Operations at the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) were disrupted on Monday after several employees reportedly called in sick, forcing the temporary closure of multiple offices across the island.
In a press release issued earlier in the day, the NIC advised the public that reduced staffing levels had affected its ability to maintain full operations. “The National Insurance Corporation wishes to advise the public that a number of employees have reported ‘sick’ today,” the statement read.
As a result, the Corporation announced the temporary closure of its Vieux Fort, Soufriere, and Blue Coral Mall offices in Castries for the day. However, NIC indicated that its Castries Waterfront and Rodney Bay offices remain open to serve customers, though cash services are unavailable at the Waterfront location.
The Corporation encouraged employers to use alternative service options during the disruption. These include submitting C3 forms through the Smart Submit online portal and making payments via direct bank deposits, while ensuring their NIC employer registration number is included with the transaction.
Employers can also place completed C3 forms and cheques in the deposit box located in the lobby of the Castries Waterfront office, along with a contact number and instructions on whether receipts should be mailed.
Meanwhile, sources within the organization suggest the sick-out may be linked to ongoing wage negotiations between the National Workers Union (NWU) and NIC management.
According to those sources, discussions between the union and the Corporation reportedly broke down, prompting NIC to seek the intervention of the Labour Commissioner.
The Labour Commissioner is said to have made independent recommendations aimed at resolving the dispute, which were allegedly accepted by the National Workers Union but rejected by NIC management.
Following the reported rejection of the recommendations, employees allegedly staged the sick out in response.
Neither the NIC nor the National Workers Union has officially confirmed the details surrounding the negotiations or the alleged breakdown in talks.
NIC says it will continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates as necessary
