PHILIPSBURG - The Workers Institute for Organised Labour (WIFOL) recently signed its first Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) that includes Emancipation Day, July 1 as an official holiday with special compensation for workers.

Speaking at the Chamber of Labour Unions press conference on Thursday, President Theophilus Thompson said the CLA had been signed with Diamond Resorts which operates Flamingo and Royal Palm Resorts. “It was a joyous occasion to have that done”.

 


WIFOL has three CLAs pending signing that include this new holiday approved by Parliament in May as well as an additional compensation. Those CLAs will be signed by the union with Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, St. Maarten Cable TV and Holland House in the coming days, “so we can keep the momentum going.”


 

The unions were on the forefront for many years championing the designation of July 1 as a national holiday.
 Chamber of Labour Unions Vice President Claire Elshot called on workers to make full use of the day to join in activities and to reflect on their accomplishments and challenges.

 

Source: news.caribseek.com / The Daily Herald