Institute to explore working
relationship with WIFOL
PHILIPSBURG--The Hugh Lawson Shearer Trade Union Education Institute (HLSTUEI) of the University of the West Indies (UWI) is exploring the possibilities of cooperating with the Workers Institute for Organised Labour (WIFOL) for training possibilities in the area of industrial relations.
WIFOL, which trains a large number of workers annually through its training arm the Caribbean Institute for Social Education Foundation (CIFSEF), had requested that the two sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for training possibilities.
HLSTUEI Head Marva Phillips, who was a guest speaker at WIFOL’s sixth annual graduation ceremony on Saturday evening, said the union’s request was discussed and the possibilities are being explored.
She said HLSTUEI will be exploring new arrangements for a continued relationship. “However, you are all very well aware that as much as we are often excited about new relationships or new ventures, time is required for proper discussions, assessments and clarity in terms of legal ramifications,” she said.
“Given that, I am unable to commit at this time, beyond the work that we have been doing, but nonetheless we will continue to engage seriously with your institute (CIFSEF).”
She said HLSTUEI has always maintained a long and positive history with the trade union movement in St. Maarten. “Our presence here is to have discussions on how our courses can be offered to impact higher industrial relations practices and expand the knowledge and skills of the junior practitioners in industrial relations,” she noted.
Among the courses offered by HLSTUEI are the Introduction to Labour Studies and the Certificate to Labour Studies. The latter has been approved by UWI’s Board of Undergraduate studies and allows successful participants to matriculate into the undergraduate degree at UWI.
“As you know, the institute has enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial relationship with the trade union movement in St. Maarten and I wish to assure you that, for our part, we intend to maintain the harmonious relationship to which we have become accustomed.
Be assured that HLSTUEI will continue to engage with the WIFOL to improve the knowledge and skills of industrial relations practitioners here. This will be done by offering courses that will effectively contribute to the practice of industrial relations in your Island (Territory).
WIFOL President Theophilus Thompson had said last week that the union wanted to cooperate with the UWI Institute in keeping with its broader vision for training. “We want to establish this link so that if workers want to pursue opportunities they will be able to do so. We also want to create an avenue for young people to get training without having to go through the hassle and red tape that exists,” he had said.
Phillips had also facilitated a one-day leadership workshop to sharpen the skills of some 30 members of WIFOL’s internal leadership team which included shop stewards last Thursday.
