CASTRIES, St. Lucia CMC – Workers at the Water and Sewerage Company (WASC0) have returned to work, after a week of protest action over outstanding pay.

The decision to return to work followed the intervention of Labour Minister Dr. Robert Lewis and discussions involving the Civil Service Association (CSA) and the National Workers Union (NWU).

Government had in a statement described the protest by the workers as illegal indicating that essential service workers were not to undertake industrial protest without adequate notice.

WASCO’s general manger John Joseph said the company has in recent weeks attempted to raise the capital and the workers will get paid in December.
“WASCO has also requested a tariff increase from the National Water and Sewerage Commission which will allow it to charge more for its services,” Joseph said.

Public Utilities Minister Dr. Jimmy Fletcher said approval would aid the severely cash strapped and haemorrhaging company.

“Government is looking at a number of options where it is concerned including restructuring the company’s balance sheet, seek development assistance to bring consistent service to troubled water spots as well as continue to engage private interests in assisting the company,” he said.

However he said that privatisation from outside interest is not up for consideration.