Dear Editor,
I’ve been following the scenario with the unions, especially the BNTU, PSU & APSSM. The word I would use to describe them is “stultify”. All members of these unions knew what the poison chalice contained and, when it was filled, what would have to be the consequences. All of a sudden now, because GOB is asking for a 10% reduction in salaries, it’s a problem. How many of these public officers have family or friends working for private firms? Ask them whether, if their boss tells them there will be a 10% salary deduction, they could tell their boss, “No, let’s negotiate.” It’s either you take it or go find another job.

My goodness, a lot of people are on 25-50% salary reductions, and yet at least they have a job. Some are laid off, and now these public officers are up in arms because of a mere 10% cut. Damn, at least you all still have a job. When the former PM was borrowing, borrowing and his famous phrase was “I will borrow until I can’t borrow no more and I am sorry for whoever takes over; they will have the poison chalice to deal with,” what was their response? If Patrick Faber and the UDP had won, we would be in the same situation — drastic measures would have had to be taken.

I applaud the Commissioner of Police when he mentioned that a 10% cut is better than retrenchment. Why didn’t the unions, BCCI, BBB and especially NTUCB, put brakes on the former PM and tell him “this isn’t right; what you are doing will haunt us down the road”. They said nothing, but today it seems they woke up. I’m very disappointed in the unions. I have no respect for them. It seems they are only thinking about themselves and not seeing the big picture.

JS