Permanent Employment Granted to Hundreds of Elder Care Workers Nationwide

Minister of Equity, Social Justice, and Empowerment, Joachim Henry, announced a significant transition for over 600 elder care employees within the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund, as they are now bestowed with permanent employment status, thereby concluding years of uncertainty surrounding their temporary contracts. During a press briefing, Henry reaffirmed the commitment made by the Prime Minister to transform the employment status of these workers, stating, “On Thursday (October 2)…people who were temporarily employed would be made permanent.” For years, these workers faced a challenging cycle of 11-month contracts requiring a one-month hiatus to maintain temporary status. “That has come to an end,” Henry declared, highlighting the financial strain imposed on employees during income gaps. Notably, individuals struggled to secure loans, unable to meet monthly repayments. With this change, workers will also enjoy enhanced conditions, including government-provided uniforms and annual medical checks, ensuring they continue delivering quality care for senior citizens.