JTUM again calls for Govt to remove mid-January deadline

The standoff continues between the Government and the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) on the planned vaccination policy, with the unions today reiterating that they will only offer their recommendations once the mid-January deadline is rescinded.

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AKASH SAMAROO

The standoff continues between the Government and the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) on the planned vaccination policy, with the unions today reiterating that they will only offer their recommendations once the mid-January deadline is rescinded.

Yesterday, the Attorney General said that is not an option and he urged JTUM to propose alternatives to tackling the COVID-19 crisis, something he said they refused to do during Wednesday’s meeting.

However, JTUM leader Ancel Roget said it is farcical to come to a discussion with an uncompromising bottom line already in place. Roget said those suggestions will only be discussed once the mid-January vaccination deadline is taken off the table.

Meanwhile Roget, who admitted to receiving his booster shot yesterday, said he and JTUM took umbrage to the AG attempting to paint them as anti-vax. Roget said the position of JTUM has always been pro-choice. He said he has encouraged people to take the vaccine, but it should not be a forced measure.

Roget said the Government must realise that many do not trust them and he again called on the Prime Minister to remove the deadline and have meaningful discussions with them.

Roget added that if in fact the true nature of this initiative is to downsize the Public Service, then they should be honest with the population.