Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced good news for public sector workers during his end-of-year press conference on Wednesday. Following a year of touting economic growth and progress, the government will be paying its employees and government pensioners a one-time sum of $500 this December. Dubbed as a Christmas Bonus, this payment is the first of its kind in Saint Lucia.
Pierre says this move is one of confidence and appreciation for the efforts of public servants across the country. “On my request, the Cabinet of Ministers has agreed to the payment of a one-off bonus of $500 to every public sector worker. This means that the 12,381 workers on the government’s monthly payroll will receive this bonus before Christmas. I sincerely hope that all public sector workers will see such payment as a statement of our faith in their commitment to the progress of our beloved country,” the Prime Minister said in his address.
Negotiations between the government and trade unions have also borne fruit before the commencement of next year. Prime Minister Pierre disclosed that negotiations have led to the settlement of a 13% wage increase for civil servants to be paid throughout the next 6 years. The wage increase will also be accompanied by a tax-free backpay, the Prime Minister added. “I am informed that the Government negotiating team and the trade unions have agreed on all allowances and benefits and have now agreed on a 13% wage increase for the period 2022-2028,” he said.
Although buoyed by this development, the Prime Minister expressed his desire for completed negotiations in time for Christmas. “I had hoped that we would have completed negotiations early enough for all affected workers to receive their back pay for Christmas. However, we were not able to achieve that date.”
Despite this bonus for civil servants, citizens still remain apprehensive about the cost of living, crime and health services.
