IN a strong response to Labour Minister Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte’s criticism of the Police Welfare Association’s (PWA) decision to openly express its position on pay negotiations, its President Camron Laure stands firm in defence of the membership.
A dispute is growing between the PWA and the government amid ongoing salary discussions. “The matter is under discussion, yet the police went public with our concerns before negotiations are concluded,” Dr. Albert-Poyotte noted during a recent media briefing.
The minister mentioned several topics in the negotiations that the government could solve, but emphasised, “We respect the negotiation process. Unless a deadlock prevents further progress, we will not go public as both parties are in dialogue.”
She chastised the police for “making an out” by bringing their difficulties to public notice, implying that the government has abstained from doing so in relation to the negotiating protocol.
Dr. Albert-Poyotte stated, “The Government Negotiating Team (GNT) has not reported any deadlock, and there remains ongoing dialogue between them and the other union representatives. The police have chosen not to negotiate alongside the Trade Union Federation (TUF), which is their decision.”
Despite the Bordelais Correctional Facility (BCF) officials chose to deal with the TUF, the minister certified that the conclusions were acceptable.
However, the police elected to publicise their concerns while waiting for clarification from the GNT. The government is only willing to act if there is an impasse between the police and the GNT.
Last month, the Cabinet of Ministers confirmed the deal agreed upon by the GNT and the Saint Lucia Trade Union Federation. This agreement is a substantial support from the six affiliates which participated in the negotiation procedure, whose decisions were reinforced during discussions on December 12, 2024.
The agreement states that the negotiations will last a double triennium, from 2022 to 2025 and 2025 to 2028.
– The salary increases for these periods are set at 6% and 7%, respectively.
However, the TUF has stated that the outcome of the December 12 meeting is reliant on further conversations with other public sector unions and staff associations.
Earlier this year, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre reaffirmed his commitment to preventing industrial action during pay talks, emphasising the significance of fruitful discussions between the CSA and GNT.
Laure claims that the government originally made wage talks a public issue, forcing the PWA to protect its employees.
“It was the Prime Minister who prematurely announced that discussions were settled, misleading everyone, even our members. we had to openly defend the integrity of the process ,” he told reporters last week.
He continued: “We did not ask the authorities to impose any salary changes without our consent, yet that was conveyed publicly.”
Laure is steadfast in his determination to gain improved wages and working conditions for PWA members, claiming that they are waiting for a response from the government.
“The continual leaks following our negotiation meetings appear to come from someone operating under a pseudonym, very likely pro-government, disseminating information without our consent,” he argued.
“We do not engage with individuals on social media discussing the confidential contents of our negotiations,” Laure said.
Laure was also frustrated by the continued disrespect, misinformation, and deception from people who should be aware.
In reaction to these developments, the PWA has formally contacted the GNT and is preparing to resume negotiations.