By: Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Thursday 20th January 2022) — Representatives from the manufacturing plant API Harowe Servo Ltd., the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades & Labour Union (SKNT&LU) and the Department of Labour met on Wednesday 19th January 2022 for the signing ceremony of a renewed three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement at the NEMA Headquarters Conference Room at Lime Kiln commercial development.
The event followed three days of negotiation in December 2021 conducted at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort. Labour Commissioner Shernel James spoke about the “very important document,” highlighting that “workers achieve and aspire more under a work contract that comes through the right to organize and the right to negotiate and formulate collective bargaining agreements.”
Notably, workers will receive a pay increase of 9% over the timespan of the 2022-2024 contract, featuring a breakdown of 5%, 2% and 2%, with the largest amount in the first year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SKNT&LU President Sydney Bridgewater described the relationship with Harowe Servo Ltd. as a “harmonious” one, noting: “The kind of relationship we have with Harowe, we don’t have it with no other company nowhere around.” Plant Manager Carol Evelyn committed: “Throughout the challenges we have always come to an agreement. API Harowe Servo, which started here in St. Kitts in 1974, we are committed to continue doing business here in St. Kitts.”