The country’s largest public sector trade union has taken exception to new legislation which its leaders feel could trigger thousands of dollars in losses to public officers.However, Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Ryan Straughn is insisting that the Debt Settlement (Arrears) Act 2021 is “in no way intended to alter the terms and conditions of any public servants”, but rather, aims to provide more favourable repayment terms, particularly for debt incurred over the COVID-19 pandemic and coming out of other longstanding obligations.On Thursday, Deputy General Secretary, Richard Green contended that the bill, which facilitates the creation and issuance of Series J bonds to settle Government’s obligations and liabilities, would unilaterally alter the terms of pensions and gratuities owed to public workers.
