RECKLESS AND IRRESPONSIBLE is the only way that the action currently being taken by some unions in Barbados can be deemed. I say this because of the following:
1. As noted by so many others, the process of conciliation had scarcely started when the unions moved to action that is usually regarded as a last resort in industrial relations.
2. The action taken by the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation is supported by the Statutory Boards Pension Act which came into operation on September 1, 1969 and was amended at various times, the last amendment being in 2008.
The former leaders in these unions seem not to have a problem with this particular provision in the act.
3. I know that similar action was taken at another statutory corporation and I am told that when contacted, the union had no problem with it.
4. The president of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) was adamant that there would be no surrender, no retreat. These are not the words of someone who is interested in negotiating.
The stance taken by these unions can clearly be seen for what it is – purely political, aimed at destabilising and destroying the Government. One only has to look at the “motley” grouping of unions/ organisations taking part in the strike to understand the politics behind the action.
Such action worked before and these leaders believe it will work now.
There is a saying that “the higher the monkey climbs the more he exposes himself”. Is this what is happening here?
I want to encourage the Prime Minister and Government of Barbados in their efforts to keep this little country afloat economically and otherwise. Do not be afraid of these political foes but stand still and see the salvation of the Lord for the battle is not yours; it is the Lord’s. Those that are for you are more than those that are against you.
– Margery Benn