Caribbean Congress of Labour Condemns Grenada Government’s Interference in Grenada Public Workers’ Union Affairs and Demands Immediate Release of Union Dues
The Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) has been made aware that, by letter dated 17 January 2025, the Office of the Secretary to the Cabinet has requested that the Grenada Public Workers’ Union (GPWU) provide:
- Evidence of its 2024 Annual Council Meeting, including the attendance register.
- Proof of consultations held with public officers regarding changes to the dues/services structure.
It is our understanding that these demands have been set as preconditions for the release of union dues that were lawfully deducted from GPWU members. The CCL views this as an unacceptable overreach and a direct violation of the autonomy of the GPWU. Trade unions, as democratic institutions, have the fundamental right to manage their internal affairs without government’s interference. The CCL stands firmly by this principle, which is widely recognized and respected in international labour standards.
During the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, President André Lewis and General Secretary Michael Annisette engaged in discussions with the Honourable Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell. The CCL clearly expressed its position that the Cabinet Secretary’s request constituted an unjustified intrusion into union operations and an infringement on the principles of freedom of association and collective bargaining, as enshrined in international labour conventions.
At the conclusion of this engagement, we left with the understanding that the withheld dues would be released without any conditions. However, we were subsequently informed of a press release from the Office of the Prime Minister, which covertly called on GPWU members to indicate, by signing “yes” or “no,” their stance on the increase in union dues. The CCL strongly condemns this latest action, which we deem to be a blatant and inappropriate attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the GPWU.
We call on the Government of Grenada to:
- Immediately release all withheld union dues without preconditions
- Cease any further interference in the democratic processes of the GPWU
The CCL stands in full solidarity with the GPWU and will continue to closely monitor this situation. We trust that the Government of Grenada will take swift and necessary steps to resolve this matter and reaffirm its commitment to respecting workers’ rights and trade union freedoms.
