Labour Consultant Austin Gamey has strongly urged the government to immediately adopt a proactive approach to the standoff with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) over the recent water and electricity tariff increments.

He warned that the issue is a critical national security concern that demands immediate dialogue.

This follows an announcement by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) of a 9.8% electricity and 15.9% water tariff increment, a decision that has drawn anger from labour unions.

Speaking on The Pulse on JoyNews today, Monday, December 8, 2025, Mr. Gamey emphasised that the tariff hikes are macro-level issues that require non-adversarial negotiations, rather than a confrontation.

Mr. Gamey, drawing on his background, stated that the government must lead by convening urgent discussions to resolve the impasse, which has seen organised labour demand a reversal of the price increases.

Mr. Gamey’s core message was a plea for the government to drop any perceived insensitivity and immediately initiate a multi-sectoral dialogue to find common ground.

He emphasised that the stakes are too high for inaction or confrontation, as the entire country relies on the stability of these services.

"I will urge the government to get to the table, leave out the insensitivity aspect of the whole thing and talk it over. I think they can find a solution that satisfies all,” he suggested.

He continued: “The government is supposed to be proactive when it comes to issues of labour. Labour is a national security issue, and therefore, I am pretty sure, knowing the calibre of the government in place, they will have to trigger their proactive approach in calling for a national tripartite committee meeting.”

Mr. Gamey classified the utility rates as a macroeconomic problem that affects the entire nation, requiring broad consultation beyond the scope of traditional salary negotiations.

The consultant argued that both the government/utility providers and the TUC have valid concerns, necessitating a conversation aimed at finding a comprehensive solution, not determining a winner or loser.

He highlighted the complex position of the TUC, noting that the utility workers themselves are members of the union.

He pointed out that these workers understand the need for financial stability within their sectors:

“And so they are also not oblivious of the fact that these monies are there to, in one way or another, ensure that we have a stable power for all other workers to be able to work in their various industries. So both parties have a case,” he concluded.