Minister Warns of Foreign Labour Influx as Unions Urge Worker Mobilisation for Labour Day

Minister for the Public Service and Labour Dr Virginia Albert Poyotte has issued a stark warning about the growing influx of foreign workers into Saint Lucia, urging trade unions to take action before it “compromises the workforce and labour representation.”

Speaking at the launch of Labour Day activities this week, Poyotte revealed that hundreds of skilled foreign workers, including civil and electrical engineers, are being recruited from across the globe to fill local jobs, while some Saint Lucians remain unwilling or unqualified to take up those roles.

This year’s Labour Day activities are themed “Revolutionising Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalisation at Work,” partly reflecting the concerns of many people that robots will replace humans soon.

“What I’m seeing is a bit frightening, not just about the humanoids,” the minister said, referring to the theme. “But we have real humans coming into our workspace. And when I approve the work permits, I can see they are coming from all over the world.

“Civil engineers, electrical engineers, just name them; hundreds of them are coming into Saint Lucia. So I want the trade unions to pay close attention because that is going to compromise the workforce and labour representation.”

The commemorative events, running from April 23 to May 1, are organised by the Department of Labour and Gender Affairs in collaboration with the Trade Union Federation (TUF) and the Employers’ Federation.

TUF President Julian Monrose emphasised that Labour Day should be more than symbolic – it must drive real progress for workers.

It was pointless, he suggested, to have nice speeches if workers are in the same place that they were 10 or five years ago.

He stressed the need for stronger protections, especially as foreign labour enters the market. 

Monrose praised unions for defending workers’ rights daily but warned against stagnation in wages and job security.

Poyotte, meanwhile, highlighted recent worker-friendly measures, including a strengthened Labour Department, a new labour tribunal, and the implementation of a national minimum wage. She also noted that $300,000 has been allocated to review the Labour Act and draft updated regulations.

Guest speaker Jim Joseph addressed the dual challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) and globalisation, arguing that AI, if properly regulated, could enhance workplace safety and productivity rather than displace workers.

Labour Day Activities

Key events include:

• April 24: Ratification of ILO Convention 187 (occupational safety) and Convention 138 (minimum working age).
• April 25: Labour Day Fair at Derek Walcott Square.
• April 28: Health screenings in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
• April 29: Labour Minister’s speech
• May 1: Rally, brunch and entertainment at Vigie Sports Complex.

As unions brace for the impact of foreign labour and technological change, this year’s Labour Day serves as both a celebration and a call to action for Saint Lucian workers.

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