The government has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Police Welfare Association (PWA), marking a significant achievement.
At a media briefing this week, Minister for the Public Service and Gender Affairs, Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, confirmed that the collective agreement with the PWA has been finalized.
“This agreement was signed on September 15 and will take effect from June, aligning with the agreements made with other public sector unions,” she stated firmly.
The minister emphasized that this arrangement ensures the PWA is neither alienated nor disadvantaged by signing later than the other public sector unions.
Minister Albert-Poyotte asserted, “PWA members are entitled to a 13% increase; 6% in the first triennium and 7% in the second triennium. The first triennium spans from 2022 to 2025, and the second from 2025 to 2028.”
She highlighted, “This marks the first time in a long while that public officers will receive their increases within the triennium when it’s due, rather than having to wait until the triennium ends for back pay.”
The minister also committed to ensuring timely pay increases for public servants, stating, “We expect the government to uphold this practice in the future, guaranteeing that officers receive their raises when due.”
Additionally, the minister announced that police officers will receive enhanced allowances and essential protective gear.
The government is dedicated to equipping the officers with the necessary tools to perform their duties, including the long-requested bulletproof vests.
R.A.