U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s (“WAPA” or “Authority”) Governing Board met yesterday and approved the Authority to enter into an agreement with the WEA Union for a (5) year contract term from 7/1/23 – 6/30/28. This approval will help improve overall employee satisfaction, retention, as well as the recruitment of qualified personnel within this employee group. The WEA Union is the largest union with approximately 300 members.
The results of the vote were as follows: Chairman Kyle Fleming – Yes, Member Hubert Turnbull – Abstain, Member Cheryl Boynes-Jackson – Yes and Secretary Juanita R. Young- Yes.
In the matters of the Personnel action taken the votes are as follows: Chairman Fleming – No, Member Turnbull – Yes, Member Boynes-Jackson – Yes and Secretary Young- Yes Vote: Three- Yes, One – No Vote: Motion carries.
In the matters of the Legal action taken the votes are as follows: Chairman Fleming – Yes, Member Turnbull – Yes, Secretary Young – Yes and Member Jackson – No Vote: Three – Yes, One – No Vote: Motion carries.
CEO/Executive Director Andrew Smith also shared with the Board in his Executive Report that safety had no reportable injuries for the month and the department has introduced a new tracking system to optimize employee safety. CEO Smith further addressed the discolored water on St. Croix and noted that although the water quality meets EPA’s minimum requirements, the Authority is actively working with the EPA and DPNR to identify additional near-term solutions.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.