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Contact:
Lucius Doxerie
Thursday, June 14, 2007 – Minister for Labour, Honourable Stephenson King
has announced that in light of the current stand off between the St. Lucia
Electricity Services Limited – LUCELEC – and the Seamen, Waterfront and General
Workers Trade Union, the ministry will invoke the relevant act that calls for
the establishment of a Tribunal to deal with such matters.
At the most recent meeting between the employers and representatives of the
employees, no agreement was reached.
Whilst LUCELEC is sticking to its commitment to offer 2.5% increase over the
next 3 years, the union is requesting a 9.5 % hike over the same period.
Unsatisfied with the status of discussions, the Union has given the company
notification of intended strike action by Sunday June 17, if the existing
stalemate continues.
Given the importance of a constant supply of electricity to the social and
economic well being of the country, Minister King has decided that a third party
– in that case a tribunal, as mandated by the Essential Services Act 1975 - be
created to broker the situation.
The tribunal as per the Act, will consist of four (4) members comprising a
chairperson, and representatives of LUCELEC, the Union and a member of the
general public.
The Tribunal will be in place ahead of the notification deadline given by the
union and it is anticipated that such a move will avert strike action by
employees of LUCELEC. (Essential Services Act)
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