Talks have commenced between the government and the various public sector unions, staff associations and their umbrella body over pay and conditions for state employees.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley delivered opening remarks when a preliminary session took place yesterday at the conference room of the National Insurance Building on Culloden Road.

President of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations, Edwin O’neale, tells Starcom Network News that yesterday’s session was a precursor to the actual negotiations that commenced from today.

In March this year CTUSAB and the National Union of Public Workers stated their intention to seek a pay hike for government employees.

If granted that would be the first public sector salary increase since 2018.

Government workers were given a five percent raise in pay in 2018, five months after the Barbados Labour Party triumphed in general elections.

The NUPW has served notice that given the increase in the cost of living not a just a pay hike but a salary re-grading will be pursued.