~ 'Only the workers can save the workers,' says Elshot ~
PHILIPSBURG--The unions under the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (WICLU) have declared their solidarity with the more than 100 dismissed Simpson Bay Resort and Marina (former Pelican Resort) workers, who have been replaced by temporary workers.
The unions will also be requesting a meeting with Labour Minister Cornelius de Weever on the matter Windward Islands Teacher Union (WITU) President Claire Elshot told The Daily Herald on Tuesday. She said the unions are hoping to meet with the minister on Wednesday, December 7.
The unions declared their solidarity to protect the workers during a meeting at the WIFOL building on Saturday.
Attending that meeting were representatives of WITU, Workers Institute for Organised Labour (WIFOL) which represents the Simpson Bay Resort and Marina workers, St. Maarten Communications Union (SMCU), the Windward Islands Health Care Union (WIHCU) and the Association of Staff Employees of GEBE.
Windward Islands Civil Servants Union/Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU) which has a newly-elected board of directors was not present at the meeting, but the relevant information will be forwarded to the new board.
"In general the Chamber is pledging solidarity in the case of the resort workers because you have to do what you have to do for the workers. To have temporary workers substituting for permanent workers is an enemy to any workers' organisation around the world. To send permanent workers home and have temporary workers in their place, whether on contract or not, is not acceptable," said Elshot.
"At the recent 100th session of the ILO in Geneva a convention was passed to protect domestic workers under the agenda decent work. And everyone in St. Maarten is entitled to decent work.
"As unions we have to defend workers. Sending home 100 people is a disaster. It has an enormous effect on them and their families socially, economically, morally and ethically. We are up for a disaster on this island. Do you really want to have a disaster in December?" Elshot asked rhetorically.
"It is our duty to defend these workers. It is only the workers who can save the workers, so the workers institutions are prepared and are being prepared and preparing our people," she said.
During Saturday's meeting the unions also decided that they will hold a press conference on November 29, to update the media. They will be meeting with Aruban trade unionist Anselmo Pontillus, who will be in St. Maarten for a mediator's conference in St. Maarten next week.
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