The PRB which operates under the aegis of the prime minister?s office was set up in 1977 as a permanent and INDEPENDENT institution to keep under continuous review the pay and grading structures and conditions of service in the public sector, parastatal and other statutory bodies, etc. The report is published every five years and after the 2003 report, the next one will become due by May 2008. It is always customary for the publication of the report to be accompanied by much noise, rumours and outbidding on behalf of stakeholders.

Everybody is aware that seminars are organised by even some federations for their members where top officials are invited to explain the complexity of the work done by the PRB and to help unions members in the formulation of their memorandums. It is clear that PRB operates according to established norms and methods. The procedures adopted before the publication of its report are crystal clear and well known to all stakeholders.

PRB has never allowed itself to be guided by actions from the streets. Some unions are trying to influence PRB by using mass demonstrations. They are in fact defeating their own purpose.

The acceptance of seniority for promotion now would mean that PRB has allowed itself to be dictated by actions from the streets. The bureau should not capitulate. This is the only interpretation and the Bureau should guard itself against such misconception that could only tarnish its image. This could also be interpreted by any union that PRB would accede to its request if only it could mobilise its members for a demonstration.

And what will happen to those smaller unions that, depending on their grades, operate with some few members only. These unions do not possess huge funds and will never be able to organise demonstration to influence PRB. They can only rely on their memorandums and depositions. If only the crowd coming from the streets is salutary this would simply mean that the voices of smaller unions will not be heard by PRB and their requests not entertained. PRB cannot work under undue pressure and should not allow itself to be dictated by the streets. Any decision taken by PRB should be for the improvement of the Civil Service and in the Education Sector for the improvement of the system and not to satisfy the selfishness of any trade unionist in the latter?s struggle against his opponent.

PRB should be independent. It appears from press reports that some unions have asked for the intervention of the prime minister (PM) to maintain seniority. The big question is: Can the PM interfere in matters related to the affairs of the PRB? If so where do we situate the independence of the institution as desired by all unions? Another question would be : What will happen if all unions request the PM to intervene in their favour? Mere nonsense.

The PRB is doing its job. It is already under pressure. There is no need for additional pressure. Let not the STRESS that is affecting some trade unionists in view of their next elections be transposed onto PRB.

S.Jaganarden SUNASSEE </B> <I>Vice-President, Mauritius Head Teachers? Association</I>