PSU Endorses NDP, Highlights Focus on Workers’ Welfare

By Val Matthias. Updated 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Public Service Union (PSU) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has formally endorsed the New Democratic Party (NDP), signing a Memorandum of Agreement that places workers’ welfare at the heart of national development.

The joint press briefing, held this morning at Democrat House, featured NDP President Dr. Godwin Friday and PSU President Mr. Elroy Boucher, who outlined the shared vision for restoring dignity, fairness, and economic justice to public servants across the country.

The agreement commits the NDP to key reforms, including universal pension access for all public servants, regardless of pensionable status; revival of collective bargaining rights, which have been denied for over two decades under the current administration; establishment of a negotiation committee to facilitate respectful dialogue between trade unions and government; and policy action on cost of living pressures, including reversing burdensome customs charges that have driven up prices for ordinary Vincentians.

Dr. Friday emphasised that the partnership is “not about politics, but about people,” citing the long-standing grievances of nurses, teachers, customs officers, and other public workers who have retired after decades of service with little or no financial security. “If you give your life to the public service, your country should not abandon you when those years are done,” he declared.

Mr. Boucher echoed these sentiments, highlighting the PSU’s repeated calls for pension reform and wage negotiations. He criticized the Unity Labour Party (ULP) government for ignoring letters and appeals on behalf of workers, particularly those in non-pensionable roles such as community health aides, customs guards, and nursing auxiliaries. “This agreement finally brings justice to those who served but were left behind,” Boucher stated.

The PSU also pointed to the 2021 increase in the Customs Service Charge as a turning point, noting that despite widespread opposition from unions and businesses, the government proceeded with the hike, exacerbating the cost of living crisis. “We warned of the hardship it would cause, but they ignored everyone,” Boucher said.

As the election approaches, the PSU- NDP agreement could become a defining issue, especially if other unions or civil service bodies follow suit.

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