The advent of globalization as well as trading agreements like the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (C.S.M.E.) have signaled the need for the Department to broaden its focus and rethink its approaches to industrial relations issues. In addition to these, ongoing initiatives like public sector reform are dictating a degree of introspection by the Department of Labour Relations. As a result, the department is realizing a transformation in attitude towards customers both internally and externally. Increased single-mindedness in approaches among its officers is enabling the department to harness its strengths and to reflect more united outputs, thus building on its consistencies.

The department has continued to develop and foster linkages with other government ministries enabling it to achieve certain objectives with less difficulty and at a comparatively faster rate. Added to this, the Department is continually refining its perception of customer service; that its performance should be no different in principle to that of any other popular service provider e.g. hotel.

As a result, the Department of Labour Relations has been engaged in a period of introspection and reflection geared towards the development of a strategic plan which will chart the way forward for the department. The entire staff of the Department of Labour Relations, with the assistance of the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD), engaged themselves in examining their internal strengths and weaknesses while recognizing their external threats and opportunities. This strategic planning process facilitates the refocusing of efforts at improving the labour relations in St. Lucia. Our approach to tripartite consultations, conciliation and arbitration will redound to the benefit of all stakeholders in the country.