WICSU-PSU sets 24-hour deadline for signed government commitment letter

GREAT BAY--The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union–Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU), representing members of the Fire Department and Ambulance Department, has given the Government of St. Maarten a 24 hours deadline to provide a signed commitment letter. If the signed commitment letter is not received within 24 hours, members from both the public and private sectors have indicated their readiness to stand in full solidarity with their colleagues from the Fire and Ambulance Departments. The union stressed however, that it remains fully prepared, together with the Fire and Ambulance Departments, to bring the impasse to a peaceful resolution.

In a letter dated November 10, 2025, addressed to Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina, the Union responded to the Prime Minister’s November 7, 2025 correspondence. The Union acknowledges receipt of the November 7 correspondence and, after consultation with members of both departments, conveys that members collectively disagree with the position that a commitment conveyed via text or written message can substitute for a formally signed commitment letter. The Union states that if the Government agrees to the requests presented, there should be no obstacle to signing the commitment letter. Given longstanding mistrust that has escalated due to recent developments, members have requested additional commitments to their initial proposal because the absence of a signed commitment has led to multiple interpretations and ongoing uncertainty.

The Union notes that the Government’s reference to a placement committee remains unsupported by any formal follow-up communication confirming its creation or function, as confirmed by the Fire Chief. Without a signed commitment letter confirming that the placement process will be made retroactive, there is a risk that members will again be told, as in the May 5, 2025 meeting, that there is no written proof supporting retroactive placement or payment. At that time, the justification given was that the function book, enacted in 2025, could only take effect from that date.

During the August 15, 2025 meeting, members presented written documentation dating back to 2003, signed by then-Lieutenant Governor Mr. Richards, which was dismissed as non-binding. The Union subsequently presented the National Decree of the Government of Sint Maarten containing rules regarding the appointment and promotion requirements of fire brigade personnel, valid from March 3, 2017, and retroactive to October 10, 2010. This document was submitted twice, first to the negotiators and again as an attachment in the communiqué of November 5, 2025. The Union states there has been no formal acknowledgment or acceptance of this legal instrument, which governs the placement and promotion framework of the Fire Department.

The Union emphasizes that the continued assertion that “agreement has been given in writing” does not constitute an official or binding agreement. Given the current status of the function book, even proposed placements “scheduled to begin shortly,” as mentioned in the Government’s correspondence, leave critical questions unanswered.

According to the Union, the function book was allowed to move forward through the CCSU process at the request of the Fire Chief, despite known shortcomings, to ensure retirees and near-retirees could access rightful benefits. The understanding was that the function book would be revisited within three years to correct discrepancies. The Union clarifies that corrections could begin at any point within the three-year period, including immediately. The Union notes that finalization and amendment of function books have historically taken considerable time, and that the agreement made within the CCSU prior to legalization and enactment is not reflected in official documentation. The Union states this omission marked the beginning of the Go-Slow action on April 19, 2025, and reignited mistrust.

The Union records that it is now being stated that retroactive application is “not possible” due to the date of promulgation of the function book. The Union views this as a breach of trust, underscoring the necessity of a signed commitment before further steps. The Union reiterates that the present situation originated from the non-retroactive implementation of the function book and that there was no formal, signed agreement stipulating retroactivity.

During a meeting with a negotiation team comprising one representative from the Prime Minister’s Cabinet and another from the Ministry of Finance, the Union introduced the matter of retroactivity as an initial point of discussion. The Union states the representatives appeared with predetermined positions and were unprepared to address this issue. The principal objective of the meeting was to deliberate on the draft covenant submitted by the Fire Department, yet the unresolved issue of retroactivity had to be reintroduced to ensure meaningful progress. With the Go-Slow action still in effect, it was difficult to advance other matters while the principal issue, the “elephant in the room,” remained unaddressed.

The Union notes awareness of a statement alleging that “the Union dropped the ball regarding the Fire Department’s function book.” The Union attaches communications sent to the CCSU that it says refute the allegation and states that the Fire Chief can confirm the statement is not factual.

The Union recognizes that this situation was inherited by the current administration, noting that the Union President also inherited the matter. The Union reiterates a duty to resolve the challenges rather than dwell on the past and repeats a prior sentiment: “We are in the same boat; how we steer it determines whether we reach the same destination or drift apart.” The Union renews its proposal to engage a neutral mediator to assist both the Government and the Union in reaching an amicable and transparent resolution.

The Union states it remains fully prepared, together with the Fire and Ambulance Departments, to bring the impasse to a peaceful resolution. The Union adds that within organizational hierarchies workers are often viewed as being on a certain level within the system, but that the WICSU-PSU does not look down on its members. The Union says it is here to respect, represent, and acknowledge the hard work and unwavering commitment these men and women demonstrate every day for the people of Sint Maarten, even when they are perceived as being “below the level of the regime.” The Union highlights members’ dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice, and insists they be treated with fairness, transparency, and respect.

The Union describes the Fire and Ambulance personnel as highly skilled professionals who safeguard lives, property, and safety, who continue to rise to every challenge and “make it happen” despite severe understaffing, unaddressed grievances, and feeling undervalued. The Union calls for written, transparent, and enforceable commitments, not verbal assurances that allow for ambiguity or reinterpretation.

The Union recalls historical discussions and events that led to the current situation and states it stands ready to move forward in good faith, looking forward to a favorable and timely response so that calm, trust, and mutual respect may be restored.

The letter to the Prime Minister is attached below.

‍