Happy Tuesday!

This week we cover the discussions between safety unions and the government regarding wage increases and the National Federation of Unions in Suriname.

The government and the safety unions continue to negotiate between the two of them for increases in salaries.

• While the security unions are seeking a 10% salary increase, including SRD 1,000 for purchasing power, the government has offered a 20% increase (15% from July and 5% in January) focused on purchasing power parity and improvement of salaries of SRD 3,500 from starting January 1.

• The government and Ravaksur Plus have reached a preliminary agreement, but the unions want both proposals (theirs and the government's) to be calculated and compared.

• Poetini Atompai emphasized that the counterproposal benefits all public servants, not just those working more overtime, and expects the government won't need to pay significantly more.

  The government has responded in kind referring to prior negotiations.

• The security unions' proposal for a 10% salary increase, including SRD 1,000 for purchasing power, is financially unfeasible for the government.

• While the unions understand the government’s position, they want issues like allowances, promotions, and equipment to be addressed. Discussions will continue to finalize these matters.

• The government suggests sticking to earlier salary increases of 15% from July and 5% in January. SRD 3,500 for purchasing power will also be added to salaries.

• This salary increase has come from Ravaksur which showed an increase of 20% is coming from

• President Santokhi emphasized that the government is open to concessions but wants to maintain economic stability. Further talks with the unions will continue.

The Ministry of Defense has planned to buy a vessel for the National Army for SRD 80 million which has received a lot of critique.

• The Ministry of Defense plans to purchase an SRD 80 million vessel for the National Army, intended to protect the EEZ due to Oil & Gas activities.

• Questions have emerged about the necessity and priority of this purchase, especially considering the Coast Guard’s existing role and the country’s financial challenges.

• As the National Army is also expected to spend SRD$ 500 million on more projects, the decision is being questioned as the Healthcare industry is in disarray.

• Illegal fishing by Guyanese fishermen has led to potential EU sanctions on Surinamese fish exports, further highlighting concerns about resource allocation.

• The VES (Association of Economists in Suriname) criticizes the financial irresponsibility of the purchase, questioning the need for such an expensive project when healthcare and public services are struggling.

• Concerns about transparency in the deal with Damen Shipyard arise, due to its past involvement in bribery and non-compliance with proper procurement practices.

• The timing of the decision raises suspicions that the government is binding its successor with financial burdens, similar to what happened under previous administrations.