The St. Lucia government on Thursday started the disbursement of an estimated EC$11.5 million in outstanding arrears to public servants.
The monies cover the period 2019–2022 for both active and former public servants.
A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said the negotiations between the umbrella Trade Union Federation and the Government Negotiating Team resulted in two collective agreements being reached for the periods 2016–2019 and 2019–2022.
The agreements included wage and salary increases.
The statement said although the conclusion of the negotiations predates the current administration and, despite the global economic challenges and inflationary pressures on government revenue, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre decided to honour the agreements.
