The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB), today expressed concern that despite repeated calls on successive governments, the Police Amendment Act 2001-3 is yet to be proclaimed by the Governor General.
“It is to be regretted that after 20 years since being passed by the Parliament of Barbados, that this Act remains outstanding,” according to a statement from CTUSAB, which noted that any further delay in proclaiming the Act is disadvantaging these workers.
The statement said the Police Amendment Act 2001-3, provided for the removal of the restrictions against the Police Force having association with trade unions and staff associations.
CTYSAB said the statement today was issued in light of reports reaching it that officers of staff associations within the Protective Services group, are being targeted by Administrative Heads.
“This is to be viewed as acts of intimidation which warrant immediate investigation,” said CTUSAB.
“Accordingly, Section 47 of the principal Act was amended by inserting the following new subsection immediately after subsection (2):
“(3) Nothing in this Part shall preclude the Police Association from associating with any trade union as defined by the Trade Unions Act or any body of trade unions for the purpose of:
(a) obtaining advice with respect to negotiations for improved terms and conditions of service;
(b) the improvement of the general welfare of members of the Police Force; or
(c) receiving training with respect to the matter mentioned in paragraph (a) for members of the Police Force.”
“The Congress calls on government to recognise that any further delay in the proclamation of this Act, will only serve to continue the trend of disadvantaging this category of worker from benefiting from the privileges granted under the amended Act. It is expected that the necessary amendments to the Trade Union Act, Chap. 361 as well as the Constitution of Barbados would be similarly amended so as to give effect to the amended Police Act,” the statement said.
CTUSAB said by law, the existence of the Barbados Police Association, the Barbados Prison Officers Associations and the Barbados Fire Service Association are recognised under the Police Act, Prison Act and the Fire Services Act, respectively.
“As founding members of the Congress Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados and as participants in the Coalition of Trade Unions which dates back to 1991, there is reason to conclude that there has been acceptance of the right of the Protective Services to associate.” (PR)
