Former Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales has criticised the Government for failing to provide a clear update on outstanding wage negotiations involving Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) employees during the 2027 National Budget presentation. Speaking at the People’s National Movement’s post-budget press conference on Monday, October 12, Gonzales claimed that WASA workers had been encouraged through WhatsApp messages to assemble near Parliament in anticipation of a major announcement concerning their outstanding negotiations. Gonzales said messages shared with him indicated that workers had been told to expect significant developments in the Budget. However, he maintained that Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo made no specific announcement concerning the settlement of WASA workers’ outstanding negotiations. The former Minister questioned why employees would allegedly be encouraged to gather in anticipation of an announcement that did not materialise. He also raised concerns about the status of negotiations involving workers represented by the Public Services Association. Gonzales suggested that affected employees deserved a clear explanation of the Government’s position, particularly given their expectations concerning outstanding salary adjustments. The Government has previously reported progress in meeting public sector salary commitments, but Gonzales argued that the WASA negotiations required a specific update. The contents and origin of the WhatsApp messages cited by Gonzales have not been independently verified. The status of the negotiations and any anticipated settlement arrangements remain matters requiring clarification from the Government and the relevant bargaining representatives.
