~Firefighters, Ambulance, Police, Coast Guards, Prison, and CPS Workers Unite in Fury as Unions Threaten Escalation~
PHILIPSBURG:--- The tone inside the WICSU/PSU headquarters today was nothing short of explosive. What began as a solidarity meeting quickly transformed into a blistering indictment of government incompetence, with Members of Parliament Darryl York, Omar Ottley, and Francisco Lacroes openly rebuking ministers for what they called a “disgraceful display of neglect” toward the nation’s frontline workers.
The meeting — organized by the Windward Islands Civil Servants and Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU) and supported by the NAPB police union and the WITU — brought together representatives from every critical service sector: firefighters, ambulance personnel, prison officers, police, and employees of Collective Prevention Services (CPS).
After seven months of slowdowns, protests, and unanswered letters, the workers have had enough — and Parliament seems to agree.
“We Are Not Begging — We Are Demanding Respect”
WICSU/PSU President Sharon Cannegieter didn’t mince words as she opened the floor.
“Our workers are not begging,” she declared. “They are demanding what is rightfully theirs. We have firefighters working 24-hour shifts without proper compensation. Ambulance staff who can’t even get proper uniforms. And yet the government hides behind bureaucracy and legal excuses.”
The anger in the room was palpable as Cannegieter waved a “commitment letter” that unions have been pleading with the government to sign — a document outlining long-overdue issues including retroactive placement, career advancement, and fair classification under the 2025 Function Book.
“We’ve met, we’ve talked, and we’ve been lied to,” Cannegieter said. “Each time, the story changes. Enough is enough.”
MPs Erupt: “Fix It, or Face Consequences”
During the tense union-led meeting called by the Windward Islands Civil Servants and Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU) with the backing of the NAPB and WITU, Members of Parliament Omar Ottley, Francisco Lacroes, and Darryl York took a unified stance in defense of St. Martin’s frontline workers — from the Coast guards, police, prison officers, firefighters, and ambulance personnel to CPS and other essential services. Addressing the workers’ growing frustration, MP Darryl York cautioned against political double standards and questioned government transparency, declaring, “Governance isn’t about wordplay; it’s about consistency.” He underscored that Parliament had a duty to ensure fairness and good governance, especially when decisions directly affect workers’ livelihoods.
MP Omar Ottley, speaking passionately on the need for concrete action, reminded those gathered that political posturing would not feed families nor fix unsafe working conditions, saying, “We can’t stand by while our essential workers beg for respect. They’re the ones holding this country together.”
Meanwhile, MP Francisco Lacroes urged collaboration over confrontation, calling on the government to “sit down with the unions and find solutions before this island loses the people who risk their lives daily for us.”
Echoing their sentiments, WICSU/PSU President confirmed the union had escalated matters beyond local channels: “Trade unionism is about the fist, not the waving. And I pull that fist when I need to. Yes, I have reached out to the International Labour Organization and Public Service International because this is no longer about politics; it’s about lives that matter.”
Together, the MPs and union leaders vowed to continue pressing for accountability, better working conditions, and immediate dialogue with the government, warning that further inaction could cripple critical services across the island.
Ottley: “This Is a National Shame”
MP Omar Ottley, himself a former Minister of Public Health, expressed disbelief at the state of affairs.
“I cannot believe that after all these years, the people who save lives, who run into fires, who keep order in our prisons, are being treated like this,” Ottley said. “It’s a national shame.”
He accused the Council of Ministers of “turning their backs” on essential workers while spending millions elsewhere.
“They find money for consultants and travel, but when it’s time to pay the people who actually keep this island running, suddenly there’s a ‘budget issue’? Please.”
Ottley ended with a chilling warning:
“If this government thinks it can continue ignoring its people, I promise you, there will be political consequences.”
Lacroes: “Government Playing Games with People’s Lives”
MP Francisco Lacroes — known for his fiery speeches — lit up the room with an impassioned rebuke.
“The government is playing games with people’s lives,” Lacroes thundered. “You cannot have ambulance workers crying in frustration, firefighters begging for gear, and prison guards going home demoralized. And then you come with excuses about procedures and committees? Stop insulting our intelligence.”
Lacroes called on the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice to face the workers “eye to eye” and explain why signed agreements remain unimplemented.
“Show your face. Don’t hide behind statements. You have time for press conferences, but no time for your workers? Shame!”
Workers United — For the First Time in Years
What made the meeting historic was the rare unity across sectors. Representatives from the Fire Department, Ambulance, Police, Prison, and CPS sat shoulder to shoulder, joined by leaders from the NAPB and WITU, demanding one thing: accountability.
Ambulance workers announced they had officially moved to Level 2 industrial action, signaling potential escalation if the government remains silent.
Prison officers raised concerns about unsafe working conditions and lack of staffing, while CPS employees highlighted chronic underpayment and burnout.
Union Going International
Cannegieter revealed that letters have already been sent to international labor bodies, including the ILO, Public Services International (PSI), and the Caribbean Public Services Association (CPSA).
“If government won’t listen locally, we’ll make sure the world hears,” she warned. “This is not just labor injustice — it’s human rights abuse.”
A Storm Brewing
As the meeting closed, MPs and union leaders stood united — fists raised. Their message was clear: this is not another polite request for dialogue; it’s an ultimatum.
“We will not sit quietly while our workers are disrespected,” MP York concluded. “If government won’t act, then maybe it’s time for a new one that will.”
With unity spreading across essential services and political backing mounting in Parliament, St. Maarten could be on the brink of a major labor showdown — one that may test not only the government’s credibility, but the country’s stability itself.