Dear Christine,
I hope this letter finds you in good health as you continue to do the wonderful job you’re doing.
This is not one of those letters you get most of the time about love problems. It’s about racism in the workplace at one of the last places we may think it would happen. I am begging you to please print this letter for those who have to bear pain and suffering at the hands of those who are white.
It’s a very sad situation, where I work on the West Coast of the island. This facility has beautiful gardens and smiling faces of staff members who are biting their noses to spoil their faces to keep what appears to be joy in the workplace. At night, the tears fall.
Workers are being threatened daily by management, most of whom are on contracted work permits. One thinks he is Hitler and the second in command tries to rule the top man himself.
The staff is being threatened and even told that if they leave their jobs, they would not like what would be written on their “green paper”. They are also told they would never be able to get another job on the West Coast.
Christine, the boss knows most managers on this side of the island and it makes no sense going to a union or complaining. They all have friends in high places.
Workers are made to perform jobs that are not in their contracts. Yet if these tasks are not done, they are bullied, cursed and given harder tasks.
No occupational, health, safety or welfare practices are carried out and labour laws are breached with no regard to what Barbados’ laws state. These bosses can leave any time and don’t care what happens after that. This has the staff very tense and stressed.
Is it not policy when a company has changed owners that workers are paid out and a new contract is put in place – which is signed by the workers in accordance with the new company’s policies? Well, this has never happened and workers are worried about whether it would ever happen.
This Hitler-type boss has said it’s all about colour and money. He has even cautioned his staff not to leave the property at lunchtime, not to use cellphones on the job, intermix with each other, or speak at general meetings.
I’ve always heard all that glitters is not gold. We the willing being led by the unknown are trying to make this place a happy home and to make Barbados and the rest of the world proud of such a nice property, but we are being led by those who “kill” the poor to make the rich richer.
Our smiles are fading in the setting sun on the beautiful West Coast. Things are going from bad to worse daily and some have left to seek joy, happiness and peace of mind with family and friends.
– THE SILENT CRY OF PAIN
Dear Silent Cry Of Pain,
I refuse to believe for one second that there is not a member of a union or an officer at the Labour Department with whom you can discuss this matter.
You seem to be of the opinion that this Hitler has everyone in his control – including those in authority on the island. I beg to differ; even Goliath was felled by a single stone from a sling in the hand of a young boy.
These working conditions need to be taken up with the correct authorities. Should you take this course of action, be honest and open. Clearly state the name of the property and the number of staff affected.
As a country heavily dependent on tourism, we cannot afford to put our greatest assets – our human resources – under undue stress, labour and racial injustices.
If you cannot speak to someone in the Labour Department or a union representative, take the next step and seek legal advice.
– CHRISTINE