Curtis Francis Inspires Workers in Emphatic Labour Day Address.

Curtis Francis, First Vice President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union (SKNT&LU), delivered a powerful and stirring address on Labour Day 2025, emphasizing the importance of worker solidarity and union membership. Speaking at the Patsy Allers Playfield following the annual Labour Day march organized by the St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP), Francis’s message resonated with the assembled crowd of workers, supporters, and community members: “Join the Union. Stay empowered.” His words underscored the union’s commitment to advocating for workers’ rights and improving their living and working conditions.

Francis praised the workers as the “backbone of the Federation,” acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and strength. He highlighted recent achievements, such as closing a decade-long gap in minimum wage increases, and reiterated the union’s ongoing efforts to establish a comprehensive Labour Code. His address served as a potent reminder of the union’s crucial role in championing workers’ rights and securing tangible improvements in their lives. The message was clear: the SKNT&LU is a powerful force working tirelessly to protect and advance the interests of all workers in the Federation.

The First Vice President emphasized that union membership is not merely symbolic; it is a strategic imperative that empowers workers and gives them a voice in critical national decisions. The union’s representation on bodies like the Social Security Board, the Minimum Wage Advisory Committee, and the National Tripartite Committee ensures that workers’ perspectives are heard and considered in policy-making processes. He urged workers to recognize the practical benefits of joining the union, not just for individual protection, but also for collective strength in shaping the future of labor in St. Kitts and Nevis.

In a particularly poignant moment, Francis directed his attention to domestic workers, a frequently overlooked and vulnerable segment of the workforce. He called for greater recognition of their rights and encouraged them to join the union, emphasizing their entitlement to protection, support, and respect. This appeal highlighted the SKNT&LU’s commitment to inclusivity and its dedication to representing all workers, regardless of their employment sector. He reinforced the message that the union’s strength lies in its diverse membership and its unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable workers.

Francis celebrated the recent surge in union membership, interpreting it as a sign of renewed energy and commitment within the labor movement. He urged workers to maintain this momentum and continue the fight for fairness, decent wages, and dignity in the workplace. His call to action resonated with the crowd, reinforcing the sense of unity and shared purpose that is essential for achieving progress in the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights. He emphasized that collective action, driven by the spirit of solidarity, is the key to securing a better future for all workers.

The Labour Day rally concluded with a powerful message of solidarity and resilience. As the cost of living continues to rise and new labor challenges emerge, the SKNT&LU stands firm in its commitment to protecting and empowering workers. The union’s message – “Your contribution matters – and so does your protection” – underscores the vital role that workers play in the nation’s economy and the union’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding their rights and well-being. Francis’s impassioned address served as a rallying cry, inspiring workers to join the union and stand together in the ongoing fight for a fair and just workplace. The message was clear: the SKNT&LU is more than just a union; it is a movement, a force for positive change in the lives of workers across St. Kitts and Nevis.