In the ongoing controversy over proposed salary increases for Ministers and leading politicians, Premier Alex Scott has expressed disappointment at what he views as an attempt to link MPs salaries issue with pay rises for other workers.

A warning has been given by the Bermuda Public Services Union that its next negotiations for civil servants is likely to take the line of higher increases if MPs are awarded their large hikes, which would see full-time Ministers receive $150,000 and part-time Ministers $100,000.

While another union, the Bermuda Employers Council, has also called on taxpayers to speak out against the proposed salary increases for leading politicians.

If approved the increases would boost Premier Alex Scott?s salary 80 percent to $200,000.

In response to mounting concerns among the unions and public, Mr. Scott said he appreciated that the BEC and members of the business sector or public having a right to an opinion, but said that it was essential opinions were based in fact.

?It is clear that the BEC President?s (William DeSilva) statement indicating that matters could be ?viewed as? or ?seen as? is pure speculation,? he said.

?As debate over salaries continues, it may be helpful to provide a number of facts that could be included in any observations or discussions. The proposed new benchmark compensation for members and officers of the Legislature was recommended by an independent panel of Bermudians most of whom had the experience of the private sector.

?Never before has the remuneration for public office been objectively assessed by a group of reasonable persons without a vested interest in the outcome. ?Historically, the compensation was regarded as ?pocket money? for the Members because the overwhelming majority was independently wealthy and the public affairs of Bermuda were a subsidiary occupation for them.?

He added: ?In the 21st century, this is no longer the case. Bermuda is a sophisticated financial jurisdiction operating in a global economy with a myriad of complex issues that need to be addressed. Reasonable compensation for public office is a principle that is adopted and relied upon in all modern, democratic countries.

?Bermuda is accepting of being recognised by the global market, and in keeping with that, our internal practices will reflect such growth and development. There is no evidence to suggest that the recommended compensation is excessive when compared to private sector salary levels for positions of similar responsibility. Reasonable and knowledgeable observers will know that the evidence is to the contrary.?

MPs in the House of Assembly have passed the proposed salary increases, however the resolution has still to go before the Senate and was this week stalled by a letter from Attorney General Larry Mussenden over the issue of whether the Senate has a legal right to hold a vote on the issue.

The Senate?s debate has now been put on hold while Senate President Alf Oughton considers the legal rights of the Upper House. He said a debate, with or without a vote, will take place among Senators on July 12.

In his statement Premier Mr. Scott added he was ?saddened the BEC has tried to link the new benchmark compensation for members and officers of the Legislature to salary negotiations for unionised workers. It is illogical to do so as one bears no relationship to the other?.

He concluded: ?The Bermuda Employer?s Council is off base and we are disappointed that this organisation has chosen to skew what could otherwise be a platform for positive examination and discourse. ?The compensation adjustments for members and officers of the Legislature have been budgeted for since 2005/06.

?One would expect a more thoroughly researched position to have underpinned the BEC?s comments on this matter. We hope these facts will inform any future statements they make.?