A new chapter in Labour relations has begun at the Soufrière Regional Development Foundation following the signing of a three-year Collective Agreement with the Saint Lucia Civil Service Association.
The agreement, which runs through 2029, is expected to strengthen relations between management and staff while providing improved benefits and greater stability for employees.
Executive Director of the Soufrière Regional Development Foundation, Ernest Augier, welcomed the conclusion of negotiations and commended both sides for the cooperative approach taken during the process.
“I want to thank the CSA for really assisting in ensuring we had a speedy process,” Augier said. “I want to thank the SRDF staff also for the manner in which everything was conducted and I’m happy that we will have three years of beneficial and mutually excellent relations between the two parties.”
The Civil Service Association also expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the negotiations, noting that members will benefit from improved compensation and working conditions.
Industrial Relations Officer with the association, Suenelly Mark, confirmed that the agreement includes a salary adjustment for employees.
“We are satisfied with what we have achieved for our members, a 10 percent salary increase included with all the other benefits,” Mark said.
She also praised the spirit of cooperation shown by the organization during the negotiation process.
“Cooperation with the SRDF, it was very, very pleasing. We did not have much contention, if any, on many of the proposals that we submitted. We are very happy with the outcome of these negotiations,” Mark added.
Officials from the Labour Department also welcomed the agreement, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships between employers and unions in supporting workplace stability and productivity.
Labour Officer Donna Etienne said both parties demonstrated a clear commitment to protecting the interests of workers and the long-term development of the organization.
“Both sides have agreed that the future of employees, especially that of Soufrière Foundation, is very important as far as moving forward and the benefits that both parties would have enjoyed,” Etienne said.
She noted that the collective agreement covers a range of provisions designed to improve the welfare of employees and their families.
“The collective that the Civil Service Association signed off with Soufrière Foundation is very, very entailing that it looks after the welfare, the overall welfare of employees, their benefits as far as even medically and scholarships for their students,” she explained.
Etienne added that when employees feel valued and supported, workplace productivity tends to increase.
“So overall, if employees are the way they feel as family, for sure, productivity would be high,” she said.
She also encouraged other employers to adopt similar approaches when dealing with their staff.
“I’m encouraging all employers to treat their employees with the respect that they deserve and make them feel part of your family,” Etienne added.