The National Union of Government and Federated Workers has negotiated a $2.6 billion wage deal for daily rated public service workers.
NUGFW President Christopher Streete explained that 40% of the arrears owed to workers will be paid in cash, while 60% will be in non-cash form.
He shared some of the factors of the non-cash options.
“And the elements, one, they would have brought back if you’re owing HDC you can use that to offset whether it’s arrears, whether it’s your current mortgage. So a person could apply that to their current mortgage and get a break from paying their mortgage. So that in itself is instant cash.”
Mr. Streete observed that although some employees lack a mortgage, they may still utilise the non-cash settlement method to make a home payment.
“This non-cash could be transferred. It is transferable. So if a workers doesn’t have a mortgage he can transfer it to someone who does, whether it’s his children, whether it’s his siblings, whether its his relatives, whoever. A stranger, whoever.”
He added that the non-cash element can also be used to pay tuition, or allow a worker to go on leave and be paid.
Mr. Streete also said workers who have already retired will receive 100% of their arrears in cash.