PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has announced significant updates to the vacation and leave regulations for civil servants, as approved in a newly passed national ordinance. These changes aim to enhance benefits for government employees while streamlining related administrative processes.
The reforms, approved unanimously by Parliament, reflect months of collaboration between the government and unions through the Committee for Civil Servants Union (CCSU). The ordinance introduces several key adjustments, which include:
- Vacation allowance increases: Civil servants will see an increase in their allowance, rising to 7% in 2024 and subsequently to 8% in 2025.
- Simplified processes: Future adjustments to the allowance can now be executed through a national decree, eliminating procedural delays.
- Additional leave for long service: An extra day of leave will be granted to employees who have served for 45 consecutive years.
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns regarding the Jubilee payments, which will remain under the Remuneration Regulations for Civil Servants (BRA). Jubilee payments include milestone rewards such as half a month’s extra salary at 15 and 20 years of service, one month’s salary and an extra leave day at 30 years of service, and two months’ extra salary with an additional leave day at 45 years.
“These changes reflect our relentless dedication to valuing the contributions of our civil servants, particularly those who persevered during the challenging COVID-19 years when many benefits were temporarily reduced,” said Prime Minister Mercelina during the weekly press briefing.
The reforms illustrate the government’s broader goals to modernize public service operations and strengthen its workforce. The Prime Minister assured that these changes are just the beginning, with further efforts in place to prioritize the well-being and support of civil servants as integral members of the public sector.
Saint Martin remains committed to fostering a robust and efficient public service as it navigates ongoing challenges while striving to improve service delivery for its citizens.
