Several National Insurance Corporation (NIC) offices across Saint Lucia were forced to close on Monday after employees reported sick, a move sources say is tied to stalled wage negotiations with the National Workers Union (NWU).
In a press statement, the NIC said reduced staffing levels led to the closure of its Vieux Fort, Soufrière, and Blue Coral Mall offices in Castries for the day on March 16. The corporation’s Castries Waterfront and Rodney Bay offices remained open, although cash services were unavailable at the Waterfront.
“The National Insurance Corporation wishes to advise the public that a number of employees have reported ‘sick’ today,” the statement said.
Highly placed sources suggested the apparent sickout was linked to tensions surrounding wage negotiations between the NIC and the National Workers Union (NWU).
According to a source, the negotiations reached an impasse, and in January, the matter was referred to the Labour Commissioner, who later issued independent recommendations to resolve the dispute.
St. Lucia Times understands that the NWU accepted the recommendations, while the NIC did not.
The matter has since been escalated to the Minister of Labour, a move some staff reportedly view as prolonging the process.
“What you are seeing today is not a strike. You are looking at a workforce that is genuinely sick,” the source said.
Due to the disruptions, the NIC also encouraged employers to make use of alternative options to conduct business, including submitting C3 forms through its online Smart Submit portal, making payments via direct bank deposit, or using the document deposit box located in the lobby of the Castries Waterfront office.
The NIC apologized for any inconvenience caused by Monday’s closures and thanked the public for its patience and understanding as operations were adjusted.
The Corporation also said it remains committed to providing uninterrupted service to the people of Saint Lucia and will provide further updates as necessary.
