Business
UNSA union sets up a local branch in Saint-Martin
France's UNSA union federation has launched a Saint-Martin local union, with support from UNSA Guadeloupe. The two outlets that reported it differ on when its board takes office.
By SXM Daily ·
Reported 23 October 2026
The National Union of Autonomous Trade Unions (UNSA) has launched a local union in Saint-Martin, with the support of UNSA Guadeloupe, according to Le97150 and Faxinfo. Le97150 dates the launch to October 16.
Why a local union
Until now, the UNSA federations in Saint-Martin were attached to the regional organisation in Guadeloupe, Faxinfo reported. The move to a local union was agreed by both sides. It is meant to improve coordination between union representatives and help members' concerns reach the union.
Le97150 reported that the new structure will gradually build its autonomy and aims to represent employees in all sectors, public and private, staying closer to workers whose problems are sometimes specific to Saint-Martin.
According to Faxinfo, the local union will have its own finances and remain attached to UNSA's national bodies. Its official recognition by those bodies has yet to be finalised.
Who leads it
The outlets differ on the leadership. Faxinfo reported that a new board was elected on October 16, led by Quincess Sidhwa, who succeeds Hubert Fleming as general secretary. Le97150 reported that the UNSA Saint-Martin board will be formed on November 12.
Where UNSA is present
Faxinfo reported that UNSA is present in the Collectivité, in primary and secondary education, at the prefecture, and in the hospital and justice sectors, and that it also represents private-sector employees, including those in very small businesses.
Sources
- Le97150 (October 23, 2026): https://www.le97150.fr/economie/entreprise/syndicat-lunsa-simplante-a-saint-martin
- Faxinfo (October 21, 2026): https://www.faxinfo.fr/social-lunsa-renforce-son-ancrage-a-saint-martin/
Source: https://www.le97150.fr/economie/entreprise/syndicat-lunsa-simplante-a-saint-martin