The apparent dispute of government with Fire Department staff (see Thursday newspaper) is headed towards mediation. That sounds like a plan, because while Prime Minister Luc Mercelina (General Affairs) insists all employees’ demands were agreed to, the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union-Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) seems to have other ideas.
In such situations of possible misunderstandings, getting more neutral assistance may be helpful. It can take away some of the sharp edges and emotions that often accompany direct talks between employer and workers’ representatives, due to less-than-positive past experience, etc.
Meanwhile, the public should be assured that so-called “go slows” in these cases obviously don’t include actual emergencies. No more time than needed will be taken to address fires or other calamities.
Such protest actions usually focus on non-urgent matters like inspections for building permits. The same goes for Ambulance Service personnel when it comes to serious medical issues.
St. Maarten’s first-line responders have proven they are very much aware of their special responsibilities time and again. It’s also the least people expect.
