PHILIPSBURG:--- Tensions have intensified between the Government of Sint Maarten and the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union – Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) after Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina formally instructed the union to end ongoing industrial action at the Fire Department. The WICSU-PSU has categorically rejected the directive, insisting on its independence and commitment to democratic consultation with its members.
Government’s Position: The Placement Process Will Proceed
In his detailed response to the Union’s letter of November 10, 2025, Prime Minister Mercelina reiterated that the placement process for Fire Department personnel — rooted in the newly approved Function Book — will continue as planned.
“Consistent with my letter dated October 24, 2025, the placement process will proceed and will begin shortly,” Mercelina stated. “A national decree establishing the placement and objection committees is currently being finalized.”
The Prime Minister confirmed that the advice for the installation of these committees was signed on November 7, 2025, and that the draft national decree had been submitted to the Governor for ratification earlier that day. Once approved, the committees will be formally installed and begin their work, after which “a realistic timeline for the completion of the placement process will be assessed and communicated.”
Mercelina reaffirmed that the Function Book, approved within the Central Committee for Civil Servants Unions (CCSU) and published by National Decree containing General Measures on February 4, 2025, is now a “valid and legal document.”
He further outlined the government’s commitments regarding promotions, career advancement, and retroactive payments for eligible personnel. The letter emphasized that these measures will be carried out in line with the Landsbesluit Aanstelling en Bevorderingseisen Brandweer Sint Maarten, ensuring transparency and fairness for all staff involved.
Prime Minister’s Direct Appeal to End the Go-Slow Action
Despite acknowledging the union’s right to representation and dialogue, the Prime Minister expressed regret at what he described as a “lack of progress” and stressed the need to move forward. He underscored that, while mediation could be considered under mutually agreed conditions, the government would not suspend its administrative processes.
“I wish to emphasize that, regardless of these ongoing discussions, the placement process will continue,” the Prime Minister wrote.
“I once again strongly urge the Union to instruct its members to bring an immediate end to the current go-slow action. This reciprocal step is essential to restore full operational capability and allow us to collaboratively achieve the lasting resolution that both the personnel and the public deserve.”
In closing, Dr. Mercelina declared his letter a “Commitment Letter”, formalizing the government’s definitive stance and signaling the administration’s determination to achieve what he described as a “responsible, lawful, and sustainable resolution for the betterment of the personnel of the Fire Department.”
Union Responds: “We Do Not Take Instructions”
Within hours, the WICSU-PSU issued its formal response — dated the same day, November 12, 2025 — confirming receipt of the Prime Minister’s correspondence but firmly rejecting his call for the union to instruct its members to halt industrial action.
“The Union is not a dictatorial body and therefore does not issue instructions to its members,” wrote WICSU-PSU President Sharon Cangieter.
“Our approach is grounded in dialogue, consultation, and democratic engagement.”
The Union emphasized that it acts on behalf of its membership collectively and cannot make unilateral decisions or impose directives. Instead, it will convene a meeting with its members to deliberate on the government’s letter before providing any official position on the matter.
“The Union does not act or speak on its own authority but represents the collective voice of its membership,” Cangieter stated. “Accordingly, no decisions or directives are made unilaterally.”
Citing International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 87, the union reminded the Prime Minister that it has the right to “organize and determine its internal affairs without interference.” The correspondence, addressed to the Prime Minister and copied to the Fire Chief, Department Head of Ambulance Services, WICSU-PSU Legal Advisor, and CCSU Secretariat, reinforces the union’s insistence on due process and respect for workers’ rights.
Underlying Issues: Function Book and Worker Representation
The dispute stems from the introduction of the new Function Book, which defines the job descriptions, ranks, and placement structure within the Fire Department. Although the government maintains that the Function Book was properly approved through the CCSU process, the union has repeatedly questioned aspects of its implementation and the lack of sufficient consultation before its enforcement.
In earlier correspondence, the Prime Minister acknowledged the union’s proposal titled “Proposal of Fire Department WICSU-PSU” and agreed in writing, on October 3, 2025, to revisit the Function Book. However, he maintains that the review would occur within three years, consistent with the original CCSU agreement, and not immediately as some union members had demanded.
Mercelina refuted claims that the government approached negotiations with a predetermined stance, stating that agendas were shared in advance and the union raised no objections at the start of the meetings. He described it as “regrettable” that the perception had been created that government was not taking the concerns of fire personnel seriously.
A Clash of Principles: Authority vs. Autonomy
The exchange of letters highlights a growing tension between governmental authority and union autonomy. While the Prime Minister insists that the government’s decisions are lawful, transparent, and aligned with established administrative procedures, the union maintains that any call to “instruct” its members undermines democratic representation and workers’ freedom of association.
The government’s request for an immediate end to the go-slow appears rooted in concerns over operational readiness and public safety. Yet the union’s insistence on democratic consultation underscores a broader defense of workers’ independence from political pressure.
The Road Ahead
The path forward remains uncertain, though both sides continue to emphasize their desire for resolution. The WICSU-PSU had previously proposed the involvement of a neutral mediator to help bridge the divide — a suggestion that the Prime Minister initially rejected in earlier correspondence.
However, in his most recent letter of November 12, 2025, Dr. Luc Mercelina reversed that position, stating his willingness to engage a neutral mediator under mutually agreed conditions, “intending to ensure continued and constructive progress.”
Despite this shift, fundamental differences persist. The government’s message remains one of firmness and continuation, reaffirming that the placement process “will proceed” irrespective of ongoing discussions. Meanwhile, the Union maintains its democratic stance, emphasizing that it “will not be instructed” and that all decisions must come through consultation with its members.
The exchange of letters on November 12, 2025, thus captures a turning point in this ongoing labor dispute — one that pits executive authority against union autonomy, and whose outcome may redefine the future of labor relations and collective bargaining within Sint Maarten’s public service.
Letter from Prime Dr. Minister Luc Mercelina to WICSU/ PSU
Response from the President of the WICSU/PSU
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