The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) has signed a Collective Agreement securing five per cent wage increase for military personnel for the period 2020 to 2022.
The agreement also included an increase in the X-Factor by an additional 2%, along with adjustments to meal, unaccommodated rent, uniform allowances, and the introduction of a laundry allowance for ceremonial duties at the residences of the President and the Prime Minister.
Additional provisions included the regularisation of tax exemptions for the purchase of motor vehicles for certain office holders, the introduction of an incentive allowance for personnel supporting the Defence Force Commissions Board, a transfer allowance for postings to Tobago, the reclassification of Formation Senior Enlisted Advisors and the Force Command Senior Enlisted Advisor, as well as an increase in Special Service Pay for the Special Forces Units of the TTDF.
Dr Dindial, indicated that discussions with the TTDF were intense and extremely challenging.
He acknowledged the tremendous work, research and data provided by the TTDF’s Pay Review Committee which helped in clarifying areas under discussion.
The Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) explained that military personnel do not operate on a standard 40-hour work week and as such, do not earn overtime. Additionally, they are not permitted representation by labour unions or able to raise certain risk-related concerns in the performance of their duties.
As such, since 1962, the philosophy behind compensating military personnel has been based on a system still in use in the United Kingdom and Canadian Armed Forces, one which possesses a compensatory value, known as the X-Factor for the unique circumstances they are confronted with.
The CPO on behalf of the State thanked the leadership of the TTDF, the Soldiers, Sailors and Air Guards for their continued service to country.
He added the TTDF remains one of the key national security agencies who work tirelessly to safeguard the nation’s security, provide disaster relief, and offer humanitarian assistance both locally and regionally.
He also wished the TTDF and partner nations a successful Tradewinds exercise, due to commence over the weekend.
