Dear Editor,
Labour day, also known as International Workers Day, is a day to reflect on the social and economic struggles and achievements of workers and Labour Unions the world over.
To many, Labour Day is a day to stay at home and relax. Be that as it may, it is also a time to reflect, plan, discuss, educate, debate and to strengthen our commitment to the struggle for decent pay and decent working conditions on our island, the region and the world. It is a time to draw attention to the ongoing violation of both workers and trade union rights; to lobby and advocate for social justice and human rights with the sole objective of improving the quality of life for all.
In fact, many brave, energetic and community-minded individuals in our society dedicated their entire lives to champion the cause of the workers of St. Martin; the benefits of which we enjoy today! We often give moving speeches about our venerable labour leaders of the past but we must, in good conscience, continue their work. Today, the working class on St. Martin is confronted by a myriad of challenges and grim prospects namely: low-wage jobs that force low-income households to purchase debts; the high costs of living; diminishing job security, the growing informal economy, the lack of decent jobs and the blatant violation of workers’ rights.
Besides that, companies are outsourcing and finding “…economic pressures and in-sufficient savings reinforces concerns, anxieties and fears that the next generation of blue- collar workers of this blessed nation will retire in poverty!”
In our struggle unity is paramount and companies find creative ways to reduce its labour costs. Lifelong employment that was once secure and guaranteed is now “flexible” and “seasonal” with little to no guarantee of becoming a permanent worker within the organisation. Despite the rapid advances in technology and innovation, workers are required to work longer thereby negatively affecting their “work-life balance.”
Furthermore, overtime once considered a good way of earning a little more is quickly eaten up either in taxes or to cover one’s basic needs. The informal economy on St. Martin is not only growing and diverting millions of dollars into the neighbouring islands, but is also stifling the economic growth of the island. The working poor, once hidden in plain sight, is now a common feature among many civil servants and private sector workers alike.
For instance, today many civil servants find themselves “stuck” in the same or incorrect salary scales for years with little to no real opportunity for growth or training in order to expand their knowledge. Worse yet, another group of civil servants, despite receiving excellent evaluations have yet to enjoy the much-anticipated bonus because “Government does not have money,” or the documents simply cannot be located, so forth and so on.
On the other hand, in the private sector we witness the unfair dismissals, unsafe working conditions, illegal immigration, the continued abuse of the six-month contract, outsourcing of local jobs to foreign countries, and age discrimination where persons as young as 40 years of age are sent home because they are “too old”.
In truth, it is not surprising to learn of the many cases where persons have been on a “short term” contract for roughly 10 years and counting. Besides that, young professionals are faced with a totally different and competitive labour market with higher barriers of entry, and large student debts that will certainly slow down their dream of purchasing a home or investing in a small business. While a substantial amount of funds are allocated for public education, many former high school students enter the labour market with insufficient skills and experience leaving them with little hope of gaining even menial employment at times.
Fellow workers of St. Martin, it is tough to remain optimistic on Labour Day when countless families are just one pay-check away from hunger and poverty, and the labour of workers are treated as a mere commodity, a liability or a “mere factor of production” whose worth and value is to be exclusively determined by the “free market” and/or by the workers’ ability to generate. In the final analysis, it is the workers who will ultimately drive and propel the economy and development of this island’s maximum returns on investment for shareholders.
Additionally, who can ignore the fact that wages have not kept up with the high cost of living and the principle of equal pay for equal work, particularly between males and females, is not consistently applied across the board on St. Maarten.
Comrades, the recent increase of the retirement age from 60 to 62 might not necessarily lead to an increase in retirement benefits for pensioners. Consider for a moment if you will that the economic pressures and insufficient savings reinforces concerns, anxieties and fears that the next generation of blue-collar workers of this blessed nation, will retire in poverty.
Moreover, the issue of decent work and the rights of workers, be they full time or temporary workers, is protected and placed extremely high on the evolving policy of agenda Government, the private sector and trade unions.
Beloved reader, it is no exaggeration to say that the perceived shortage of decent jobs and the failure to protect their rights has caused many workers to descend into the informal economy just to make “ends meet.” It is generally recognised by laudable institutions such as the International Labour Organisation, that decent work is vital for economic growth and sustainable development of any county/nation state. It cannot be said enough that as is well documented, the impact of climate change stands to drastically alter if not eliminate communities and employment in the region.
From a shortage of provisions in Dominica, low rice production in Guyana, rising acidity in the Caribbean sea threatens the coral reefs and marine life, to the worst droughts in Puerto Rico and St. Lucia affecting everything from human lives, agriculture i.e. food security, water reserves and livestock. If the reader will only recall that in 2015 a portion of the Great Salt Pond in Great Bay was dried up, unlike anything we’ve seen in years! All of this means that St. Martin, as a one-pillar economy is required is to change, evolve and transition towards a low-carbon and green economy.
Consequently, there is an urgent need for targeted investments in creating green jobs, recycling programmes and environmental reforms in order to reverse, where possible, the undesirable effects of climate change on St. Martin.
Brothers and sisters, in an age of globalisation and free-market liberalism, the need to deepen the unity and creative cooperation within and across the Labour Union movement, in order to strengthen our collective determination is imperative. It is only by joining forces can we effectively organize against very powerful interests, be it within the State apparatus or the private sector.
The future of St. Martin is in the hands of the workers and trade union movement! Be not fooled, the trade union movement is a Government in its own right and as such is best able to advance the interests of workers. Through unity, a common vision and with absolute commitment can the trade union movement on St. Martin bring about social justice for all.
More than that, it is essential that workers play their part by enhancing their participation within the trade union movement on every level whenever the opportunity presents itself.
In light of the aforementioned observations, the unions encourages workers to take advantage of every opportunity to continuously expand one’s knowledge and develop the necessary skills in order to increase one’s productivity and earning potential, and strategically position oneself for career advancement. More importantly, it is critical that workers develop stronger leadership skills and constantly educate themselves about their rights and responsibilities as requirements for good citizenship and the proper functioning of Government and the private sector.
The call for leadership can be heard loud and clear, so let us not play deaf or blind to the grievances or loud whispers of the people that we made an oath to represent according to the highest professional and moral standards. The masses are looking towards the trade union movement and its leadership for direction and action!
In closing, it bears repeating that the future of St. Martin is in the hands of the workers! The WICSU/PSU Union extends its warmest wishes to all the working men and woman of this of this lovely island, St. Martin. Long live the workers of St. Martin! Together we struggle, together we achieve! Unity and solidarity is forever!
W.I.C.S.U./P.S.U. Union Board
