Memorandum of Agreement between NDP and PSU

The PSU has informed its members that it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the New Democratic Party (NDP) which it has endorsed for the November 27, 2025 general elections.

The PSU said it released the document publicly for transparency, omitting sections on bonuses and vehicle concessions:

MEMORANDUM OF AGEEMENT (MOA)

Between The New Democratic Party (NDP); And the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Public Service Union (SVG PSU); And The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teacher’s Union (SVG TU)
Date: October 28th, 2025

This Memorandum of Agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “Agreement”) is entered into by  and between the New Democratic Party (NDP), represented by Dr. The Hon. Godwin Friday,
President of the NDP, and the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Public Service Union (SVG  PSU), represented by Mr. Elroy Boucher, President of the SVG PSU as the duly authorized officer

PREAMBLE
Recognizing the importance of collaboration between political leadership and representative trade unions in advancing decent work, social justice, and equitable economic development, the
Parties agree to engage in structured dialogue and mutual cooperation on matters of national importance.

This Agreement reflects a mutual understanding and shared commitment to promote, uphold, and advance the rights, welfare, and interests of public officers and the working class in St
Vincent and the Grenadines. The Parties further agree to maintain constructive engagement and partnership in pursuit of the principles and objectives outlined herein.

1. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND SALARY NEGOTIATIONS

1.1 The NDP reaffirms its commitment to collective bargaining as a fundamental right enshrined in the ILO Constitution and the 1998 ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

1.2 Both parties agree to strengthen collective bargaining mechanisms to ensure fair wages, equitable working conditions, and sound labour relations across the public service and statutory bodies.

1.2 The NDP commits to the establishment of a Wage Negotiating Committee comprising representatives from public sector unions, the Director General of Finance, the Chief Personnel Officer and any other stakeholder as an NDP government may deem necessary.

1.3 Development of a fixed time frame for triennial negotiations, to be completed at least six (6) months before the effective date of salary adjustments.

1.4 Adoption of a negotiating checklist incorporating economic indicators, ILO productivity guidelines, cost-of-living data, and other relevant variables.

The NDP commits to initiating the ratification and implementation of the following ILO Conventions:

• Convention C190: On violence and harassment in the world of work.
• Convention C154: On collective bargaining in the public sector.
• Convention C151: On labour relations in the public service.

3. PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (PSC) AND NIS REPRESENTATION

3.1 The NDP agrees to restore the practice of allowing the PSU to nominate a qualified member to serve on the PSC Board.

3.2 The NDP supports amending the NIS Act to ensure that one representative each from the Police Welfare Association, SVG PSU, and SVGTU sits on the NIS Board.

3.3 Reforms to the NIS Investment Committee composition will be pursued, ensuring a majority of members possess investment and finance qualifications.

4. NIS REFORM AND PENSION POLICY

4.1 The NDP commits to a transparent and inclusive process of pension reform, ensuring that:

• NIS documents (e.g., actuarial reports, investment policies) are made publicly available.
• No parametric changes are made without stakeholder consultation and publication of relevant data.
• Amend the NIS Act to provide representation on the NIS Board from the SVGPSU and SVGTU.
• Increase in pension payment to ensure pensioners can adjust to the rising cost of living once NIS is sustainable.

5. PUBLIC SERVICE PENSIONS
5.1 Introduction of a pension for non-pensionable public officers. Review and discussions on the pension reform proposals submitted by the SVG PSU and the SVGTU.

6. PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM

6.1 The NDP supports the modernization of public service legislation, including:
• Enactment of a modern Civil Service Act.
• Revision of Civil Service Rules and Orders.
• Full compliance with the court judgment in the PSU vs. PSC case to ensure transparent promotions and performance appraisal systems.

7. LABOUR LEGISLATION

7.1 The NDP commits to:

• Supporting legislation for trade union recognition, aligned with the CARICOM Model Harmonisation Act.
• Enacting the Revised Protection of Employment Act by legislative priority. NDP propose a continuation and review of the present draft and for the labour department to have the legal framework in which to do their work.
• Operationalizing the Occupational Safety and Health Act (2019) in phases. The NDP, however, commits to a time frame for the implementation of the OSH legislation.

8. SOCIAL DIALOGUE AND WORKER WELFARE

8.1 The NDP recognizes the importance of social dialogue, including regular consultation with unions on economic and labour policy.

8.2 Commitment to:

• Reviewing and implementing the Sexual Harassment Bill that is currently in draft.
• Strengthening the Labour Department to ensure enforcement and advocacy.
• Establishing a tribunal system to resolve disputes instead of a court system all the time.
• Affordable housing initiatives for first-time home buyers, especially youth.
• Revising income tax allowances to reflect changing economic conditions.
• Comprehensive review of taxes and import duties on vehicles to make transportation more affordable to different categories of workers such as nurses and others.
• Repealing the Public Health Act (2021) and the restoration of benefits for public servants who lost their jobs as a result of the vaccine mandate.
• Exploring the option of establishing a Regional Industrial Court

9. MATERNITY LEAVE
The NDP commits to changing the current maternity leave from three (3) months to six (6)
months.

10. Reimbursement/Refund for legal matters
The NDP commits to honoring the court’s ruling regarding legal cost awarded to Unions.
13. MONITORING AND IMPLEMENTATION
13.1 Both parties agree to:
• Establish a Joint Implementation Committee to monitor progress on these commitments.
• Meet bi-annually to review implementation and address emerging issues.
• Publicly communicate milestones achieved in furtherance of this MOA.

SIGNED:
For the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Public Service Union (SVG PSU): Elroy Boucher, President
For the New Democratic Party,
Dr. the Hon. Godwin Friday
President.