‘Employment Rights Act vital’

Veteran trade unionist Sir Roy Trotman believes that despite its deficiencies, the Employment Rights Act still represents one of the most vital pieces of social engineering for the country and has therefore called for it to be proclaimed.
The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) general secretary made the comments yesterday during a media briefing at Solidarity House, where he told reporters that the act contained many items “which will be the source of disputes” until it was amended.
However, Sir Roy said: “My advice to the Minister of Labour [Esther Byer-Suckoo] was to press her colleagues to get the act passed now, and deal with the amendments later”.
“Even with the shortcomings in the legislation, the Employment Rights Act still represents the most vital piece of social engineering for Barbados since Errol Barrow’s National Insurance Act. I was aware of the frenzy of some employers, including the leadership of the Barbados Employers’ Confederation, in trying to prevent or to stall the legislation,” added Sir Roy. (MM)