St. Lucia Trade Union Federation Productivity Workshop Scheduled For Late February

Continuing their efforts to enhance productivity in Saint Lucia, the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) in collaboration with the Trade Union Federation (TUF) have organised a two day productivity workshop, the objective being to educate members of the TUF on the subject of productivity.  The event, which is set to take place on the 25^th and 26^th February 2015 aims to work towards the formulation of policies that can be advocated by the trade union movement towards enhancing the productivity of its members. In doing so, the workshop intends to aid in sensitising members on the role that needs to be taken by trade unions in an effort to drive productivity.
The first day of the workshop will focus on exploring the concept of productivity. Activities will concentrate on defining the notion and clarifying misconceptions. The day’s undertakings will also draw reference to the findings of the first National Productivity Study ever conducted in Saint Lucia. The study which was commissioned by the NCPC last year, measured productivity levels in the economy from the year 2000 through to 2013. The second day of the workshop will relate directly to the Trade Union Movement and productivity. The latter part of the day will focus on prioritising ideas which were discussed earlier.
The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council’s Marketing Analyst/ Productivity Officer Geraldine Bicette-Joseph states, ‘The NCPC is elated that the Trade Union Federation has taken the initiative and made the decision to collaborate with us on this project. As a major stakeholder in Saint Lucia, they are leading by example in showing their willingness to work at and discuss productivity issues with their members.  This in turn demonstrates that they recognise the importance of productivity development and the need to make continuous improvements within their workplaces.’
She continues, ‘The two day event will not only work towards the formulation of ideas which can be advocated by the TUF, but also on the development of personal productivity which is a must when starting the process of change.’
Speakers at the event will include Mrs Fiona Hinkson, Technical Co-ordinator at the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council’ Technical Secretariat, Mr John Pilgrim, Head of the Barbados National Productivity Council and Mr. Janai Leonce, Deputy Chief Economist at the Ministry of Finance.   The workshop is scheduled to take place at the Pastoral Centre in Eastwinds, Gros Islet.