Employees of the cash-strapped municipality of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) have expressed enthusiasm over the recent decision to increase their salaries by 15 per cent. Prior to this, the last increase for the employees, many of who are paid below the minimum wage, was in 2013.
The increase will take some employees closer to the minimum wage as it was outlined that they will now earn over ,000.
Mayor Carwyn Holland
Jocelyn Smartt who has worked with the municipality for over 20 years said it is “hard” to survive on her salary while noting that she is happy with the increase.
“For me it was very disgusting working but you have to come because you know you need it (salary). You feel happy now knowing that you get an increase and with the holiday coming on you will be able to buy something more. It’s very good because we didn’t have an increase for the longest while”, she noted.
She added that prior to the previous increase employees had to wait approximately 10 years before they were granted an increase. The previous increase, she explained, saw some employees’ salaries increasing from $24,000 to $38,000. This salary increase, she noted is a signal that the Council is moving forward.
Another employee who has been working with the municipality for over six years explained that it is the second time that she has benefitted from a salary increase, while commending the Council on the move.
“I commend the new Council for such because it’s a much needed thing which shows the beginning of a lot more to come.”
Meanwhile an employee attached to the Environmental Department who has been working with the municipality for a little over a year also expressed gratitude over the increase that very needed: “I think the workers will benefit from it. They’ve been asking for it since I got here and I think it’s a great improvement.”
Natasha Claxton who has worked at the municipality for over 18 years explained that whenever salary increase, so does market demand on goods and services. Claxton noted that she loves her job and is motivated to be at work regardless of her salary. Nevertheless, she was satisfied to a point with the increase.
“To see a 15 per cent increase is very acceptable for the time being but in the interim the Council can work to get to the minimum wage”, she said.
Mayor Carwyn Holland disclosed a week ago during an interview with this newspaper that the salary increase will be effective across-the-board and will be applicable from this month.
Many employees have lauded the Council’s efforts since over the years the municipality has had difficulty with paying its staff.
