A new agreement has been reached to implement cost of living adjustment (COLA) payments for employees at the Ba Town Council, following successful negotiations between the Council and the National Union of Workers (NUW). This achievement comes after initial talks faced challenges, prompting the need for further intervention.
The breakthrough was facilitated by Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations Minister Agni Deo Singh, whose engagement played a critical role in promoting constructive dialogue between both parties, helping to defuse growing tensions.
Minister Singh hailed the outcome as a significant milestone that reflects the power of positive communication. He emphasized the agreement’s dual focus on safeguarding worker welfare while also addressing the operational demands of the Council.
Under the terms of the agreement, COLA payments for 2024 will be distributed in three installments: the first to be paid by Easter, the second by July 31, and the final installment by October 10. For 2025, payments will be divided into two parts, with the first expected before Christmas and the second in mid-March. Additionally, the COLA adjustment for 2026 is set to commence on January 1 of that year.
Minister Singh expressed gratitude for the collaboration shown by both the council management and the union, underscoring the importance of teamwork in achieving a favorable outcome. He highlighted that this agreement emphasizes the necessity of ongoing engagement and cooperation as essential elements for fostering stable industrial relations. Moreover, the successful resolution of these discussions illustrates the value of social dialogue in addressing workplace challenges effectively and fairly.