Two trade unionists are calling on government to revisit its position on the rate paid to National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pensioners.
This follows the disclosure by Labour and Social Security Minister, Shahine Robinson, in parliament this week, that there will be no increase in the rate paid to NIS pensioners.
Mrs. Robinson pointed-out that although an increase in the rate of pension is past due, the NIS is unable to grant an increase at this time, as it awaits recommendations from the actuaries about adjustments to the contribution rate that will afford future increases.
The NIs pays over 113 thousand beneficiaries both locally and overseas.
Speaking with Irie FM News, General Secretary of the National Workers Union, Granville Valentine says, the situation is an unfortunate and unfair one.
Meanwhile, General Secretary of the Union of Schools Agriculture and Allied Workers, Keith Comrie, says the union needs a valid reason for the decision not to increase the rate paid to pensioners.
Mr. Comrie says, the government should grant pensioners an increase because of the high tax package that has been imposed on them.
Meantime, Opposition Spokesman of Social Security, Dr. Fenton Ferguson says he’s disappointed that the government has not given pensioners an increase in light of the significant rise in basic cost of living.
According to Dr. Ferguson, the increase in taxation has translated to higher cost in transportation, medical treatment and pharmaceuticals, and given the overall movement on living expenses, pensioners should have been afforded an automatic increase.
Dr. Ferguson says, too many seniors are experiencing the erosion of their purchasing power, due to increases in taxes and fees, and are left to fend for themselves.
He adds that government should immediately put on the table, an adjustment to pensioners to cushion the effects of the taxation.
Dr. Ferguson is urging the government to do everything in its power, to cushion the negative impact of the cost of living, and reduce the incidence of poverty on the aged, the disabled, and other vulnerable groups.