Peter Earle's WorkPlace Conflicts Blog

Former Senator and esteemed Employment Law Specialist, Caswell Franklyn, who serves as the General Secretary of the Unity Workers Union, recently sparked controversy by publicly challenging the Barbados Employers’ Confederation (BEC) regarding their interpretation of the Shop's Act. Franklyn's critique was prompted by his appearance on the Marcia Weekes Show, where he discussed the Act and received feedback from concerned individuals about an article published by the BEC. The article, which purportedly offered guidance to its members, stated that Supervisors and Managers should not be considered shop assistants under the Act, effectively exempting them from its provisions. This interpretation, according to Franklyn, directly contradicted the law. He cited Section 2 of the Shop’s Act, which explicitly defines a shop assistant as any individual involved in shop operations related to sales or business activities, including clerical work. Arguing passionately, Franklyn contended th...

The current unrest at the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA) has shed light on a brewing conflict between management and the Unity Workers’ Union (UWU), which claims to represent the majority of BRA employees. This claim was confirmed by the Chief Labour Officer after carrying out a survey at BRA a few weeks ago. Reports indicate that yesterday (Wednesday 13th March 2024), more than 50 BRA staffers, under the leadership of UWU General Secretary, Caswell Franklyn, took to the BRA Office at the Pine to protest against what they perceive as unfair treatment and a lack of recognition from management. Despite UWU's assertion of having over 107 members paying dues, the BRA has refused to recognize them as the collective bargaining agent, citing insufficient membership numbers. This discrepancy raises questions about the fairness and consistency of recognition practices at the BRA, especially considering that other unions with reportedly fewer members, such as the National Union of Public W...

In the aftermath of the recent arrests of two KFC employees, the Barbados Workers' Union (BWU) made swift denunciations, asserting the arrests were illegal and unjust. Venting their frustration on social media platforms, the BWU alleged that the employees had faced unfair termination by KFC prior to their arrest. According to the Deputy Director of the BWU, the union received information indicating that the two employees were instructed by the company to collect their final wages, national insurance certificates, and return their uniforms. However, upon their arrival, they were unexpectedly apprehended by police officers and escorted to the District A Police Station. In a video statement, a BWU Officer addressed the unfolding situation, emphasizing the union's steadfast commitment to fairness and justice. "We are a responsible institution," they declared, "and just as we do not condone unfair or illegal practices from employers, we equally denounce illegal practi...

  Last week, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Alfonso Browne said that concerned had been raised about the method used to send the President of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr Hyginus “Gene” Leon, on administrative leave since January 2024. Browne was at the time participating in the 46th regular meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, where the Chairman of CARICOM and President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, hinted at the discussions surrounding the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the challenges facing the region. In an atmosphere charged with intrigue, the sudden administrative leave of Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), has sparked widespread curiosity and apprehension. The decision, made without apparent consultation with the Board of Governors, has thrown the institution into the spotlight, prompting questions about transparency, accountability, and procedural fairness. Dr. Leon, ...