A petition has been presented to Minister of Labour Esther Byer Suckoo on behalf of domestic workers in Barbados calling for support of the convention for the improvement of their working conditions.
Today, Toni Moore, Senior Assistant General Secretary at the Barbados Worker’s Union (BWU), made the presentation to the minister following the BWU march from its Harmony Hall Office to Heroes Square in the City to commemorate the 100th recognition of International Women’s Day.
The focus was on safeguarding vulnerable workers who do not fall within the protection of the trade union organization but nonetheless are vulnerable and need support, specifically domestic workers, sales assistants, security guards and gas station attendants.
Moore explained that the petition seeks to get the Government to continue the commitment made previously at the International Labour Conference in Geneva in 2009 where it was emphasized that the conditions of domestic workers would be improved and other governments would be encouraged to get on board in supporting the convention that hopefully will be passed in June this year.
The union official said, “We are pleased that Barbados has indicated its commitment to supporting the instruments at last year’s conference… We are hoping that Barbados can build on that commitment”.
This morning’s march left the BWU’s Harmony Hall Office proceeded onto Roebuck Street stopping at Calvary Moravian church then onto James Street Methodist before moving onto Broad Street and finishing at Heroes Square.
