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Barbados - Unity Workers Union Chief Takes a Stand: Caswell Franklyn's Silence Speaks Volumes Amid Media Standoff

 


In the unfolding saga at the Winston Scott Polyclinic, Caswell Franklyn, the General Secretary of Unity Workers Union (UWU), has taken a bold stand by refusing to respond to inquiries from a reporter at Barbados Today. This decision reflects Mr. Franklyn's unwavering commitment to securing fair treatment for workers, particularly in light of recent developments within the media industry.Impact-Site-Verification: 1856729598https://bajworkplace.blogspot.com/

The controversy began when nurses and staff at the Winston Scott Polyclinic, represented by UWU, walked off the job to protest environmental conditions they deemed unacceptable. Unity Workers Union, under Mr. Franklyn's leadership, has been at the forefront, advocating for improved working conditions and fair treatment for its members.

As news of the walkout spread, the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) also became involved, creating a situation where it seemed they represented the majority of workers at the Polyclinic. Despite Mr. Franklyn consistently asserting that UWU commands the larger membership, media narratives have perpetuated the idea that NUPW holds more sway in the situation.

The recent refusal by Mr. Franklyn to respond to inquiries from a Barbados Today reporter stems from a larger issue of unfair labor practices within the media industry. In recent times, there have been changes in job descriptions and redundancies, which have prompted Mr. Franklyn to take a firm stance against what he perceives as unjust treatment of employees.

In a statement, Mr. Franklyn emphasized that his decision not to engage with Barbados Today was a direct response to the poor treatment meted out by the management of the media outlet to its employees. He cited the recent decision to make the position of photographer redundant and amend the job descriptions of reporters to create a new position of Multimedia Journalist without an increase in pay as examples of unfair practices.

Furthermore, Mr. Franklyn highlighted a recent case where he represented a journalist who refused to agree to new terms and conditions of employment. Despite his efforts to negotiate additional compensation for the journalist, the management did not agree and proceeded to make her redundant. This incident has solidified Mr. Franklyn's resolve to demand fair treatment for workers in the face of changing job dynamics.

As Winston Scott Polyclinic reopens its doors, the standoff between UWU, led by Caswell Franklyn, and media outlets like Barbados Today reflects the larger struggle for workers' rights and fair representation in an ever-evolving labor landscape. The silence from Mr. Franklyn speaks volumes, sending a clear message that the fight for justice in the workplace is far from over.

Comments

  1. Trade Unionism & The WorkplaceDecember 20, 2023 at 7:05 AM

    Clearly an assertive position taken by Caswell. There is still too much friction between employee n employer which leads to unfair practices in the workplace and so greater fortitude is to be demanded of the Unions' Administrators. Keep up the fight Mr. Franklyn.

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