Prime Minister’s remarks on the ceremonial signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Government of Grenada and the Grenada Public Workers’ Union, 5 August 2026.
Permit me first to acknowledge the leadership of the Grenada Public Workers’ Union, members of the Government Negotiating Team, the Labour Commissioner, representatives of our trade unions, distinguished public officers, members of the media, ladies and gentlemen.
Today represents the successful conclusion of a process founded on dialogue, mutual respect, compromise and a shared commitment to public service employees and the people of Grenada by extension.
Collective bargaining is rarely a straightforward exercise. It requires patience, discipline and, above all, a willingness to listen. Over many months, both the Government Negotiating Team and the Grenada Public Workers’ Union engaged in extensive discussions, carefully examined numerous proposals, weighed competing priorities and remained steadfast in the belief that an agreement could be reached through meaningful engagement. That commitment has brought us to this point.
I wish to sincerely thank the leadership of the Public Workers’ Union for their steadfastness/professionalism throughout the negotiations. I also commend the Government Negotiating Team, under the Chairmanship of Bernard Antoine, Deputy Chair PS Lyndonna Hillaire-Marshall and the entire negotiating team, for facilitating a process that has remained respectful, constructive and solution-oriented.
Government entered these negotiations with two equally important responsibilities. The first was to ensure that public officers receive fair and meaningful improvements to their compensation and conditions of service. The second was to safeguard the country’s fiscal stability so that today’s commitments remain affordable tomorrow. I believe this agreement strikes that balance.
It provides salary increases of 4% in 2026; 4% in 2027, and 5% in 2028, together with a comprehensive package of enhanced fringe benefits that improve the quality of working life for many public officers. These include improvements to travelling and commuting allowances, expanded study leave provisions, new employee wellness initiatives, improvements in occupational safety, housing allowances for medical practitioners, and several other measures designed to strengthen the overall employment experience within the public service.
These improvements reflect a simple principle. Workers are the lifeblood of every nation. The quality of our public service depends upon the commitment, professionalism and wellbeing of the men and women who serve our citizens every single day.
Government therefore views expenditure on our people as an investment in national development. However, investment must also produce results.
As Government continues to improve compensation, working conditions and employee wellbeing, we equally expect a renewed commitment to excellence, accountability and service delivery throughout the Public Service.
This expectation aligns directly with the broader transformation currently underway. We are introducing the Integrated Performance Management System, which modernises the way we plan, monitor, develop, assess and recognise performance across the public service.
For the first time, performance management is being treated as one continuous system, from strategic planning to individual work planning, ongoing coaching and feedback, performance assessment, professional development, and ultimately recognition and reward. I am happy to confirm that we have recently validated the Medium-Term Action Plan (MTAP), which is key to the strategic planning process,
This reflects our belief that there is a positive relationship between improved working conditions and improved performance. When Government invests in its employees, employees should be equally committed to investing their talents, energy and professionalism in serving the people of Grenada. Our citizens deserve a Public Service that is efficient, responsive, innovative and people-centred.
Today’s agreement also reflects our commitment to modern industrial relations.
The agreement embraces the principle of just transitions, recognising that as government modernises and reforms the Public Service, workers must remain central to that transformation through fairness, consultation, skills development and job security. This is entirely consistent with government’s broader programme of public sector modernisation, including regularisation, pension reform, digital transformation and continuous capacity building.
These initiatives are not isolated reforms. Together they represent a deliberate investment in building a stronger public service that is capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing world.
To every public officer represented by the Public Workers’ Union, I thank you for your continued service to our country. To our union partners, I thank you for your commitment to constructive dialogue. To the Government Negotiating Team, thank you for your diligence and professionalism.
May today’s signing serve as the beginning of an even stronger partnership dedicated to improving the lives of public officers and delivering exceptional service to every citizen of Grenada.
May God continue to bless the people of Grenada.
Office of the Prime Minister
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