Boycott of Pre-Budget Consultations: Unions Demand Prime Minister's Presence

The trade unions have collectively decided not to participate in the pre-budget discussions scheduled for Thursday, April 30. This firm position is motivated by objections not only to the format but, more importantly, to the substance of the consultations. The issue at hand is the holding of these discussions in the presence of the Junior Minister of Finance, Dhaneshwar Damry, rather than the Prime Minister, Navin Ramgoolam, who also holds the Finance portfolio.

This decision was made following a meeting ...