CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC-Efforts to arrive at a settlement in the protracted wage talks between Government and the Trade Union Federation (TUF) received a further set back Wednesday when the general membership of the Civil Service Association (CSA) rejected the 4% increase with conditions proposed by the Government and earlier accepted by teachers and police. President of the Civil Service Association, Mary Issac said the general membership felt that conditions highlighted by the Government was more of a smoke screen and would represent empty promises. “There was nothing concrete in their proposal that satisfied the members. It was more like empty promises presented to Civil Servants. Also, the members noted that accepting the 4% increase would not be beneficial to officers in grades 1 to 5. Yes the teachers and police may be willing to accept this offer but bear in mind that these officers salaries start at grade 7,” she noted.
