The St. Lucia government says it has “successfully” signed collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with seven of the nine public sector unions and staff associations, which will result in public sector workers receiving salary increases of two per cent annually within the 2022–2025 period.
It said that the agreements will also cover the 2025–2028 period, with the exception of a three per cent increase in the final year of the latter triennium.
“This agreement reflects our unwavering commitment to our public officers. It is a testament to what can be achieved through dialogue and mutual understanding,” Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre said, adding that the government remains dedicated to fostering an equitable, responsive, and progressive public service for all St. Lucians.
The government described the signing as “a milestone in the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering fair and constructive relations with its public service workforce”.
It said that the agreements were signed on Monday and “signifies a significant achievement in the negotiations process that began in December 2023.
“It underscores the government’s dedication to engaging transparently and collaboratively with its valued public officers and employees,” the government said, adding that throughout the past months, the Government Negotiating Team (GNT) “meticulously engaged with unions representing various sectors, including the St. Lucia Trade Union Federation, the St. Lucia Correctional Service Welfare Association, the St. Lucia Police Welfare Association, the National Workers Union, and others”.
“Their efforts resulted in agreements that address both financial and non-financial matters, aimed at improving the welfare of public servants.”
According to the government, the key highlights of the agreements include, salary increases of two per cent annually for each year within the 2022–2025 period, and similarly for the subsequent 2025–2028 period, with the exception of a three per cent increase in the final year of the latter triennium.
It also allows for the introduction of new provisions to enhance benefits, including payments for marking Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) School-Based Assessments, payments to temporary teachers for preparation weeks, and options for extending maternity leave as well as investment in professional development for medical practitioners and the provision of diagnostic equipment to nurse practitioners.
The government said that additional support measures, including uniforms and laundry allowances for pharmacists, and initiatives aimed at strengthening mental health awareness among public officers are among the benefits to the public sector workers.
It said that the signing marks an important milestone in laying “the foundation for ongoing engagement” and that the Department of the Public Service “remains committed to working with unions and staff associations to resolve outstanding matters”.
The government said it reiterates its dedication to creating a fair and supportive work environment for all public sector employees, reinforcing its vision to build a resilient and prosperous nation.
CASTRIES, St. Lucia, Jun 17, CMC –
CMC/as/ir/2025