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BWU's Solo Act, NUPW's Sub-80 Count, and UWU's 108 but Out of the BRA Equation - Strike One

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 Workers (NUPW) with less than 80 members and the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) which allegedly has 1 member, are recognized.

Under the BARBADOS REVENUE AUTHORITY ACT, 2014, the most representative organization of employees is entitled to nominate a member to sit on the BRA board. This provision seemingly favors UWU, yet they are being denied recognition, leaving employees feeling marginalized and their rights neglected.

The conspicuous absence of action from both the Labour Department and the Prime Minister, purported champions of workers’ rights, deepens the intrigue surrounding this unfolding saga. Despite fervent assurances from the Chief Labour Officer and the Prime Minister about safeguarding the rights of all workers, UWU's fervent appeals for fairness and recognition appear to be met with indifference.

Furthermore, recent allegations of unfair dismissals, internal investigations, and victimization within the BRA have only exacerbated tensions. Mr. Franklyn's public disclosure of alleged corrupt practices within the BRA, including questionable land tax practices, may have intensified management's resistance to UWU's demands for recognition.

In response to the growing unrest and the revelation by Franklyn re unfair and questionable land tax practices, the BRA issued a statement regarding land use and land tax. BRA made it clear that if landowners disagree with the designated land use and the ensuing land tax, they may file an appeal with the Planning and Development Department. 

According to the Land Tax Act, land used for agriculture but having a residential house on it is still regarded as agricultural land. According to BRA, they value and tax land according to prescribed land usage, and they have an appeals procedure in place. They also urged the public to report any illegal activity or land tax fraud to email them at whistleblower@bra.gov.bb in order to receive swift action.  However, this fails to address the underlying issues of recognition and fair representation for UWU members.

As the standoff continues, it remains to be seen whether the BRA will heed the calls for recognition and fair treatment from UWU. Until then, the plight of UWU members serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by workers in their fight for fair representation and respect in the workplace. 


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