Prime Minister Bruce Golding has moved to allay the fears of union leaders that the resumption of a borrowing relationship with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will result in massive job cuts.

Golding met with the union leaders yesterday as part of his continuing effort to downplay the opposition to the Government's plan to return to the IMF.

With trade union leaders expressing concern that any money from the IMF would come with the condition that the Government cut its wage bill, that was one of the first issues to be addressed by Golding.

"The prime minister did say in his presentation that there are no plans to cut the public service and this was not raised by the IMF in any of the discussions," Danny Roberts, vice-president of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions, told The Gleaner yesterday.

Roberts noted that Finance Minister Audley Shaw had warned of the divestment or merger of some public-sector entities but said this was being discussed before talks started with the IMF.

"It was a useful meeting and part of the need for consultation and dialogue which we have always encouraged," Roberts said.

"We have accepted that there is no alternative outside of an IMF loan but we want to get an idea of how the Government plans to earn its way out of this crisis," he added.

According to Roberts, the unions used the opportunity to outline their position on the changes which are necessary to increase productivity and to position the country to grow out of its present problems after the IMF.

arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com