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The strike is related to the general Post Office strike in Guadeloupe organised by the social movement Lyannaj Kont Pwofitasion (LKP), which was behind the 44-day strike that paralysed Guadeloupe. At least six unions are also in support of the action there, but not all grievances are the same on both islands.
Workers and union personnel gathered outside the main Post Office on Rue de La Liberté, Marigot, where a number of placards and banners had been erected outside the main entrance.
Among the demands, workers are pressing for the 200-euro salary increase that has been granted to low-paid workers in Guadeloupe, more respect for Post Office staff, better service for customers, luncheon vouchers, and legal aid. Customers at the main branch in Marigot have to wait in line outside with no protection from the elements, with entry controlled by a security guard.
“Everybody is paying their France Telecom and water bills at the Post Office and that means the line and the waiting time gets longer,” remarked Patricio Piper, who is tackling the Post Office on his own issues of unpaid social benefits. “In this day and age it is unacceptable.”
Another issue is the need to regulate the rotations of mail distribution, as some workers have too much work and others not enough. “That needs to be restructured. New workers coming in get the biggest workload, but we are asking for an equal distribution of work among everybody,” said another worker.
Workers are also dissatisfied with the new sorting facility in Concordia that was inaugurated recently, claiming it was not ready to be moved into. They say there is no notice board that can be used for the unions, and a lack of water fountains. “We did not want to move in knowing that the building was not ready, but we were obliged to because the Post Office did not want to continue paying rent at the other place.”
Post Office management is mulling over the demands. According to workers, the strike will continue daily until positive results are obtained.