Peter Earle's WorkPlace Conflicts Blog

  For decades, whispers of racial discrimination in workplaces across Barbados have persisted. But what was once discussed in hushed tones is now being exposed, revealing shocking pay disparities, favoritism, and secret financial dealings that have left many Black workers earning significantly less than their white, asian and expatriate counterparts. Despite the enactment of the Employment (Prevention of Discrimination) Act in 2020, many of these practices continue, highlighting the challenges of enforcing workplace equality. Historical and Ongoing Racial Pay Disparities Hidden Inequities In the 1980s, an employee at a well-known firm in Bridgetown stumbled upon payroll documents revealing that Black employees were earning significantly less than white and expatriate workers, even when holding equal or superior qualifications and work experience. The discrimination didn’t stop at pay—Black employees were deliberately excluded from a special department that exclusively handled white...

  Lelon Saul’s tenure as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) became one of the most debated employment cases in Guyana's recent history. Saul, who was appointed in June 2017 on a three-year contract, found his professional journey abruptly derailed in 2020, sparking a legal battle that highlighted the importance of respecting contractual terms and due process in the workplace. What Constitutes Wrongful Termination in Guyana? Wrongful termination, also known as wrongful dismissal, occurs when an employee is dismissed in violation of their employment contract or in breach of established labour laws. In Guyana, wrongful termination is determined based on the following key principles: 1. Breach of Contract: If an employee is terminated before the agreed contract period without valid legal justification, it is considered wrongful termination. 2. Lack of Due Process: Employers must follow established procedures for dismissals, inc...

  In a dramatic escalation of their fight for justice, Vincentian workers dismissed for refusing to take the controversial COVID-19 vaccine are preparing to take their case to the Privy Council. This decision was announced in late February 2025, in a joint press conference held by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union and the Public Service Union, just days after the Court of Appeal overturned a previous ruling by Justice Esco Henry. Henry had initially deemed the mandate unconstitutional, unlawful, and procedurally improper, offering a significant victory to the affected workers. However, the Court of Appeal’s reversal has reignited their determination to seek redress at the highest level. The government, led by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, has refused to reinstate the dismissed employees. Instead, Gonsalves has urged them to reapply for their positions, promising to restore their benefits—but not their lost salaries dating back to December 2021. This stance, w...