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BENEFITS
WHY JOIN
Each
member will have her/his reasons for joining the union.
(i) unfair treatment at the workplace
(ii) poor health and safety conditions
(iii) discrimination and victimization
Membership in THE UNION is open to all
persons in St. Lucia employed in the Public Service, including daily,
weekly, fortnightly and monthly paid employees in Statutory Boards,
Government Agencies, paid employees of the Union, persons employed in any
other sector or field of employment in St. Lucia, pensioners, and retirees
who wish to become members of the Union, or retain membership
notwithstanding a change in their place, or field of employment.
In recruiting workers, the Union has to be aware of their needs. This knowledge will put the
Union in a better position to show workers how the organization can meet these
needs.
The CSA is a well-knit and vibrant trade
union, which offers security to its members. The union continues to develop
its skills in dealing with issues affecting them.
The CSA is fully recognized by the
employer and has successfully negotiated collective agreements on behalf of
its members.
Other benefits to members
include
1 A Medical and Life Insurance
scheme for its members
2. Discount schemes with over a
dozen business houses
3. A Women’s Committee, which
advances the rights of female members
4. A Youth Committee, which looks
after the rights of young members
5. A scholarship programme for the
children of members
6. Keep fit classes
7. Sports and social activities
Your union has
representatives on several government committees. Their role on these
committees is to promote the interests of all workers. These committees
include:
- Training Committee
- Staffing and structuring
Committee
- Honorarium Committee
- Traveling and subsistence
Committee
- Committee on Industrial
relations in the Public Service
The CSA has friendly
relations with a number of local unions. Those Other Unions are:
a) National Workers’ Union
b) St Lucia Teachers’
Union
c) St Lucia Prison Officers’
Association
d) Seamen, Waterfront and General
Workers’ Union
e) St Lucia Nurses’ Association
The CSA also benefits from
its links with regional and international trade union organizations. It is
affiliated to and a member union of:
- The Caribbean Public Services
Association (CPSA)
- Public Services International
(PSI)
- Postal, Telephone and Telegraph
International (PTTI)
- The Commonwealth Trade Union
Council Union Activities
Over the years, the CSA has
organized and encouraged various social, cultural and educational
activities. Cultural activities are sometimes included as part of CSA Week.
Through its Sports Committee, the union organizes activities in the
following areas:
a) Small goals football
b) Softball cricket
c) Netball
d) Table tennis
e) Dominoes
The CSA and Trade Union
Education
The CSA continues to place emphasis on
the training of Shop Stewards, Executive members, Administrative staff and
Rank and File members. CSA representatives have participated in seminars
and workshops organized by PSI, CPSA, CTUC and Pill.
Recently, the CSA has concentrated on
exposing members to subjects such as Pensions and Gratuities, Structural
Adjustment and Inter-personal relations. In addition to the above, greater
emphasis will be placed on Health, Safety and the Environment.
CSA Week
Annually, the union organizes a week of
activities to celebrate the union’s anniversary. It is also an opportunity
for members to display their skills and talents. The two main aims of the
week are to:
• publicize the work of the union
• further encourage unity among
members
As a union member, you have
access to the building after making a request to he Building Committee. The
CSA Centre was officially opened on January 16, 1983
BENEFITS OF JOINING THE CSA
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Collective Bargaining |
Thanks to the growth of the CSA, we have the collective bargaining power
to protect and improve our working conditions and standard of living.
Today, collective bargaining between employers and workers is accepted
as the best and fairest way of fixing pay and other working conditions. |
Representation
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The CSA is the union for all public workers no matter your post or
category. |
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It
is your right |
While it is not compulsory to join the
Union, every worker has the RIGHT to do so. We believe
that once the employer accepts the CSA as your representative, all
workers should be encouraged to join the
Union
All workers share the benefits won by the CSA. They should also share
the costs. |
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Fringe Benefits
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The CSA
also offers:
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Education scholarships
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Cash discounts at
various business
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Sports and recreational
facilities |
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Group Medical Insurance |
The CSA and the Colonial Life Insurance Co Ltd offer an attractive Group
Medical Insurance Plan for members and their families |
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Education and Training |
The Union believes that an educated worker is a better worker Trade
union education is an important part of the trade union movement. Every
member of the CSA is eligible to attend any training course or seminar
organized by the
Union. |
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