Industrial action yesterday forced the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) to suspend its services to the public, however the Corporation said the suspension was “due to the unavailability of staff.”
Employees, represented by the National Workers Union, downed their tools and assembled outside the NIC’s building on the Castries Waterfront claiming that management failed to agree to negotiate on several burning issues such as salary increases, travel allowances for travelling officers, health insurance and other issues.
The NIC, in a press release yesterday, claimed that while it regretted having to suspend its services yesterday it is currently engaged in negotiations with the National Workers Union on a new collective agreement.
“The NIC and NWU last met on March 30th, 2023 at which the NIC advanced new proposals. NIC was anticipating a continuation of negotiations since discussions have not reached deadlock.
“We have been trying and are continuing to try to contact the worker’s bargaining agent, the NWU to determine what is happening. As of the time of writing, we have had no communication from the Union.
“Regretfully, we have had to suspend our service to the public until the situation is resolved.
“NIC deeply regrets the inconvenience caused to our valued customers and thanks you for your patience and under
standing,” stated the press release.
We were unable to reach the National Workers Union for comment prior to press time yesterday.
on one side staff went on strike when some of there workers not making 2000.- EC a month, on the other side staff in other business places get pay 3.-EC per hour (480.-per month)
Is it not time to look into a minimum wage?