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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesPAY RAISES DRAW FIRE

PAY RAISES DRAW FIRE

In the midst of controversy over consideration of an across-the-board 6 percent pay cut for government workers, two of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's top advisers have been given $13,500 increases, bringing their salaries to $79,000.
Luis "Tito" Morales, president of the Central Labor Council, lambasted the move but said he has even bigger concerns.
"I understand there are even more than just those two," he said. "I'm checking my sources."
Morales said, "You've got to be out of your head to do something like this. I have been left no other choice but to be against it. I am against the pay cuts and I am against the raises."
Morales said he wants to talk to Turnbull about the raises, adding, "This worries me."
Government House spokesman James O'Bryan said that Rudolph Krigger Sr., the governor's adviser on fiscal matters, and Chief of Staff Juel Molloy were given the increases because the 75-day interval during which they could legally collect a paycheck and a pension had run out.
O'Bryan also said part of the justification for the increases was that the two officials were supervising people who were making more money than they were.
Turnbull met Wednesday with labor leaders to present the idea of the 6 percent tax cuts. The union leaders countered that they would prefer a 6 percent sales tax so everyone would pay – not just government workers.
The governor is required by law to submit his proposed fiscal year 2000 budget by May 30.

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