LUCELEC responds to NWU notice of strike action in St Lucia

By Caribbean News Global contributor

CASTRIES, St Lucia – Following the circulation of No 37 Labour (Code) Act 2006 – report of trade dispute in an essencial service to the ministry of the public service and minister Dr Virginia Albert Poyotte – the below press release submitted by CJoseph, reads:

“St Lucia Electricity Services Limited (LUCELEC) confirms it received a copy of the notice from the National Workers Union to the Labour Minister dated October 18, 2023 advising of the intention of its Grade 4 to 9 employees who are members of the Union to carry out strike action from 8:00 a.m. on November 17.  

LUCELEC maintains that it has taken all steps in accordance with the requirements of the Labour Act Cap.16.04 of the revised laws of Saint Lucia to resolve all known grievances raised by the Union. These include the two cited in the notice of strike action, namely:

1. The failure of management of St. Lucia Electricity Services Ltd (LUCELEC) to bring to speedy resolution outstanding grievances.

 2. The non-resolution of long outstanding industrial relations matters including:

a. The ECUPS Pension Plan;

b. 30 percent Shift Allowance. 

Additionally, LUCELEC and the Union were advised on Friday, November 03, 2023, that the issues cited in number 2 have since been sent to the Labour Tribunal for resolution. This prevents the company from taking further action on these matters until that body has met and issued a judgement. 

LUCELEC awaits the response from the Union to the Minister’s letter.

“LUCELEC advises its customers and the general public that the company is prepared to take all necessary actions to minimize the impact of the proposed strike action on its operations on the stated day and going forward.”