BPSU president Kevin Grant says today’s secret ballot will “bring closure” to about eight months of negations with Government.About 100 members attended yesterday’s after-work meeting to hear the history of negotiations between the Bermuda Public Services Union and Government.Mr Grant sat on the stage at St Paul AME Church hall and gave a chronological overview of all issues discussed since October.The moment of truth will come today as about 1,700 workers have the opportunity to cast their vote in an all-day secret ballot.It will be exactly three weeks after 600 civil servants marched on Cabinet calling for Government to help families struggling in the recession in return for accepting a low wage increase.Workers wanted guarantees from Government that there would be no redundancies or wage cuts if the union accepts a 1.25 percent wage increase; and that Government considers a cut of ministerial wages and does everything it can to introduce a price freeze on essential products.Mr Grant said: “At last night’s meeting we went through all the information that we had put together.“We gave members a chronological order of events from when our negotiations started in October to where we are today.“We wanted them to have the information so they could make an informed decision. It’s now up to the members to decide where to go from here. It’s in their hands.”Members also had the chance to ask questions and discuss their concerns at last night’s meeting, which lasted just over an hour.Mr Grant said: “There’s a real concern about the economy right now. Members are weary about the future.“They know things are not going to get better and they are worried about providing for their families.”Mr Grant added that Premier Paula Cox’s offer to take a pay-cut in her $224,000 salary “was discussed but not in too much detail.” He said Ms Cox’s offer meant very little unless Cabinet members agreed to follow her lead.Ms Cox has repeatedly said she couldn’t guarantee redundancies or price controls.Today’s vote takes place from 9am to 7pm at the BPSU headquarters. The ballot paper will simply ask if members agree to a 1.25 percent wage increase. BPSU shop stewards will help with counting the votes and the final count is expected at about 9pm.Mr Grant said: “I am looking forward to ending this part of Government negotiations. It will bring some closure to us.“But the work will not stop, it will just be time to start over again with new negotiations.”