“This is a significant challenge that trade unions, workers, and representatives must confront head on”
In an address at this year’s Labour Day rally, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre pointed out the “serious challenge” workers face worldwide due to the rise of AI technology.
He criticised the economic pressures imposed by global financial agencies on Small Island Developing States (SIDs) and highlighted the difficulty of navigating a rapidly evolving and competitive global market.
“This is a significant challenge that trade unions, workers, and representatives must confront head on,” PM Pierre stated.
He emphasised the urgency for academic institutions to adapt their methods of assessing issues and students in response to the phenomenon of AI, declaring it a challenge not only for Saint Lucia but for the entire world.
“We, as a small nation, must face this head on and devise a strategy to address it. Sometimes AI can present great opportunities, but at other times, it poses significant risks,” he asserted.
The prime minister called on the workers’ movement to thoroughly examine the implications of AI, robotics, and emerging technologies on the livelihoods of regular workers.
He said that the ongoing shifts in global employment trends, insisting, “Workers must continuously re-engineer and re-educate themselves. I assure you, no worker in this country will lose their job because of technology.”
PM Pierre articulated the challenges presented by international financial institutions, stating, “They urge me to view the economy solely as a balance sheet, focusing on ratios and figures without considering the humanity and real-life impacts on our people.”
He stressed on the struggle small island governments face in balancing fiscal stability with the welfare of their citizens.
While acknowledging the daily battles, he pointed out that local trade unions often entangle themselves in politics, saying, “There is a fundamental distinction between politics and political parties. Workers must prioritize their interests, aligning with political parties only when it serves them.”
He affirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with unions and workers, declaring, “This is a government that stands firmly for the workers of Saint Lucia.”
The Prime Minister drew on the legacy of former leaders like Sir George FL Charles and Sir John Compton, who prioritized the welfare of workers, and credited former Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony for championing equal pay for men and women, implementing laws recognizing union representation, and enacting the Labour Act.
“I continue this legacy, and it is the Saint Lucia Labour Party that established a minimum wage,” he stated assertively.
In conclusion, PM Pierre declared that preparations must be made for the next generation to thrive, emphasizing, “We must strive for continuous improvement.”
He urged employees to remain resolute in advocating for their welfare and that of their families, affirming that the figures will demonstrate that the SLP administration has consistently supported the workers of this country.