ST. LUCIA-LABOUR-PM to address nation as public workers stay home to recuperate and rest

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony will address the nation on Wednesday as public workers stayed away from their jobs for a second consecutive day “resting and recuperating.” The Trade Union Federation (TUF) is seeking a 9.5 per cent wage increase for the workers, including teachers, but the government has said it could only afford a four per cent salary hike for the 2010-12 triennium. President of the Civil Service Association (CSA) Mary Isaac said that workers, who have fallen ill after the disappointment of not being granted a decent wage offer, were still awaiting a call from the government negotiating team (GNT) regarding the resumption of the negotiations.