The Government of Saint Lucia on June 16 signed Collective Bargaining Agreements for two consecutive triennials 2022 to 2025 and 2025 to 2028 with several major public sector unions and staff associations, marking a first in the country’s labor relations history.

Present at the landmark signing ceremony was President of the Trade Union Federation (TUF), Julian Monrose, who not only applauded the achievement but also used the moment to issue a strong call for increased productivity and improved work ethic among public sector workers.

“We expect our members if we are working hard to negotiate for them and defend them that they should be on the job, on time, and doing what is expected of them. We must not be afraid to say that to them as leaders,” said Monrose.

Addressing a broader concern, Monrose highlighted a national issue of work ethic, noting that discussions around productivity should not be confined to one sector alone.

“We need to improve productivity not only in the private sector but also in the public sector,” he stated. “In Saint Lucia, we have a problem with work ethic and that needs to be corrected.”

The dual-triennium signing not only secures the retroactive payments of thousands of public sector workers but guarantees pay increases for the next three years until 2028.