Public Sector Workers to Get 13 Per Cent Wage Increase and $500 Bonus

Public sector workers will start receiving a 13 per cent wage increase from next year, along with a one-time $500 bonus just in time for Christmas, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre announced on Wednesday. The wage increase, which follows the finalisation of negotiations with public sector unions, will apply from 2022 to 2028. Pierre revealed during his end-of-year press conference that tax-free back pay will be issued in February. “I hoped that we would have completed negotiations early enough for all affected workers to receive their back pay for Christmas; however, we were not able to achieve that date,” he said. “I think that all public sector workers do deserve to receive some compensation for their patience and understanding. On my request, the Cabinet of Ministers has agreed to a payment of a one-off $500 bonus to every public sector worker. This means that 12,381 workers on the government’s monthly payroll will receive their bonus before Christmas.” The announcements came as Pierre discussed the growing cost of living in Saint Lucia. “It is painful to note the impact that imported inflation has had on families, especially single parents and the elderly,” he stated. “Since 2021, we sought to cushion the...