By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Insurance Board employees will receive adoption leave, hazardous pay, and significant salary and bonus increases under a new five-year industrial agreement hailed by officials as a landmark deal for public officers.

The agreement, signed between the National Insurance Board (NIB) and the Union of Public Officers (UPO), covers 2024 to 2028 and introduces several benefits for the first time, including structured milestone leave, increased travel allowances, and enhanced emergency leave.

“Today, we are all reaping the benefits of faith, patience, and unity,” said UPO president Nadia Vanderpool. “This agreement marks a major step forward in how we support and value our members.”

The deal introduces hazardous pay for frontline workers such as technicians and janitors, adoption leave for union members, and universal Christmas bonuses, replacing the previous performance-based model.

“These hard-working individuals who often work in challenging and sometimes dangerous environments will now be compensated for their vital contributions in a way that recognises their efforts,” Ms Vanderpool said.

Employees at the top of their salary scale will now be eligible for partial salary increases and lump sum payments based on performance evaluations. Salary scales will also expand by two increments of $1,700 in both the first and third years of the agreement.

Salaries will increase by 24 percent over the agreement term, while bonuses are expected to grow by 31 percent. Structured lump sum payments totalling $4,000 will be distributed in the first, third, and fifth years, beginning with a signing bonus this month.

“The first lump sum payment will be made to all members within the next few days on the April 2025 payroll,” Ms Vanderpool said.

She added that for members who reach the maximum of their salary scales, “these individuals will still receive part of the increment as a salary increase, and the remaining balance will be paid as a one-time lump sum payment.”

Emergency leave has also been extended from three to five days, while allowances for vehicle and gas mileage, tour duty, and travel per diems have been increased to reflect real-world costs.

NIB director Dr Tami Francis called the agreement a “meaningful step toward a more inclusive and responsive workplace culture,” noting that it reflected the evolving needs of staff and the importance of collaborative dialogue between union and management.

“This positive milestone, which is a product of genuine dialogue, marks our shared commitment to progress, fairness and mutual respect,” Dr Francis said.

NIB chairman Philip McKenzie said the agreement was more than just a financial document — it represented shared values and commitment to the workforce.

“This signing confirms NIB’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of employees with a focus on encouraging collaboration and sustainability,” he said.

He praised the union’s leadership throughout negotiations, particularly Ms Vanderpool, telling members: “She’s tough, she’s practical, and she worked very hard and I can tell you that she never stopped working for you.”

Mr McKenzie said the agreement now clears the way for NIB to focus on improving service to the public and strengthening the long-term management of the fund.

“We think that at NIB, we are in a good place now to focus our attention on some of the things that we need in terms of service to the public and the growth and sustainability and the effective management of the assets of the fund,” he said.