The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) while fully committed to the consultative process, is adamant that it will “not waver” in its efforts to ensure that not only is the membership vigorously represented, but that their rights are respected.
That’s according to President of the NUPW, Akanni Mc Dowall, who in his New Year’s Message, said the though the challenges the Union faced in the last year “stubbornly tested” its resolve, they were not insurmountable and as a result the Union strived to balance the overall national interest, with its primary obligation to efficiently and effectively represent the interest of its membership. With that in mind, he took the opportunity to remind those who have been critical of the withholding of labour as a means of settling disputes, that the “right to strike” is one of the oldest and critical components of effective trade union bargaining.
“It will never be our first choice, but applying that right responsibly, can assist in resolving the more protracted industrial relations disputes. Collective bargaining risks becoming collective begging and eventual capitulation, without this right. Consider, that many who now seek to denigrate and vilify the trade union’s call for action have benefitted from the improvements to social and working conditions as a result of the same trade union agitation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mc Dowall noted that while year 2016 had its share of unresolved disputes; there was much to be thankful for, particularly coming on to the end of the year. Among those things, he said, was the securing of satisfactory wages settlements for the workers of the Grantley Adams Airport (GAIA) Inc. and the National Petroleum Corporation, and the appointments at the National Housing Corporation.
“I wish to publicly compliment the workers at the GAIA Inc. for their perseverance and commitment to their just cause, and seeing the long, difficult and at times contentious negotiations through to an amicable conclusion. In addition, it would be remiss of the Union, if it did not thank management of these organisations for their compromise and goodwill, which facilitated the successful conclusion of the negotiations. The Union looks forward to even greater cooperation between the Union and government agencies in 2017 and beyond, as we seek to foster a harmonious industrial relations environment,” the Union President added.
His comments came as he indicated that there are some matters that remain unresolved that still have to be addressed. The NUPW official made the point while referring to the ruling of the Employment Rights Tribunal in respect of the retrenched workers of the National Conservation Commission. He while the position of workers was vindicated by the ruling, the Union was not totally pleased with the outcome. This came as he also raised the issue of the displaced workers of the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation, adding that they were awaiting the ruling of the courts on that matter.
Additionally, he said the Union firmly believes that workers transitioning from the General Public Service to the Barbados Revenue Authority should do so with all their rights and privileges, inclusive of pension rights intact.
“We also think that a strong case has been made on why the Customs Department should remain in the Public Service because of its border control component. So our work is still not yet done,” he maintained. (JRT)
Section: