In an interview with Dominica News Online (DNO) on Wednesday, General Secretary of the Dominica Public Service Union (DPSU), Thomas Letang, revealed that the union is considering legal action against the Public Works Corporation (PWC) for the non-payment of social security contributions for the corporation’s employees.
Letang stated that employees of the corporation reported that their social security contributions have not been paid on their behalf since January 2024.
He described the situation as “grim and heartbreaking.”
“As I speak to you, I have been informed by the employees at Public Works Corporation that social security contributions have not been paid on their behalf since January,” Letang revealed.
He continued, “I am traveling this week, and as soon as I return to Dominica, I want to contact some lawyers to explore the possibility of the staff uniting to file a case to compel the corporation to pay the social security contributions owed to the staff.”
According to Letang, “At the end of the day, if contributions are not being paid for the staff, it has significant implications.”
He added, “Just imagine a private sector employee who is not paying social security contributions; that person could even be taken to court.”
Letang pointed out that the corporation is a statutory entity, owned by the state, and is failing to fulfill its obligation to pay social security contributions.
He reiterated that during his upcoming absence from the state, he wants employees to mobilize, “so that when we decide to take action, it will be effective.”
He encouraged the affected employees to take collective action.
“We have explained to them that if we are struggling and we act together, then there is nothing that can happen to any individual…” he stated. “If we are united and stand together, we can ultimately succeed.”
Meanwhile, Letang reported that a meeting was held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, with PWC staff to discuss the issues they are facing.
“It was a very productive meeting, as I encouraged them to reflect on their current situation and the challenges they face. After this reflection, we need to understand that they must remain united in whatever decisions or actions we decide to take,” he explained.
The union continues to express concerns regarding the delayed payments to PWC staff.
“We remain concerned that employees are working but not being paid on time. They have debts owed to banks, face penalties for late payments, and risk having their services disconnected, causing significant inconvenience for them and their families,” Letang stressed.
He also mentioned that some workers facing these issues are in debt to others. “For example, some employees who owe money may feel compelled to look for shortcuts if approached. This situation causes considerable embarrassment for them,” he noted.
Furthermore, he indicated that PWC management was presented with several options to address these problems.
“One of the most painful aspects is that we provided management with various options, including the acknowledgment that employees are unable to pay their bills, their utility services are being disconnected, and their credit ratings are deteriorating. All of this leads to embarrassment and inconvenience due to the late payments,” Letang remarked. “We suggested that the employees come to the union, present their bills, including electricity and water bills, and any other monthly commitments. The union could then provide them with a loan, which they would repay once they receive their salaries.”
Letang reiterated that the situation with management has reached a point where employees of the corporation must take action.
“The employees, along with the union, have shown considerable patience over the years,” he stated.
“We have negotiated for insurance and other benefits that have yet to be implemented. While we understand the situation, it has now reached the point where we must say enough is enough.”
The unhealthy working conditions, the late or nonpayment of wages owed to employees, the failure to pay employees’ Social Security contributions have to be criminal.
Is the government a criminal enterprise? If these were done by a businessman in private sector he could be charged, fined or jailed.
One gets the best from workers when they are satisfied and happy with employers. It’s no coincidence why productivity in the public sector is so low. How can workers perform optimally on hungry stomachs, their utilities disconnected and constantly face financial embarrassment?
There are many sick people in Dominica with diseases and ailments directly triggered by stress, hunger, cheap cholesterol laden foods et cetera. Life in Dominica is in serious peril. Roosevelt continued terroristic reign is an existential threat to Dominicans.