BASSE-TERRE, Guadeloupe – IN another twist to the unfolding crisis in Guadeloupe, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has decided that French Minister to the overseas territory, Yves Jego, will return to the troubled island.
According to Caribbean Net News, PM Fillon has also rejected the idea that state financing should be used for the increase in wages of striking workers was negotiated by Jego. The move is a blow to Guadeloupian employers who had requested that the state pay the price for the proposed rise of the minimum wage.
However, Fillon stressed that the state would “do everything to facilitate bringing together the different points of view in a true dialogue” and called on the union, employers and elected officials to “renew their discussion with a view towards building a common future”.
In response to Fillon’s position, the union of striking workers promised to harden its position and continue its industrial action, which has crippled the island for the past three weeks.
Union spokesperson Elie Domota also announced that there would be an escalation of the strike in days to come.
Socialist President of the District Council of Guadeloupe, Victorin Lurel expressed his “great disappointment” at Fillon’s announcement, stating that “it confirms the refusal of the government to provide the least new credit to resolve the social crisis in the overseas departments”.
Jego, whose abrupt departure on Sunday angered both local government officials and the union, returned to the island yesterday (Feb. 10) morning. He has declared the installation of two government-designated mediators to try to work out a new wage settlement agreement between the union and Guadeloupian employers.
The Minister is also expected to visit Martinique to address the growing unrest being experienced by the neighbouring island.
An alliance of 47 unions and local organisations in Guadeloupe launched the strike on January 20 to protest the high cost of living.
The strike has resulted in the closure of most of the country’s shops while public transport and state services have also been affected.
Guadeloupe News