Duke: No consultation with PSA on return of public servants

2776607

Public servants returned to work yesterday as the Public Service reopened in the kick-off of Phase 3 of the reopening plan announced by after Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced on Saturday.

Also reopened in this phase were NLCB Lotto services, retail stores and malls which will close at 6 pm daily.

Many public officers were cued outside their offices waiting to be screened before being allowed into their offices.

The cues were a stark reminder of the new norm brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The return of public servants will be phased, with managers asked to report first. Subordinate workers will follow on a rotational basis.

The reintroduction of public officers into the system did not sit well with the President of the Public Services Association, Watson Duke.

He warned the Prime Minister that workers are watching the government with their eyes focused on their rights.

Duke said, “I am monitoring it. At the end of the week I am going to be able to say more. I am not particularly happy with the way it was done without consultation. It was done based on a ‘vaps’ and enough is enough. He has to learn to consult.”

Duke added that he does not think the workplace may not be fully prepared for a full reintroduction, insisting work should be done on a phased basis.