Nearly two decades after some members of the Office of the Political Ombudsman (OPO) were hired by the commission of Parliament, the workers have not received gratuity due to them.

The issue was highlighted in the 2018 annual report of the Office of the Political Ombudsman that was tabled in Parliament last week.

Political Ombudsman Donna Parchment Brown told The Gleaner on Monday that staff hired from 2002 when the office started have never received a gratuity and are not eligible for pension.

Concerned about the well-being of her staff, the political ombudsman said that despite a recommendation in 2013 for the workers to be given a gratuity, to date, that has not happened.

Not Entitled To Pension

Based on government policy, the positions approved for operation in the OPO are not part of the civil-service establishment. As such, the workers are not entitled to a pension from the Government.

However, current policy provides for the payment of gratuity of a maximum of 25 per cent of basic salary earned to persons employed on contract for a minimum of two years.

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