ST MAARTEN: Union and Government sign covenant; Negotiations to commence next month

PHILIPSBURG: A year ago, April 2025, firefighters initiated their action, demanding respect for their work as critical workers who ensure public safety. They demanded to be treated with respect and to enjoy their rights and dignity as huma beings.

Having met with the legislature in August last year, the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union-Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) reported on the continuing frustration of the firefighters who were demoralised by the lack of effective response and inaction in addressing poor working conditions and other grievances. The firefighters, this time with  ambulance workers, decided on “go slow” action to press their case. The membership of the WICSU-PSU, and other unions in St Maarten stood in solidarity, demanding action by the Prime Minister who is also Minister of General Affairs with responsibility for the civil service.

Sint Maarten is a country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands; it is part of the Dutch Caribbean and shares an island with France.  St Maarten occupies 34 km2 of the 87 km2  island.  It’s Fire Department is responsible for the safety of citizens and visitors by preventing, minimising and combating fire, accidents and disasters. Serving a diverse population of just over 58,000 people, the Fire Department employs fifty-four employees, 36 of whom are active firefighters. There are 6 retirees and 2 who were on pension were requested to return to work.

 After a number of meetings between the employer and the union, workers sought to have the decisions and commitments made at those meetings included in a covenant signed by the Prime Minister in his capacity as minister responsible for the civil service. This covenant would then form the basis for negotiations, covering inter-alia:

•    Correction and finalisation of the function book,

• Placements, promotions and retroactive placement and pay,

• A commitment to having an entire agreement and a legal framework,

• Negotiations and neutral mediation

But there was resistance to signing the covenant. With the appointment of a mediator, workers hoped for a speedy conclusion to the dispute. But as the year opened, the women and men of the fire department encountered even more delays. In response to a claim that others were “behind all of this”, Eric Chase, WICSU-PSU senior shop steward and Board member emphatically stated “the union’s strength comes from its members. The union does not act independently of us—it acts with us, under our direction and mandate.”

 Chase added, “Our approach remained measured, lawful, and focused on solutions. We respected the mediation process and the institutions involved, … We remained committed to dialogue, fairness, and resolution, while standing firmly by the agreements that had already been reached and documented.”

The document signed on April 10 covers active as well as retired Fire Department personnel and it clarifies and resolves basic matters relating to formal placement, career advancement, and retroactive compensation.  It establishes a structured and transparent framework to correct past shortcomings and ensure equitable treatment for both active and retired firefighters, “recognising their invaluable service and contributions to Sint Maarten”. For retired firefighters it means that their service and the impact of past discrepancies are acknowledged and addressed as part of this process.

In his remarks at the signing, Prime Minister Marcelina stated, “This agreement reflects our Government’s commitment to good governance and sound personnel policy. We are correcting past shortcomings and building a stronger, more equitable system that supports the men and women who keep our country safe.” In addition, the Government has committed to a comprehensive review of the Fire Department’s Function Book. This review process is scheduled to begin before the end of this year.

Sharon Cangieter, president of WICSU-PSU adds, “It has been a long and tough battle. The firefighters, joined by other first responders, have demonstrated their determination to fight for their rights and for justice. They’ve shown all workers the importance of working together, supporting each other for a common purpose - solidarity. They all love their jobs and want to effectively serve the public. WICSU-PSU looks forward to the start of negotiations.”