Collectivité services and two public schools disrupted by a union strike

The Collectivité of Saint-Martin is currently the subject of an indefinite strike notice, filed Thursday May 22, 2024, by the three union organizations representing territorial staff, having taken effect on May 27, 2024.

Despite the efforts made since 2022 by President Louis Mussington and his administration, for a total amount of 16 million euros for the benefit of territorial staff, despite the discussions started in recent days, it has not been possible at this stage to reach an agreement.
Since Wednesday May 29, the entrance to town hall has been blocked and since Thursday May 30, some schools have also been closed by strikers, preventing students from accessing classes. The territorial authority recalls that the blocking of public services is contrary to the law, and that the first victims are users and students. Strike is a right, some territorial agents exercise this right in complete freedom while others choose not to strike and continue their public service missions.

If the Collectivité fully respects the right to strike, it is however opposed to situations of blockage of administrative services and educational establishments which prevent the continuity of public service and access to courses for students.

Since 2022, the territorial authority has made a point of reestablishing a climate of trust with territorial staff and consultative bodies. This strong desire of the executive involves privileged social dialogue with the union delegations. This positioning of the executive has led to major advances for the benefit of territorial agents, under this mandate (see / attached presidency letter detailing HR achievements).

The Collectivité is particularly concerned about the well-being of public employees and responded precisely to requests for administrative documents made by the unions. Today, it wishes to continue social dialogue to emerge from this crisis as quickly as possible and allow public services to resume normal operation for the benefit of the service provided to Saint-Martin residents.
In the absence of the president currently on a business trip to Paris, the first vice-president Alain Richardson has already offered to meet the unions (4 representatives per union), this Friday, May 31, in the president's office.