Labour Minister Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte has underscored the need for industrial peace in an address to Thursday’s 62nd annual general meeting of the Saint Lucia Employers’ Federation (SLEF).
“Without industrial peace, we are not going to see much done,” Albert-Poyotte asserted.
However, she explained that if employers, workers, and the government work together, they will create a productive environment.
The Babonneau MP declared in such an environment, people would be enthusiastic and willing to make their contribution.
The veteran former trade unionist acknowledged accusations that she might have a soft spot for workers.
However, she declared that there would be no need for workers without employers.
As a result, Albert-Poyotte told her audience employers and employees were equally important for national development.
In this regard, she reassured the SLEF annual general meeting that the government was working with employers and workers.
The Minister also referred to several initiatives previously highlighted by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, including the minimum and liveable wage.
She explained that the Cabinet was discussing and had to approve the document that would be published for discussion.
Therefore, the SLEF had yet to receive it.
In addition, Albert-Poyotte disclosed that Cabinet members had received a report from the Minimum Wage Commission.
She said the Commission would make a presentation to the Cabinet, receive feedback, make adjustments to the document, and circulate it to all stakeholders for observations before creating a final draft.
Albert-Poyotte expected the final document to reflect a ‘decent wage’ for Saint Lucians.
This lady is always saying a whole lot of nothing. Can’t get even get Labour Department right far less for minimum wage enactment.
I would suggest to the Minister protest is a form of injustice being done to those who are in action. You are well aware of the quantum injustice and prejudice that are taking place within the labour force across St. Lucia and as a now politician who would have had experience such injustices and prejudice before becoming a minister so you would have probably done already a great deal to enforce a living wage and revised the ancient labor code that was there since colonial times, obviously you are an immediate beneficiary of the existing one while you watch and smile at your fellow citizens drive into proverty.
This speech is too idealistic. However, it would be nice. Do you expect employers will absorb the increase in wages without passing it on to customers? Well, I’ve got news for you. It will have an inflationary impact. I suggest govt have a minimum wage for all it’s employees and demand it for all govt contractors. Let employers compete for labor.
That government is playing a game with that minimum wage issue it’s like they are afraid of the private sector business if they do not deliver the minimum wage they better be prepared to lose the next elections as we the people are not stupid . We have to many people working for low wages risking their lives for 3 EC dollars an hour working 12 to 18 hour shifts in hotels and security
This politicians. Is playing mind games with the St Lucian workers regarding a livable minum wage system to all workers.. She said that wage proposals have been sent to the prime minister and have not heard from the PM regarding establish a fair living wage system of $10+ per hour based on hours worked… Folks, how long do we have to wait?
The can abolish the slave wages now and implement better wages and stop the spinning of Fiction and and implement FACT..
They are all Snake oil salesmen and women fooling the 43%+ and their Families.. Stop matching and do something positive such as abolishing the Slave wages Systems and stop spilling Bovine excrement to the followers..
I endorse my thoughts and observations on the Article..