Labour Minister says her biggest concerns is the large percentage of un-unionized workers in Saint Lucia

22nd September 2021

By Department of the Public Service

Minister for the Public Service, Home Affairs, Labour and Gender Affairs, Hon. Dr. Virginia Albert –Poyotte, has begun what she describes as “a path-finding” series of meetings with the various trade unions and staff associations on the island. Following on the heels of the first meeting with representatives of the trade unions and employee organizations which took place on Friday, September 10, 2021, the Labour Minister met with the Civil Service Association (CSA) and National Workers Union (NWU) in separate meetings on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, and will continue to engage each trade union and staff association in the coming weeks.

Dr. Albert-Poyotte, who is no stranger to the trade union movement, having served as President of the Saint Lucia Teachers Union, said the objective of the meetings is to engage in healthy dialogue with the parties. She noted that while it is expected that the government and the unions will not always agree on everything, the intention is to settle matters as amicably as possible.

“The trade union as an entity and as the representatives of workers in Saint Lucia, has been dear to my heart. We have to give priority to the issues that impact workers in Saint Lucia. I am looking forward to meeting with the individual unions to address issues and challenges. This is a path finding to get an overall picture of issues affecting the unions generally”, said Dr. Albert-Poyotte.

Dr. Albert-Poyotte also met with representatives of the Labour Department and is committed to the task of charting a new course for the Department. “I am aware that in the past, the Labour Department has always been treated as an appendix to most ministries; so that there was not that kind of importance attached to it. So I have decided that as Minister for the Public Service, Home Affairs, Labour and Gender Affairs, that I will bring Labour and Gender Affairs directly under Public Service so they are incorporated into the Public service. The public service deals with negotiations, employment of public sector workers…, and as such, they should be in a position to iron out the differences that have arisen over the years. Labour was very excited that at long last somebody is bringing them into the hub”, she added.

According to Dr. Albert-Poyotte, she is in pursuit of giving the trade unions and the workers their rightful place. However, she lamented that one of her biggest concerns is the large percentage of un-unionized workers in Saint Lucia.

“One of these days we will take on the challenge to bring some sensibility to them to let them know that the trade union is the only ‘salvation’ that some workers have. I see my entrance into politics as giving the unions a foot in the door of policies and directions in the country. I see myself as a voice for workers in government”, Dr. Albert -Poyotte noted.

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