Gov’t calls off meeting with striking labour unions

The scheduled meeting between government and the 12 striking labour unions on Tuesday has been called off, TV3 can confirm.

According to government, it has not finished its proposals to the unions concerning the second-tier pension schemes.

The meeting was scheduled to continue negotiations over the scheme, which has left the unions – which form the Forum For Public Sector Registered Pension Schemes – out of work for the past one week.

The appointment of a trustee and manager for the 5.5 per cent mandatory contributions of workers' earnings has been at the center of the disagreement.

While government has pinned confidence in Pensions Alliance Trust and open the funds are in the custody of the Central Bank, the Forum is demanding release of the funds to be managed by their own trustee.

The issue is expected to be resolved in court as government's writ has been responded to by the striking labour unions.