ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC—The Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) has known as on the Authorities of Grenada to right away launch all withheld union dues with out preconditions and stop any additional interference within the democratic processes of the Grenada Public Employees Union (GPWU).
In an announcement issued on February 22, the regional labor physique expressed grave concern over what it describes as an “unacceptable overreach” by the Grenadian authorities. The controversy stems from a letter dated January 17, 2025, through which the Workplace of the Secretary to the Cupboard set preconditions for releasing union dues lawfully deducted from members’ salaries.
“The CCL views this as an unacceptable overreach and a direct violation of the autonomy of the GPWU. Commerce unions, as democratic establishments, have the basic proper to handle their inner affairs with out authorities interference,” the assertion learn.
The federal government’s preconditions embrace requiring the GPWU to submit proof of its 2024 Annual Council Assembly, an attendance register, and proof of consultations held with public officers concerning modifications to the dues construction. These circumstances had been imposed although, on the union’s Annual Normal Assembly (AGM) in March 2024, members had handed a decision approving a 1% enhance in dues, efficient January 1, 2025.
GPWU President Brian Grimes confirmed that the federal government has didn’t switch the union’s charges for the reason that second half of December 2024.
Including to the controversy, a press launch from the Workplace of the Secretary to the Cupboard, issued final Friday, admitted {that a} round was despatched out requesting 1000’s of GPWU members, each established and unestablished employees, to signal “sure” or “no” to the elevated contribution.
Analysis has revealed that that is the primary occasion through which the Grenadian authorities has positioned preconditions on releasing deducted union charges whereas additionally looking for consent from public officers concerning the appliance of elevated prices to their salaries.
In protection of its actions, the federal government said that it stays dedicated to honoring the union’s request for revised wage deductions. In accordance with a launch signed by Appearing Secretary to the Cupboard Carvel Lett, “As a part of the implementation course of, all related authorities departments have been notified, and members are inspired to acknowledge receipt by signing (sure or no) and returning the round to the Cupboard Workplace no later than February 24, 2025, to facilitate deductions and funds by month-end, February 2025.”
The CCL, nevertheless, strongly opposes this transfer, stating that it constitutes an unjustified intrusion into union operations and an infringement on the ideas of freedom of affiliation and collective bargaining, as enshrined in worldwide labor conventions.
The problem was raised in the course of the forty eighth Common Assembly of the Convention of Heads of Authorities, the place CCL President Andre’ Lewis and Normal Secretary Michael Annisette mentioned it with Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.
“The CCL clearly expressed its place that the Cupboard Secretary’s request constituted an unjustified intrusion into union operations and an infringement on the ideas of freedom of affiliation and collective bargaining,” the assertion famous. In accordance with the CCL, each leaders left the assembly with the understanding that the withheld dues could be launched unconditionally.
Nevertheless, following this assembly, a press launch from the Workplace of the Prime Minister known as on GPWU members to point their stance on the dues enhance by signing “sure” or “no.” The CCL has since condemned this as a “blatant and inappropriate try to intrude within the inner affairs of the GPWU.”
Reaffirming its solidarity with the GPWU, the CCL has vowed to observe the scenario carefully. “We belief that the Authorities of Grenada will take swift and essential steps to resolve this matter and reaffirm its dedication to respecting employees’ rights and commerce union freedoms,” the CCL said.
The CCL urges the Grenadian authorities to launch all withheld union dues instantly and with none preconditions, emphasizing that commerce unions should stay unbiased and free from governmental interference of their inner affairs.
