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