Workplace Discrimination in Barbados: The Reality Behind Racial Pay Gaps

 

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 clients.

One of the most shocking incidents occurred in the mid 2000s in another business when a young white employee at a well-known business house on the island accidentally exposed his own inflated salary. His payslip fell from his pocket, and a Black colleague with the same job title saw the massive pay difference. When word spread, management didn’t investigate the racial pay disparity—instead, they fired the Black employee who had seen the payslip and shared its contents with others, citing a “breach of confidence.” The Black employee, who had a longer tenure, was seemingly responsible for training the white employee, yet his salary was significantly lower than his white junior.

The Hotel Industry’s Persistent Wage Inequality

At a well-known hotel, very recently, an expatriate white manager was earning over $20,000 per month before being terminated due to multiple complaints about his treatment of staff. However, his Black replacement was hired at less than half of that salary, despite holding the same responsibilities. This is not an isolated incident—employees across the hospitality sector have long complained that expatriates are consistently favored with better salaries and more benefits than Black Bajans in identical roles.

Discriminatory Practices in Asian-Owned Businesses

The issue of racial pay discrimination isn’t confined to white-owned companies. Workers in Indian and Asian-owned businesses report similar disparities, with some alleging that these businesses maintain two sets of payroll records—one for official reporting and another that reflects how much employees are actually being paid.

Some Black Bajan workers claim that their Asian counterparts are paid significantly more for the same jobs. Even more disturbingly, allegations suggest that some businesses pay below the national minimum wage of $340 per week, with employees too afraid to speak out for fear of losing their jobs.

Corporate Barbados: A System of Racial Favoritism

Even in corporate settings, racial favoritism exists. In one prominent company, white employees are consistently assigned the most lucrative sales routes, while Black employees are given less profitable areas. Even when Black employees cover these routes during vacation periods, white employees still receive the commissions. Additionally, white employees are assigned the best-selling brands, ensuring they maintain a financial advantage over their Black colleagues. 

The Employment (Prevention of Discrimination) Act: A Step in the Right Direction?

In 2020, the Barbados government introduced the Employment (Prevention of Discrimination) Act, aimed at addressing workplace discrimination. Under this legislation, employers are required to:

• Establish clear policies to prevent discrimination in hiring, promotions, and wages.

• Ensure that employees are treated fairly, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.

• Provide mechanisms for employees to report discrimination without fear of retaliation.

• Face legal consequences, including fines or penalties, if found guilty of discriminatory practices.

However, despite these legal protections, reports of racial pay disparities persist, raising concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms. While the Act provides a framework for workplace equality, the real challenge lies in holding companies accountable and ensuring that Black Bajans receive equal pay for equal work.

The Fight for Workplace Equality in Barbados

The evidence is overwhelming—racial pay discrimination has deep roots in Barbados, spanning decades and continuing across multiple industries. With cases now reaching the Employment Rights Tribunal and more employees coming forward, there is a growing demand for government intervention and corporate accountability.

Will Barbados finally put an end to these injustices, or will the cycle of discrimination continue behind closed doors?

The truth is out—now, what will be done about it? This article will be followed up with an online survey on discrimination in the workplace in the near future.