One union has welcomed the latest assurance by Finance Minister, Davendranath Tancoo, as it pertains to ongoing salary negotiations, during the 2026 Mid Year Budget Review. Minister Tancoo sent a message to nurses, teachers and anyone currently at the bargaining table, that relief was on its way.
During the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation, and Mid- Year Review, the Finance Minister assured that funding for union settlements will be provided.
“I am reliably informed that tabulation and quantification, the quantification required Mr. Speaker should be completed over the next few weeks, and perhaps months, and therefore appropriate provisions will be made in the budget of fiscal 2027, to meet all obligations settled between now and budget 2027.”
Weighing in on this development, President of the Trinidad and Tobago National Nursing Association, Idi Stuart, welcomed the announcement.
“Appreciation to the Honourable Minister Tancoo, Minister of Finance, for his clear and unambiguous statement and given that commitment during the substantive October budget that a clear allocation would be made towards nursing and midwifery, personnel and by extension we envision all regional health authority workers to receive a salary increase.”
When contacted, Chief Education and Research Officer of the Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union, Ozzi Warwick, said the union will give a statement on Labour Day.
The National Nursing Association President said that while this is only the beginning, the discussion will now move toward the proposed timeline with its members, who will vote on the matter.