PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union-Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) has issued a firm ultimatum to the government, demanding a signed commitment letter by 5 PM on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The demand comes amid a deepening dispute over retroactive placements and payments for personnel in the Fire and Ambulance Departments. Failure to meet the deadline could trigger widespread solidarity actions from both public and private sector union members.
In a detailed letter sent to Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina on November 10, the union rejected the government's position that informal text or written messages suffice as binding agreements. WICSU-PSU President Sharon Canigieter stated that a formally signed commitment is essential to rebuilding trust, which has been severely eroded by unresolved issues over the years.
The core of the conflict stems from the non-retroactive implementation of a new function book for the Fire Department. The union contends that an understanding was reached to implement the function book to secure benefits for retiring staff, with the promise that discrepancies would be corrected within a three-year window. However, the government has stated that retroactive application is not possible, a move the union describes as a breach of trust.
"The position of both departments remains clear: if the Government agrees to the requests presented, there should be no obstacle to signing the commitment letter," the union wrote. "This formality is significant given the longstanding mistrust that has existed and has further escalated due to recent developments."
The letter highlights a history of unfulfilled promises and dismissed evidence, including documentation dating back to 2003 and a National Decree from 2017 that the union claims were ignored. This has fueled ongoing uncertainty and led to the "Go-Slow" action initiated by the Fire Department on April 19, 2025.
In response to the growing impasse, the union has added new conditions to its original proposal. The revised commitment letter now demands:
- Confirmation of a date for retroactive placement and payment.
- Acknowledgment of correction pages for the 2025 function book.
- Assignment of a neutral mediator to help facilitate a transparent resolution.
The union emphasized the critical role of the Fire and Ambulance personnel, describing them as "highly skilled professionals who safeguard the lives, property, and safety of the people of Sint Maarten." It argues that their dedication, often performed under conditions of severe understaffing and with unaddressed grievances, demands "written, transparent, and enforceable commitments—not verbal assurances that allow for ambiguity or reinterpretation."
With the clock ticking towards the Wednesday deadline, the government faces a critical decision. If a signed commitment is not received, the WICSU-PSU has warned that members across various sectors are prepared to stand in "full solidarity" with their colleagues, potentially escalating the current labor action significantly.
Click here to read the WICSU/PSU response to Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.
