Saint Lucia’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved the agreement reached by the Government Negotiating Team (GNT) and the Saint Lucia Trade Union Federation (TUF) on behalf of six affiliates, who are signatories to the negotiations protocol.
The membership of these six affiliates has robustly endorsed the decisions made in principle during discussions on December 12, 2024.
The terms of the agreement state that:
– The negotiations have been effectively concluded for a double triennium covering 2022 to 2025 and 2025 to 2028.
– Salary increases for these two periods are set at 6% and 7%, respectively.
– Back pay will be tax-free.
– Back pay is scheduled for payment in February 2025.
However, the TUF remains clear that its acceptance of the December 12th meeting is conditional as negotiations continue with other public sector unions and staff associations.
The TUF, alongside its six affiliates—namely the Saint Lucia Civil Service Association, the Saint Lucia Fire Service Association, the Saint Lucia Medical and Dental Association, the Saint Lucia Nurses Association, the Saint Lucia Teachers Union, and the Vieux Fort Dock and General Workers Union—expects the swift signing of the collective agreements.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre reaffirmed the commitment to prevent any industrial disputes regarding wage negotiations. He emphasised the necessity for productive discussions between the CSA and the Government’s Negotiating Team (GNT).
The Prime Minister urged the GNT to advance discussions with public servants promptly, asserting that this six-year agreement represents a significant endorsement of confidence and trust in the public servants of Saint Lucia.
However, differing opinions have emerged within the Police Welfare Association (PWA) regarding the government’s proposed 13% wage increase over this extended period.
PWA President Cameron Laure has firmly objected to the proposed wage increase, citing persistent unresolved issues surrounding fringe benefits and the overly lengthy six-year negotiation period. He argues that effectively, the proposal fails to address the essential concerns of the membership.