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...

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Basseterre, St. Kitts (PMO) – The dismissal of Lenworth Harris as the General Manager of the St. Kitts and Nevis Development Bank continues to spark national debate, now heightened by Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew's call for the upcoming court case to be televised. Scheduled for January 29, 2025, the trial will delve into allegations of financial mismanagement and misuse of public funds during Harris’s tenure. “This trial must be televised. Transparency is vital to democracy, and the people deserve to know what occurred with their money,” Prime Minister Drew stated emphatically during the wrap-up of the 2025 Appropriation Bill debate. Circumstances Leading to the Dismissal On January 26, 2013, reports surfaced that Harris had been escorted from his office by police and a senior government official. Harris dismissed the rumors, asserting that “people don’t fire people who are doing a good job.” However, the timing raised eyebrows, as it followed the removal of his brother, T...

  BICO Ltd., a name synonymous with frozen treats in Barbados, has experienced significant challenges over the years. These include a devastating factory fire, the impact of globalization, and rising operational costs. However, industrial unrest, particularly between employees and management, has become a recurring issue that threatens both employee satisfaction and the company's continuity. Historical Context and Recurring Issues BICO's employees have been grappling with wage stagnation and inadequate working conditions for years. The most recent strike, led by the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), highlights deep-rooted dissatisfaction. Since 2017, wage negotiations have been deadlocked, with employees experiencing no wage increases since 2015. Additionally, deteriorating health and safety standards—such as inadequate restroom facilities and lack of industrial cleaning—have further exacerbated employee grievances. The situation escalated when the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) bl...

  In recent years, the global debate over zero-hour contracts has grown louder, with many countries scrutinizing these controversial employment arrangements for their impact on workers' rights and job security. But what about Barbados? Are zero-hour contracts permissible here? Spoiler alert: No, they're not. Let’s dive into why, based on Barbados' Employment Rights Act, 2012-9 (ERA), zero-hour contracts are illegal and contradict essential employment protections. What Exactly Is a Zero-Hour Contract? A zero-hour contract is an employment agreement where the employer does not guarantee any specific number of working hours. Instead, employees remain on standby and are called to work only when needed. While proponents argue that these contracts provide flexibility for both employers and workers, critics emphasize that they often leave employees in precarious positions with no job security, uncertain income, and limited rights. The Treatment of Zero-Hour Contracts in Ireland ...