By Sue-Ann Wayow
UNEMPLOYMENT Relief Programme (URP) and Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP) workers in Tobago will soon benefit from a pay increase.
The URP increases become effective from July 14. The CEPEP increases take effect from July 4.
Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development Assistant Secretary Joel Sampson made the announcement on Wednesday during the Tobago House of Assembly’s post-Executive Council media briefing.
Sampson said, “The intent is to close gaps or remove disparity as much as we can.”
The URP changes are as follows:
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All three labour types – male, female and unskilled would now fall under “unskilled labourer” and would receive a $149 daily rate, an increase from $79.
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For trade assistants II, the proposed wage increase would be from $85 per day to $160 daily.
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For trade assistants III, the proposed wage increase was $156 per day from the current $93.
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The area foreman would be changed to light equipment operator with a proposed wage of $156 per day from the current $106 per day.
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The site foreman would receive $165 per day, an increase from $99 per day.
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Of the two areas of charge hands, one would now go to charge hand construction with an increase from $181 per day to $231 per day.
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The other area of chargehand now goes to circulatory charge hand and the current wage is $181 per day with a proposed wage of $241 per day.
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For drivers, a $50 increase is proposed from the current wage of $170 per day.
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For tradesman, the current wage is $166 per day and there is an increased proposal of $216 per day.
Sampson said, “Approval has also been granted for the URP workers to be deemed eligible for two weeks’ vacation leave with pay annually, 14 days’ sick leave annually, four days’ paternity leave at or about the time of delivery each time a spouse give birth, three bereavements leave upon the death of an immediate family member.”
Maternity leave remains at 14 weeks under the Maternity Protection Act, he added.
Pay increase for CEPEP
Secretary of Community Development Terance Baynes also gave an update on pay increases for CEPEP workers.
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A labourers’ pay would increase from $99 per day to $149.19.
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The semi-skilled worker daily rate would move from $145.48 to $195.48.
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The checker who was making $155.39 would now make $205.39.
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The foreman currently paid $165.39 would be paid $215.31.
Baynes said benefits were also being improved for the workers and 548 CEPEP workers will benefit.
