fees , the debt needs to be paid. My opinion is that we’ll be alright but it will take time to get out of it.
Tynes Bay trash drop off has just been increased starting 1st July! Every time you turn a blind eye the Government is taking more money out of our pockets. This Government is really desperate. slowly they are draining our luxuries away from us. The PLP have no choice but to call an election NOW! Once they have skipped through once again more jobs will go to meet the Premiers pledge.
Nine of the eleven have found jobs I wonder if they are planning to make sure all are employed or do the qualified bermudians outside either union are out of luck
I may have missed the article so I’m asking my “Bernews Buddies” for assistance..with everyone expected to readily accept a wage freeze or a mere 1.25% percent increase, when the cost of living increase exceeds 3% has the Premier announced what pay cut she is going to take out of her almost quarter of a million dollar plus(doesn’t include Minister of Finance salary)…been busy working to make ends meet I may have missed it…
Bernews , maybe the time has come for you to consider creating different rooms or areas where ppl that wish to engage in rants or negative comments can go and speak their minds ? So that the ones that wish to JUST be informed on your news can do so without the nagative energy that seems to be taking over Bernews ? While i do understand that may take more work ? you have already shown Bermuda that you`re willing to work hard to provide a good product . I came across this site which may give you some ideas ? [URL removed]. Please do keep in mind the tons of people out here that just wish to be informed and read some constructive comments. Thanks for all your efforts .
Define what you consider constructive.
LOL
The negative Energy and rants are not just taking over Bernews, similar concerns on these topics especially those concerning this present Government are voiced across the island. You and other readers are quite welcome to publish some constructive comments, I will be looking for your posts justathought. Remember constructive comments, if you strongly appose something, speak your mind somewhere else.