BEC lauded

The Barbados Employers’ Confedera-tion (BEC) has been commended for being a valued and vocal partner in the Social Partnership and a key contributor to labour relations and social dialogue in this country.

Minister of Labour, Senator Dr. the Hon. Esther Byer-Suckoo, said that whether it is keeping the Government on “its toes”, engaging in processes to support the enactment of new labour legislation or lobbying for changes to existing legislation, the BEC has been a very active player in labour administration.

“It has also been, and continues to be involved in a number of committees, boards and other mechanisms to support the monitoring and development of the workplace.”

The Minister, who was at the time addressing BEC’s 60th Anniversary Awards Ceremony and Dinner held at Apes Hill Country Club on Saturday night, highlighted that BEC has also taken advantage of facilities offered through her Ministry to facilitate capacity building in the private sector, and has reaped significant benefits on behalf of its members.

“The BEC has continued to take advantage of the resources of the Employment and Training Fund administered by my Ministry’s Technical and Vocational and Education Council, and consequently has assisted many employees in enhancing their competencies, many of them attaining certification. The BEC has also participated in the Competency-based Training Fund, which is being funded through the Inter-American Development Bank and has provided 894 persons in the construction industry the opportunity to attain certification in Management, Occupational Safety and Health, and Vehicle Operations.

“The BEC has also extended its reach to others who are not yet in the labour force. I refer to the training opportunity offered to students in the fifth and sixth forms through the Securing the Workforce of the Future workshops, with support from the Ministry of Labour. These students are at that critical juncture where career choices are being considered. This initiative represents one of the many projects which have been implemented by the Social Partners to enhance the employability skills of job seekers,” she said.

In addition to its focus on workplace development, Dr. Byer-Suckoo noted that BEC has recognised the need to address the issue of diversity of the workplace, receiving annual support from the Ministry of Labour to implement activities focusing on HIV and AIDS.

“Indeed, BEC has been playing a major role in the maintenance of a healthy industrial relations climate, and has supported Government’s mandate to provide decent and productive work for all Barbadians,” she expressed.

The Labour Minister also stressed that government recognises the important role of its tripartite partners and their contribution and commitment to the consultative process.

She explained that the importance of social dialogue and collaboration between the Government, the employers and the workers’ representatives is critical in fostering a healthy industrial relations climate, as well as social cohesion and economic progress in Barbados.

Dr. Byer-Suckoo therefore took the opportunity to reaffirm Government’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with its tripartite partners. In so doing, she assured that the Ministry of Labour will continue to support and collaborate with the BEC and other Social Partners.

“I for one, welcome the opportunity to continue our collaboration in the future on labour and other matters of national interest. In fact, there has been much discourse recently by the Partners on the issue of productivity and productivity improvements in the workplace, and I anticipate that this discourse will result in meaningful strategies to enhance productivity in Barbados.”

During the ceremony, tribute was paid to newly retired BEC Executive Director, Tony Walcott and Secretary Treasurer, Yvonne Cheltenham. In addition, special awards went to BEC’s long standing council members, outstanding employees, past presidents and past executive directors. (TL)