Summary of Six (6) Industrial Relations Issues in Barbados in January 2023: From Sick Outs to Walk Outs
(1)
Tensions are brewing at the University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill Campus, where workers find themselves caught in the midst of a pay dispute that shows no signs of resolution. This lingering issue has left employees growing increasingly impatient, and the situation is reaching a critical point.
Since last August, UWI staff has been anticipating a well-deserved increase, but the prolonged delay has pushed them to demand answers. A reliable source reveals that on January 10, correspondence expressing these concerns was hand-delivered to both the Registrar and the Ministry of Education. However, despite the proactive approach, there has been no response to date. This lack of acknowledgment has heightened the frustration among staff members, prompting discussions of potential escalations to address the matter at hand.
The backdrop to this dispute involves the aftermath of last year's public sector wage increase, which included a tax-free lump sum of $1,500 and a promising six percent salary increment over the next two years. It was expected that this positive change would be reflected in the salaries of UWI staff, but the uncertainty lingers on whether the funds are to be provided by the university or the government.
The presence of two unions on campus, particularly the Barbados Workers’ Union, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Despite diligently sending correspondence to relevant authorities, the membership remains uneasy as the resolution process appears stagnant. Seeking guidance from BWU headquarters, the members anxiously await a response, questioning why the matter remains unresolved.
Chulang Searles, the vice president of the BWU division at the Cave Hill Campus, emphasized that the university staff is in a holding pattern, awaiting word from the union’s head office. The issue is presently under examination through the Registrar’s office and the Ministry of Education. The status quo at the university is described as "normal" for now, but Searles notes that this may change pending further information from the Barbados Workers’ Union.
In response to inquiries, Chelston Lovell, director of the office of marketing and communications, confirmed the delivery of a letter to the government. However, he clarified that any additional clarification would only come after thorough discussions with the UWI finance department.
The source of the tension lies not only in the delayed pay hike but also in its disproportionate impact on workers at the lower end of the salary scale. With the ever-increasing cost of living, employees are feeling the weight of financial strain. While the higher end of the pay scale might weather the storm more comfortably, those earning less than $3,000 per month are significantly affected. This includes mothers of three, for whom the delayed lump sum of $1,500 and salary increase would offer much-needed relief.
In a bid to voice the collective concerns of both unions, the president has written to relevant authorities at the university and the government. As the impasse continues, the future remains uncertain for UWI workers caught in the crossfire of bureaucratic delays and financial hardships.
(2)
"St. Philip Polyclinic Implements Stricter Security Measures Following Recent Safety Incident"
In a recent alarming incident at the St. Philip Polyclinic, a nurse faced a knife-wielding assailant, triggering concerns about workplace safety. The aftermath has led to increased security measures and shifts in workforce dynamics at the clinic.
The St. Philip Polyclinic reopened with heightened security measures, accompanied by fewer staff available to attend to patients. Joy Ann Haigh, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Wellness, denied reports of a coordinated "sick out" but acknowledged that some nurses were on leave for counseling or engaging in discussions with Network Services to better cope with the traumatic event.
Haigh commended the nurses for maintaining services on the day of the incident but acknowledged that the reality of the event often sinks in later, necessitating further talks and support. Despite these challenges, the clinic functioned efficiently with doctors and nurses on duty.
Public health nurses, notably members of the Unity Workers Union (UWU), were absent from the polyclinic, potentially linked to comments.
(3)
The Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) Inc. is actively addressing concerns about the impact of its incinerator on the students and teachers at St Bartholomew Primary School. Following discussions with the Ministry of Education officials, the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), and other stakeholders, GAIA Inc. decided not to operate the incinerator recently.
In a statement, GAIA outlined its immediate response plan, which includes collaboration with the Meteorological Office (MET Office) to consider wind direction in smoke dispersion. The airport aims to use expert data and forecasts to guide the incineration schedule, minimizing the occurrence of smoke affecting the school.
Additionally, GAIA Inc. has urged all entities using the incinerator to cooperate in reducing the quantity of material requiring incineration. This collaborative effort aims to decrease the duration and frequency of burning activities, providing interim relief to the affected students and staff at St Bartholomew’s Primary.
While a long-term solution is still pending, GAIA expresses commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration with all stakeholders. The goal is to develop a sustainable, long-term solution that meets both regulatory requirements and operational needs.
Acknowledging the urgency of the matter, GAIA emphasizes its dedication to ensuring the well-being of the school community and promises to provide updates as efforts progress to resolve the issue. In recent weeks, complaints from teachers about feeling ill after inhaling smoke led to the early closure of Parish Land Christ Church primary school.
(4)
Deighton Griffith Secondary School Faces Staff Absence Amidst Protest
The Deighton Griffith Secondary School witnessed the majority of its teaching and ancillary staff absent on a planned protest day, with the possibility of continued action. Although hundreds of students attended classes, only about ten teachers reported for work, leading Deputy Chief Education Officer Joy Adamson and other officials to engage in closed-door meetings with the school's management.
The issues at the school reportedly began on the first day of the term when a teacher complained about her classroom not being cleaned. The conversation allegedly ended with the teacher facing a threat to be escorted off the premises, prompting her to seek legal representation.
In a letter dated January 19, 2024, Principal Major Michael Boyce informed the board of management about the intended action by members of the teaching and non-teaching staff. The staff expressed frustration with the actions of two members (one teaching and one non-teaching) that created an uncomfortable environment for both staff and students. As a result, the staff decided to take a break on January 23 and 24, 2024, to address their mental and physical well-being.
Major Boyce's letter also highlighted the potential impact of the staff's planned action on the school's operations, including instruction and supervision of students, as well as daily maintenance and cleaning.
President of the Deighton Griffith Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Crystal Barker, informed parents and guardians of the planned action in a letter dated January 21, 2024. The Ministry of Education officials are reportedly addressing the issue, and a statement is expected to follow.
(5)
The Ministry of Education is anxiously awaiting the outcomes of an environmental assessment to determine the fate of classes at The Lodge School for the remainder of the week. This comes after a significant number of teaching staff at the school walked out today, expressing concerns about the prevailing conditions on the premises.
The school had been closed last Friday due to environmental issues, and a thorough cleaning was conducted over the weekend, with classes resuming on Monday. Despite these efforts, teachers remained dissatisfied with the overall condition of the school facilities. Today, classes were cut short as teaching staff left the compound, citing their dissatisfaction with the state of the facility.
Some teachers reported feeling unwell, prompting their departure from the school premises. Julian Pierre, First Vice President of the Barbados Union of Teachers, indicated that both teachers and ancillary staff were discontented with the extent of the cleaning carried out at the school. The situation raises concerns about the ongoing challenges faced by The Lodge School and underscores the need for swift and effective measures to address the identified issues.
(6)
GIS Staff Stage Sick-Out Amid Merger Concerns"
A sick-out by some employees of the Government Information Service (GIS) is underway, driven by various grievances linked to the proposed merger with the Public Affairs Department. Wayne Waldrond, Deputy General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers, confirmed the industrial action, highlighting concerns about the job status of current GIS staff and the potential for supersession.
One of the primary issues revolves around fears that individuals may be appointed to senior positions at GIS, bypassing the existing staff. The planned merger of the departments by April 1st has intensified these concerns. The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) is actively seeking a meeting to address these pressing matters and find a resolution to the ongoing industrial action. The situation underscores the need for constructive dialogue to ensure a fair and equitable transition for all GIS employees during the merger process.
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