Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, in an address to the nation Tuesday evening, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, highlighting recent wage increases, pension adjustments, and government efforts to alleviate the cost of living.
“The Government of Saint Lucia, under the administration of the Saint Lucia Labour Party, has always made the welfare of workers a priority and sought to ensure that wages are in line with the local and international economic environment,” said Prime Minister Pierre.
He emphasized the party’s long-standing pro-worker stance, pointing to key legislative milestones such as the Wages Council Ordinance of 1952 under Sir George F.L. Charles and the Minimum Wage Act of 1999 enacted under Dr. Kenny D. Anthony’s administration.
Addressing recent actions taken by his government, Pierre outlined wage increases and payments made to public sector workers:
December 2022 – $6.8 million in back pay to public sector workers.
March 2023 – $11.5 million in back pay disbursed.
December 2024 – A first-ever $500 Christmas bonus for all public sector workers and pensioners.
Pensioners also benefited from wage increases, including a rise in the government pension to a minimum of $725 monthly and an increase in the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) minimum pension to $500 monthly.
To further support workers, a minimum wage of $1,131 per month was introduced in October 2024, following recommendations by the Minimum Wage Commission.
Upcoming Salary Adjustments
Prime Minister Pierre announced that on February 20, 2025, the government will pay a 6% tax-free back pay to all public employees from Grades 1-18, totaling approximately $34.5 million. This will cover salary
increases for:
2% in 2022-2023
2% in 2023-2024
2% in 2024-2025
A one-time $500 bonus will also be paid to pensioners who retired before April 1, 2022, amounting to $1.5 million.
Looking ahead, a 7% salary increase has been approved for the period April 2025 to March 2028, with phased increments over three years.
Negotiations and Cost of Living Measures
While negotiations with the Police Welfare Association and the National Workers Union are ongoing, Pierre assured that police officers and fortnightly paid workers will receive their back pay alongside other public sector employees.
The government has also implemented various measures to combat imported inflation, including tax reductions on essential goods, subsidies on cooking gas and staple foods, and negotiations to lower meat prices.
Prime Minister Pierre concluded his address by thanking all stakeholders for their cooperation during the negotiation process and urged public sector workers to remain committed to national development.
“My administration remains committed to the welfare of all workers and to the overall development of our country,” he stated.
The address came as Saint Lucia prepares to celebrate its 46th Independence Anniversary on February 22, 2025.
