THERE WERE MANY perspectives concerning the National Union of Public Workers march today.
There were workers demanding answers to whether they would continue to be employed; unionists asking for the proper course of justice to be followed and the tribunal convened and people questioning the trustworthiness of Government.
Two of those who marched – former Small Business Association president and former Senator Sandra Husbands and first vice president Akanni McDowall – told Nationnews.com their reasons for marching.
Husbands said, while the issue was a political one, it was not about party politics. She said any Government, regardless of which side, had to be held accountable if it failed the public trust.
“I am here in support because a number of people in my constituency have been affected and are still suffering. They are having difficulty paying their bills and feeding their children and it is causing then enormous pressure. This is about what is right and just,” she said.
Husbands said the recent layoffs and the failure of the tribunal thus far was but the latest chapter in what she said was the continuing destruction of the foundation of justice Barbados was once known for; adding the people themselves had to make their presence felt.
“It is like a tent – business, Government and citizens – and if the citizens do not pull the rope taunt, the tent will collapse. Democracy is not only about elections . . . citizens need to come and say they are not taking crap from any politician. After all, you get the Government you tolerate,” she said.
McDowall said he was “frustrated and disgusted” over the way the workers had been treated.
“We as a union should not even be here discussing workers going home but unfortunately we are at that stage. All these workers have asked is for the right process be applied – last in first out – and that is not unreasonable but they have been referred to a tribunal which is non-existent,” he said.
McDowall said the things they had been hearing about the tribunal had no significance to workers and through no fault of their own, found themselves without jobs or money.
“We are hoping we get some response from Government and the tribunal is set up as soon as possible; that we can get workers back to work and paid. We must make sure we act on behalf of our membership at all times . . . so we are hopeful that by this march, we can give them what they are asking for,” he said. (CA)
