ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC—The Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) has called on the Government of Grenada to immediately release all withheld union dues without preconditions and cease any further interference in the democratic processes of the Grenada Public Workers Union (GPWU).
In a statement issued on February 22, the regional labor body expressed grave concern over what it describes as an “unacceptable overreach” by the Grenadian government. The controversy stems from a letter dated January 17, 2025, in which the Office of the Secretary to the Cabinet set preconditions for releasing union dues lawfully deducted from members’ salaries.
“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 interference,” the statement read.
The government’s preconditions include requiring the GPWU to submit evidence of its 2024 Annual Council Meeting, an attendance register, and proof of consultations held with public officers regarding changes to the dues structure. These conditions were imposed even though, at the union’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March 2024, members had passed a resolution approving a 1% increase in dues, effective January 1, 2025.
GPWU President Brian Grimes confirmed that the government has failed to transfer the union’s fees since the second half of December 2024.
Adding to the controversy, a press release from the Office of the Secretary to the Cabinet, issued last Friday, admitted that a circular was sent out requesting thousands of GPWU members, both established and unestablished workers, to sign “yes” or “no” to the increased contribution.
Research has revealed that this is the first instance in which the Grenadian government has placed preconditions on releasing deducted union fees while also seeking consent from public officers regarding the application of increased costs to their salaries.
In defense of its actions, the government stated that it remains committed to honoring the union’s request for revised salary deductions. According to a release signed by Acting Secretary to the Cabinet Carvel Lett, “As part of the implementation process, all relevant government departments have been notified, and members are encouraged to acknowledge receipt by signing (yes or no) and returning the circular to the Cabinet Office no later than February 24, 2025, to facilitate deductions and payments by month-end, February 2025.”
The CCL, however, strongly opposes this move, stating that it constitutes an unjustified intrusion into union operations and an infringement on the principles of freedom of association and collective bargaining, as enshrined in international labor conventions.
The issue was raised during the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, where CCL President Andre’ Lewis and General Secretary Michael Annisette discussed it with Grenadian Prime Minister 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,” the statement noted. According to the CCL, both leaders left the meeting with the understanding that the withheld dues would be released unconditionally.
However, following this meeting, a press release from the Office of the Prime Minister called on GPWU members to indicate their stance on the dues increase by signing “yes” or “no.” The CCL has since condemned this as a “blatant and inappropriate attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the GPWU.”
Reaffirming its solidarity with the GPWU, the CCL has vowed to monitor the situation closely. “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,” the CCL stated.
The CCL urges the Grenadian government to release all withheld union dues immediately and without any preconditions, emphasizing that trade unions must remain independent and free from governmental interference in their internal affairs.
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