The Unionist - Vol 23 No 18 2014 by Coreen Gibson

A Publication of the Barbados Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union Where There Is No Vision The People Perish

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Vol.23 No.18 2014

Fare You Well!

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Editor’s Note 2 From The Desk Of The General Secretary 6 Senator Sir Roy Trotman Retires 9 The Caribbean Congress of Labour pays tribute to Sir Roy Trotman 12 Memories, no Less than Manners, Maketh the Man 13 B.S.T.U. Bids Farewell to a Colossus and a Friend 18 Sir Roy Trotman – A National Icon 20 A Personal Message from Guy Ryder, Director-General I.L.O., Geneva 22 Tribute to Sir Roy Trotman from the Barbados Employers’ Confederation 23 Life's Aspirations 24 Sir Roy's Tribute Highlights 26 rd B.W.U.’S 73 Annual Delegates’ Conference 30 Twenty-Five Collective Agreements Finalised 33 BL&P Negotiations reached after Forty-Five Meetings 34 Public Sector Negotiations 35 The B.W.U. Welcomes Air Traffic Control Services 36 Lay-offs – Major Concern For B.W.U. 36 Revisit Protocol V1 37 Ready the Youth to Seize the Business Challenge 39 Create the Business Space for Laid-Off Workers 39 Stop Denying Domestic Workers Their Rights 40 Serena Browne is part of something Big!! 41 Barbados tops in Prostate Cancer Incidence 42 Pay More Attention to Worker Health 43 Global Standardised Hypertension Treatment Project Barbados Pilot 45 Office Ergonomics: Solutions to common aches and pains 46 The May Day 2014 Season 50 Colin Norville 52

CONTENTS ON THE FRONT COVER, Sir Roy Trotman expresses his thanks to the 2014 May Day audience and bids them "Farewell".

A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way – John C. Maxwell – The Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association wishes to extend our gratitude to Sir Roy on the occasion of his retirement and thank you for your commitment and dedicated service to our country through your stellar leadership in industrial relations, and for your championship of the success of our social partnership. Best wishes and God’s richest blessings

Information concerning this Publication should be addressed to: Bro. Orlando Scott, Editor, The Unionist Barbados Workers’ Union, “Solidarity House”, Harmony Hall, St. Michael, Barbados Tel: (246) 426-3492/5 ● Fax: (246) 436-6496 Email: bwu@caribsurf.com ● Website: www.bwu.bb.org Photos by Brooks / La Touche Printed by Panagraphix Inc.

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EDITOR’S NOTE Orlando Scott, BSS , JP

Senior Assistant General Secretary, Barbados Workers’ Union

in order to effect meaningful change at the level of the workplace and in the wider society, was forced to strengthen and widen its membership base - which then composed of small groups of urban workers, mainly dock workers, bakers, foundry mechanics, and other city workers - to a broad-based national Rt. Excellent Sir Grantley Frank Walcott (Rt. Excellent movement, inclusive particularly of the Herbert Adams, Premier of Sir) chats with Sir Hugh Barbados. Prime Minister, Springer (later Rt. Excellent) voiceless thousands of field workers in Federation of the West at a function at the B.W.U. the sugar industry, then employed in Indies, President, Barbados Labour College, Mangrove, Progressive League, President, St. Philip. Sir Hugh was the the island’s main economic sector, who Barbados Workers’ Union. first General Secretary of the were spread across the island; this was B.W.U (1941-1947). started formally in 1945 when the then ince its registration as the first legal trade Frank Walcott (later Rt. Excellent Sir Frank Walcott) union in Barbados, on October 4, 1941, the Barbados Workers’ Union has had to face, was recruited by the Union. at every stage of its development, innumerable challenges, some of which were spawned nationally The B.W.U.’s mobilisation efforts were made, not simply to increase its membership, important as it and others created at the international level. was, but to fortify the foundations of the umbrella Attempts at forming trade unions were motivated Barbados Progressive League, the forerunner of by early labour leaders because of the poverty, the Barbados Labour Party and the “mother” of deprivation, squalor and intolerable conditions in the B.W.U., which was campaigning for political which the masses lived. It was a time when the change. Put very bluntly, the right to vote had to working day had no ceiling, wages were pitiably be extended from the mere hundreds of powerful low, and housing was, for the most part, shabby landowners and businessmen and placed in the and education at the secondary level, mostly hands of the disenfranchised working population unreachable for the children of the masses. The so that the leadership of the nascent Labour foregoing were among the massive challenges Movement, led by its president, Grantley Adams (later Rt. Excellent Sir Grantley) and General which the pioneers of the Union faced. . Secretary, Hugh Springer (later Rt. Excellent Sir Given the prevailing environment, in the early Hugh) could be provided with the political leverage, period of the 1940s, the decade of its formation, that would give them a voice in Parliament. Other the B.W.U. had to face up to the powerful Oligarchs, notable players in the trade union movement who the land owners and the merchant class, who not gained seats in the House of Assembly in the only controlled capital but every other feature of 1940s and 1950s were Frank Walcott, J.T.C. Ramsay, life in Barbados. Because of the three centuries of and K.N.R. Husbands.

the entrenched power of the opposition, the B.W.U.,

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January 1981. BWU General Secretary, Sir Frank Walcott (now Rt. Excellent Sir Frank) (l) leads the march up Broad Street during the one-day shut down in support of the Barbados Telephone Company strike. Others in the picture (l-r) are: Vere Rock, Financial Controller, BWU, Lemuel Daniel (President General), Leroy Trotman (now Sir Roy Trotman), Burns Bonadie, CCL Secretary Treasurer, Orlando Scott (BWU Public Relations Officer) and John Williams (Cable and Wireless).

The decade of the 1940s, through to the present period, presented exacting challenges for the Barbados Workers’ Union, among which have been - the foundry strikes in 1942 and 1944, the break between the Union’s founding president, Grantley Adams and the organisation in 1954, the 13week Advocate strike of 1956, the Windfall Issue of 1963, the series of strike action by the Union in the early part of the decade of the 1970s, the Telephone Company strike of 1980/81, and the island-wide protest action led by the newly-formed Coalition of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (now Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Association of Barbados (C.T.U.S.A.B.) of 1991 against the Government’s structural adjustment programme. These challenges strengthened the resolve of the Union’s leadership and its members in relation to the significance of the Union’s leadership position in the lives of the workforce of the country.

In two years’ time, the B.W.U. will mark its 75th anniversary; the Labour Department will do the same, a year earlier. With this important milestone in view you may ask yourself these questions: What is the attitude being displayed by some areas of the Public Service and some employers in relation to labour management relations in Barbados? Have the social and political changes on the island made it any easier for the B.W.U. and the trade union movement, in general, to work on the behalf of the workforce of the country? Put more simply, have things changed?’ Some will answer: ‘Yes, things have changed’. We have a Parliament which reflects the hue of the once voiceless masses. Yes, we have an independent nation with all of the trappings that are associated with sovereignty. Yes, we have Labour laws, which have been piloted by trade unionists in Parliament or lobbied for by trade unionists, in The Unionist

and outside of the Assembly. In addition, our labour management system has been bolstered by collective agreements and we have six Protocols, all of which have been signed by the Government, the Employers and the Trade Unions’. But, even with these myriad achievements which should be the underpinning of labour management relations in Barbados, there are those who will assert that the more things change, the more they remain the same. There are those who will affirm that, notwithstanding all of our social, political and economic gains, as long as there are non-conformists, and manifestations of greed, selfishness and the lust for power, characteristics such as the foregoing will serve to disrupt and weaken the foundations of any system, whether it is in the area of industrial relations or any other form of governance, which has been put in place for the efficient conduct of any system. Observers will also avow that greed has been the core issue in relation to current global economic downturn.

Some of what the Barbados Workers’ Union and the trade union movement, in general, have been experiencing over the past few months have been efforts by some Public Sector organisations and Private Sector companies to brush aside the voluntarist system – the collective bargaining process, based on their interpretations of the Law, an approach which has the capacity to undermine the timetested industrial relations standards and practices that form the bedrock of our labour management relations system and which have contributed solidly to the stability of the industrial relations climate of the country. As a consequence of job loss and fear of job loss, some workers in the Private and Public sectors in Barbados have begun to feel the physical and psychological pain suffered by their counterparts in the developed world as hundreds of them have been severed, many in unorthodox methods. This approach has been staunchly rejected by the B.W.U. and the trade union movement in general.

The Labour Movement in Barbados is now beset by two serious challenges which are interrelated: Consultation one is what appears to be a move by some employers to rewrite the principles of the labour management relations system which have guided Whilst the B.W.U. has never held the view that our country over the past seventy years; and the workers cannot be laid off, it has been strongly objecting to the decisions taken by some statutory other is the persistent global economic crisis. corporations to lay off workers without there Much of what has taken place over the past few being the necessary consultation between the months has resulted from Government‘s Fiscal trade unions and the corporations. It appears that Consolidation Programme 2013-15, which was while trade unions have reached the stage where announced by the Minister of Finance on December they can sit at the same table as the employers, 13, 2013, and which proposed the process of some of the latter have seemingly chosen to byretrenchment from the Central Government pass the process and completely ignore the timeand statutory entities. As a consequence, tested voluntaristic system under which labour hundreds of workers have been laid off from management relations have been conducted in statutory corporations such as Transport Board, Barbados over the past seventy years. National Housing Corporation, and the National Is there a motive? While we may not wish to Conservation Commission, as well as from Central Government.

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assume that there is a sinister intention, the result is that if you are able to undermine the system that has supported ‘voluntarism’, the framework which supports collective bargaining, and which allows for democracy around the bargaining table as well as on the shop floor, you may feel that you can weaken Labour, and consequently create disruption in labour management relations in the country. Regrettably, though, while logic underscores the foregoing thought, the traditional, and may I add, the expected mass media and arm chair specialists’ responses have been that the Barbados Workers’ Union was wrong to withhold labour in the sugar industry in defence of the factory workers who were dismissed without there being the opportunity for proper consultation on that matter between management and the Union. And it must be registered that the workers were severed even while the B.W.U. and the Company were in the middle of negotiations. And, in relation to the B.W.U.’s call for the case involving the National Conservation Commission, the said armchair specialists and those who bombard the call-in programmes, who criticised the B.W.U. for calling a strike in the sugar industry were the said people who claimed that the B.W.U. had gone “soft” because it did not seek industrial action against the N.C.C. “If you do, you are damned; and if you don’t you are damned”. We have, thus far, witnessed four striking and unsettling examples of ‘how industrial relations should not be conducted’ which have occurred at the National Housing Corporation, the Barbados Agricultural Management Company (B.A.M.C.) the Transport Board and, latterly, the National Conservation Commission. We describe these actions as disturbing not merely because of the physical and emotional hurt they have caused to the workers and their families, but because of the damage they have caused to industrial relations and the tremendous disruption they have caused to national life. 

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FROM THE DESK OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY Sir Roy Trotman, K.A.

General Secretary, Barbados Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union

This Moment Comes For All Of Us It would be indecent of me, however, if I merely walked away from the race course without indicating to you that it is not only I who have had the responsibility to run a leg in this relay. Whoever you are, whatever you do, life had declared for each of us that the purpose for living is not merely to journey from the cradle to the grave. The message from the Apostles, the message from the poets, the message from life, all point to the need for us to recognise that life has meaning only when we live beyond ourselves and in such a manner that we touch those around us for good. In the world of work I have, over the last forty plus years, been granted the opportunity to work along with like minded individuals in furthering the message that LABOUR is not a commodity.

We have been joining in delivering a message that says that if a country will do well the worker must be given conditions of work which will make him or her recognise the purpose for contributing beyond himself and herself.

e can approach it like the Apostles, one of whom conveyed the image of the race in life which needs to be run. He indicated that he had finished his leg in the relay by diligently Our task as leaders in this country Barbados has to sticking to the instructions in his training manual. be seen as one in which we capitalise on the many good fortunes which the Master has provided for He was confident that he had run well and that the us and that we break the back of oppression in winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trophy was assured. whatever form it takes and of negativism however it dresses itself. This statement to you, kind reader, seeks to claim for me the right to declare completion of the task Barbados has done well because we have remained that was set for me. a country which, to some degree, has recognised

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that we are interdependent as a people and that we are called upon to bear one another’s burdens. This sharing of our resources is something that we ought not to compartmentalise and call upon only at festive occasions such as Christmas. It has to be part of our way of life and it needs not be that we should see ourselves as making sacrifices which are not matched by the behaviour of our neighbours. In many instances it should be recognised that our generosity is a generosity which, in the fullness of time, represents a measure, a blessing and a level of return on what we have done so that it might be properly seen as an investment.

Like Frank Sinatra I wish to say that there were times when "I bit off more than I could chew" but even in those times I have sought to ensure that where I could not swallow that bigger bite I was ready to spit out the pieces. I know that I was ready to ensure that those pieces, properly masticated, would energise in the interest of our Barbados Workers’ Union members first, and our wider Trade Union family as a whole.

Where those bites occasion pain, you dear reader should know there was no malice. Where you choose to personalise the occasion, or the event, then my regrets are that we may both have failed This is the last occasion when I shall present to capitalise on a precious moment to ready the foreword to this magazine in my capacity as ourselves for the race which we are all running. General Secretary. It ought not to be the last occasion when you will rush to hear any views of Dear reader, fare you well and may you always persons like me who may wish to share regarding keep the sun at your back. n the meaning of life and the blessing in fulfilling one’s duty to God and country.

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Senator Sir Roy Trotman Retires

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nother chapter in the history of the Barbados to do so, and as Chairperson (President) of the Group, Governing Body of Workers’ Union (B.W.U.) will be closed W o r k e r s ’ the International Labour on Saturday, September Organisation (ILO), Geneva, 6, 2014, the final day of its 73rd also the first non European to Annual Delegates’ Conference hold that post. when Senator Sir Roy Trotman, KA demits office after twentySince 1971, when he joined the two years in the leadership role staff of the B.W.U., Sir Roy has of General Secretary and fortyworked consistently, steadily three years as an officer of the Union. and with commitment to raise the standard of Sir Roy, the third person to hold the post of living of those who have been marginalised, general secretary of the B.W.U., succeeded the late proscribed and excluded from our society. He has Rt. Excellent Sir Frank Leslie Walcott, in 1992; Sir used ‘the lance of education’ and ‘the sword of Frank was general secretary from 1948 to 1991. Sir bargaining’ in his attempt at prevailing against the Frank’s predecessor in office, the late Rt. Excellent mighty forces which confronted him overtime. Sir Hugh Worrell Springer, served from 1941 until 1947 when he left to become the first Registrar of His steady progress through St. Elizabeth the University College of the West Indies, Mona, Boys’ School, in the picturesque, rural parish of St. Joseph, and St. Matthias Boys’ and Boys’ Jamaica. Foundation School, Christ Church, laid a solid Sir Roy’s outstanding trade union career at the local, foundation for his chosen vocation as teacher and regional and international levels have followed in labour labour leader. He grasped the opportunity the progression of the exceptional groundwork of tertiary education and read for a BA degree in that was laid by his iconic predecessors in the English, History and Economics from the Cave Union, namely, its first President General, Rt. Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies, Excellent Sir Grantley Herbert Adams, first General whence he graduated in 1969, and completed Secretary, Rt. Excellent Sir Hugh and Rt. Excellent a Masters in Labour Education from Rutgers Sir Frank, who distinguished themselves in diverse University, USA, in 1976. fields such as industrial relations, politics and His professional life started with teaching in 1962 education. and he served with distinction as a pedagogue Born in the idyllic village of Bathsheba, St. Joseph, and administrator, at St. Leonard’s Boys’, Sir Roy, over the past two decades, brought acclaim Parkinson Memorial Secondary, Boys’ Foundation, to the B.W.U., Barbados, and to the Hemisphere, Modern High and St. Anthony’s High, the latter as by serving the workers of the world at the apex, headmaster, before taking the lead in organising a as President of the Brussels-based 160-million division of workers from among the teachers with member International Confederation of Free Trade whom he worked at the Modern High School. He Unions (ICFTU), the first person of African descent had been an activist and radical from university The Unionist

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days and these characteristics earmarked him for his future vocation.

new trajectory in his trade union career by being elected in 2002 as Chairman of the Workers’ Group of the Governing Body of the I.L.O., becoming In 1971, he was invited by the then Frank Walcott to the first non-European to be elected to this be his personal assistant, and moved through the high and honourable position. On this path, Sir upper levels of the Union’s administrative structure, Roy was appointed as a Senator of the Barbados being promoted Deputy General Secretary/ Parliament, thus giving the workers a voice in that Director of Organisation in 1980. illustrious Chamber. Sir Roy was a natural for this position as it provided the opportunity for his verbal reasoning, debating, elocutionary and analytical skills during negotiations, and his organisation and leadership skills during the many campaigns he engaged in with success. Perhaps more than anything else, he relished the task of getting back a job for someone who was wrongfully dismisses, or getting a promotion for someone whose progress was wrongfully hindered.

Senator Sir Roy has shone at the national, regional and international levels. At the national level, he was President and founder/ member of Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados, the predecessor of the Coalition of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados, Co-Vice Chair, Barbados Foreign Exchange Committee (1992-1994), Workers’ Chair- Barbados Social Partnership, Workers’ Chair C-1444 Committee, member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Committee, Member – National Insurance Board, It was natural when Sir Frank retired in 1991, after Member – National Productivity Board, Member having given 46 years of valiant service to the – Coordinating Committee, National Initiative for House of Labour that the baton was passed to Sir Service Excellence (N.I.S.E.), Member – Securities Roy as the undoubted senior then on staff in the Commission and Founder and Chairman of the Union with an unquestionable record of leadership. United Commercial Autoworks Limited, Member of Two years before Sir Frank’s retirement, Sir Roy the Haynes’ Commission on the Queen Elizabeth branched out into the Caribbean and was elected Hospital, Member of the U.W.I., Cave Hill Campus President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, Council, the Board of the Barbados National Bank, the beginning of a significant phase of regional and the National Committee of Eminent Persons and international action. to Coordinate National Reconciliation. . Like his predecessors in office, National Heroes, Rt. Excellent Sir Hugh Springer and Rt. Sir Frank Walcott, Sir Roy was elected to the House of Assembly where he served the constituents of St. Michael Central, with distinction. His parting from politics came as a result of a principled stand at a time when politics seemed to stand in the way of the undivided attention he wished to give to the workers’ cause. Sir Roy’s exit from politics catapulted him into a

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At the regional, he served as President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (C.C.L.) (1989-1995). At the international level, Senator Trotman was elected President of the I.C.F.T.U. in 1992, and was re-elected in 1996, an indication of the high esteem in which he was held. He elected, voluntarily, not to serve as President beyond two terms of four years each, but was so acclaimed for his leadership that he was the choice by acclamation for the Chair of the I.C.F.T.U. Millennium Committee, which was

Sir Roy is married to Margaret Lady Trotman and they are the parents of Paula, a medical doctor and Lesley, an attorney at law.

To those who were aware of Senator Sir Roy Trotman’s contribution at the I.L.O. Headquarters as Chairperson of the Sub-Committees on (a) Tripartite Consultation, (b) The Abolition of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, and (c) Health and safety in Agriculture, his elevation to the apex of the I.L.O. could not be a surprise.

The entire Barbados Workers’ Union family wishes him a long and healthy life and hopes that he will be able, during his retirement to make good use of his hobbies, which are reading, music and (watching) sports. n

Yet while we marvel at how the regional and international bodies have lionised Sir Roy, we wonder if we kept his light at home too much under the bushel.

“Don't be afraid of your fears. They're not there to scare you. They're there to let you know that something is worth it.” – C. JoyBell C. –

CONSTRUCTION LIMITED Chance Hall, St. Lucy, Barbados, W.I. Telephone: (246) 439-7997 Email: csconstruction.bb@gmail.com.

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charged with the responsibility of determining new strategies and visions for Labour into the new century.

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The Caribbean Congress of Labour pays tribute to Sir Roy Trotman

he Caribbean Congress of Labour (C.C.L.) is profoundly pleased and honoured to salute the work and contribution of Comrade Sir Roy Trotman who will be retiring from the post of General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union after more than forty-three years of exemplary service to the working class of Barbados and the region and, indeed, the world.

of Labour. At the National Level in Barbados, he was the moving force behind the founding of the Congress of Trade Unions of Staff Associations of Barbados (C.T.U.S.A.B.). Among his other service achievements are; Co-Vice Chair - Barbados Foreign Exchange Commission; Workers Chair Barbados Social Partnership; Membership of the following: Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Committee; National lnsurance Board; National In a tribute paid to him in 2010, the President of Productivity Board, among several others. C.T.U.S.A.B., described Comrade Trotman in a most profound statement when he said " [Comrade Comrade Trotman understood from early that Trotman’s] commitment to action rather than there is no great divide between Trade Unionism sheer rhetoric has been the predominant force and Politics but he understood the need to behind the many positions of leadership he has maintain the independence of the Trade Union held locally, regionally and internationally." Movement and the necessity for Trade Unions to maintain and defend the workers’ agenda. Sir. Roy When Comrade Trotman succeeded the late Sir therefore made his mark in the political arena as Frank Walcott in 1992 he had an enormous shoe well and he served both in the elected house of to fill and he has indeed lived up to the challenges. assembly and as a Senator. Under his stewardship and leadership the Barbados Workers' Union continued to expand its influence The Caribbean Congress of Labour takes this and he was able to achieve an enormous amount privileged opportunity to salute the lifelong of progress for the Barbadian working class as he contribution of Comrade Roy Trotman to the led many a successful industrial battle to improve Working Class Movement and the transformative their wellbeing. role he has played in the lives of countless thousands of ordinary working men and women. The achievements of Comrade Trotman are The Caribbean Congress of Labour is indeed wide ranging and many and it is sufficient just grateful to the Barbados Workers’ Union and to the to mention a few high points, those being: he family of Sir Roy in our recognition of all that he became the first Afro-President of the Brussels- has done to improve the quality of life for so many. based 160-rnillion member International As he goes into retirement, the C.C.L. extends Confederation of Free Trade Unions and President its most profound best wishes for a productive, of the Workers' Group, Governing Body of the fruitful and healthy retirement and wishes him International Labour Organisation (I.L.O.). Sir Roy every success in all of his future endeavours. also served at the helm of the Caribbean Congress

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Memories, no Less than Manners, Maketh the Man

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by Patrick Frost First General Secretary of the C.T.U.S.A.B.

emories, no less than manners, maketh the man. So it is with Comrade Cardinal LeRoy Trotman. These paragraphs do justice to neither. On 31st July, 1991 Prime Minister Sandiford (now, Sir Lloyd) met with representatives of all the trade unions and staff associations in Barbados. He outlined the perilous state of the island’s finances and stated the intentions of the Government in the circumstances. That meeting, albeit unintentionally, triggered a process of changing relationships, created expectations of increased levels of consultation as a routine part of governance, and resulted in the development of the institution of a Social Partnership which properly attracted some international attention and acclaim. Defining Moment Comrade Trotman, in the absence of Sir Frank Walcott, the then General Secretary, led the B.W.U.’s delegation and, like the rest of us, acknowledged that the Prime Minister had asked not so much for an appreciation of the predicament, but more so for help in surmounting the difficulties. It was a defining moment which, if it were not to be lost, required someone not merely with the courage and confidence to seize it, but to do so by inspiring a disparate group into the unity of an abiding conviction that the situation could be retrieved and the country rescued. Comrade Trotman was that person. He took the initiative immediately upon the conclusion of the

meeting with the Prime Minister to suggest that we should forthwith consider what we had been told and prepare ourselves to respond. Although we were comparative strangers to one another, there was a spontaneous willingness which he captured in short order. From that sprang the persuasion that our respective organisations had to collaborate urgently and collectively to save Barbados. A longer session at “Solidarity House” (the headquarters of the B.W.U.) soon followed and specific proposals were submitted to Government for its consideration. The effort had started. The marches and public meetings occurred shortly thereafter and the enormity of responsibility to voice the objections, but to present alternatives, was discharged. Comrade Trotman’s role in ensuring that Barbados spared itself from the excesses of any descent to disorder should not be underestimated. Those early exchanges at a time when he was not yet confirmed as General Secretary of the B.W.U. revealed his understanding of his place within

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his own trade union. That acting status, however, was not one which could diminish his prodigious capacity for work, his loyalty and dedication to the workers’ cause, and the passion without which true representation is hollow. All of these were exhibited in the literally dozens of meetings with Government and private sector bodies. He had a vision of a work environment where wealth was created and equitably distributed for the betterment of workers individually and, by extension, for the rest of Barbadian society. The manner of that achievement for him lay in using to their greatest advantage the opportunities presented by voluntarism and tripartite social dialogue.

not on the streets was Labour’s deliberate taking of the option of an acceptable higher road.

It was that thinking which was reflected in the practical criteria to deal with the IMF stabilisation programme and its implementation, and in the language of his redraft of the document for the first Prices and Incomes Policy in 1993. The decision to pursue the 8% cut through the Law Courts and

Comrade Trotman’s guiding principles were there for all to see - respect for the conventions of procedural propriety, for agreed and established custom and practice, for persons and their representative organisations. Breaches carried automatic condemnation, sometimes couched in

Comrade Trotman found in the person of Sir John Stanley Goddard a sympathetic and understanding ally among the employers. Joining with Government and the Private Sector on a committee to increase foreign exchange earnings, serving on the newly established Productivity Board, and agreeing to a wage freeze were part of Labour’s contribution to save Barbados. That goal was accomplished, albeit not without cost. Subsequent protocols could then be designed “To grow Barbados”. Guiding Principles

Two of the architects of the Barbados Social Partnership - Sir Roy Trotman (left) in conversation with Sir John Stanley Goddard and Lady Goddard, at the B.W.U. Headquarters.

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Training Opportunities He had been a teacher before being recruited to the staff of the B.W.U., and there was something of a tutorial about many of those meetings in the early 1990s of the coalition of workers’ organisations. Superimposed upon the agenda items were the relevant industrial relations issues at home and abroad, the lessons learnt from the (Frank) Walcott (general secretary, B.W.U. 1948-1991) years, the perspectives of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, and the sharing of International Labour Organisation (I.L.O.) experiences and literature. We were all the beneficiaries of his exposure to labour management matters, his consummate skills as a negotiator, his sympathetic ear and his generosity of time and spirit. The B.W.U. staff followed his example.

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Associations (C.T.U.S.A.B.) allowed him to include the latter by endorsing sentiments expressed on behalf of the former. C.T.U.S.A.B. also provided a forum for other unions to support the B.W.U. in matters of common concern and to present that united front to the then established Social Partnership. For example, in the recognition issue with Offshore Keyboarding there was an acceptance of the invitation to share the B.W.U. platform at the Harbour site in the public condemnation of the conduct of that employer. The fact that Comrade Trotman had been elected to Parliament on a Democratic Labour Party (DLP) ticket inevitably created the view in some quarters, indeed in many minds, that he was unsuited for, and thus incapable of, leading workers in opposition to the policies of the Government, let alone doing it successfully. That thinking was not reversed until he returned to Barbados from half way around the world for the specific purpose of casting a vote in Parliament against the leader of that party.

Comrade Trotman was, of course, acutely aware of such perceptions and did not wish the mere fact of his leadership to compromise the efforts of Labour. He duly and repeatedly offered to He understood instinctively that if the other trade relinquish his position. Those offers were duly and unions and workers’ organisations were stronger repeatedly declined. and better equipped to handle their domestic difficulties and circumstances, then logically the Differing Views B.W.U. would not be weakened or threatened as a consequence of any attempted manipulation The experience in those initial meetings of workers’ of deficiencies in others. Training opportunities representatives, reinforced by repetition over the were thus shared with the less experienced and years, was of someone whose leadership sought numerically smaller workers’ groups. This was no to include and to accommodate differing views self-serving approach, but rather one which had its so as to arrive at what was held in common. His origins in the belief that the interests of employers emphasis was for us to discern where agreement and workers need not be mutually exclusive, but lay and not to concentrate on the differences the search for any commonality had to begin with which divided. the respect inherent in all human decency. It is true that there was, at times, some friction His confirmation as General Secretary of the within the grouping. B.A.M.P. was not a B.W.U. and his election to the / Presidency of the founding member of C.T.U.S.A.B.. It had become formalised Congress of Trade Unions and Staff disenchanted, principally so it was voiced, because

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the same muscular language thought to be the preserve of some Prime Ministers. In recent times a lapse into imperfection precipitated B.W.U.’s withdrawal from the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (C.T.U.S.A.B.), an entity whose very existence he had more than fostered.

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there had been no demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Sandiford. It is also true that some years later NUPW formally decided to withdraw from C.T.U.S.A.B., but were dissuaded from such a course of action upon the clarification of what were misunderstandings.

substance behind his solemn judgment of an employment relationship being fractured beyond repair.

Comrade Trotman’s tilting over the years at the likes of Da Costa Musson, Mannings, and Cable and Wireless within the context of the Protocols Others may seek to catalogue C o m r a d e has, sadly, seemingly taught nothing Trotman’s failures, and he to some senior public himself will be quick to officers and similarly placed acknowledge that success agents of the employer in has not always attended statutory corporations. If either his best endeavours the lessons in industrial or recommendations. He relations procedures was unable, for instance, to expedite derivable from those skirmishes had been C.T.U.S.A.B.’s membership of the Caribbean s c r u p u l o u s l y observed, then no matter the Congress of Labour because he failed to achieve political directorate, the recent terminations of unanimity in the surrendering of position by government employees would have been handled the Barbadian trade unions who were already properly. members of C.C.L. Satisfactory Outcomes He repeatedly advised that the Employment Rights Tribunals should be structured to function Beyond its contribution to broad social stability like the current Severance Payments Tribunals. He there have been several satisfactory outcomes cautioned that what should be the most important for the Labour Movement under his watch. A piece of labour legislation could founder upon its few examples suffice the holding down of rents very application and enforcement, if its operation in government housing, bus fares and the price became the province solely of those certified in of liquid petroleum gas in the mid 1990s; the law, without due regard for those with the territorial development of the Prices and Incomes Policy experience in understanding the vagaries and to Social Partnership protocols; amendment to causes of labour management aberrations. It is legislation to prevent a repetition of salary cuts in not without cause that he has left the warning the public service; the defeat of the attempt by the signs on the beach. Informatics Employers’ Association, representing Offshore Keyboarding, to return industrial Public Support relations practice to the status quo pre 1930; the statement of 4th February, 1998 from the Social The Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union has Partners unanimously reaffirming the commitment had the benefit of Comrade Trotman’s advice and to the principles of voluntarism and its attendant intervention, particularly in B.W.U.’s public support industrial relations conventions and practices; in the Alexandra School dispute. It is unfortunate meetings with the IMF as a matter of course; defeat that senior officials in the Ministry of Education of the attempt at “core employees” in the hotel promptly frittered away the opportunity provided sector; additional protective labour legislation; the when he readily stepped aside from his mediation closure of the Louis Lynch School given the health efforts. More regrettable is their ignoring of the concerns; the May Day Declaration in 2004, and

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Errors Of Judgment Comrade Trotman would admit he was not immune from making errors of judgment, even if they sometimes came from his generosity of an expectation of the reciprocity of understanding. It is thus not without some irony that the B.W.U.’s 10,000 declared members for C.T.U.S.A.B. in 1995, should in 2013 find itself being quoted by the Government as part of its justification to the ILO Credentials Committee for its determining that C.T.U.S.A.B., and not the B.W.U., was the most representative organisation under the I.L.O. Constitution, and thus deserving of such invitation to attend the International Labour Conference.

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and carry expectations beyond the collective agreement. He has had at one end of the spectrum to articulate the academic and intellectual; at the other he has had to contend with the gamut of unsavoury human behaviour. There may be a certain relish in successfully again and again unmasking primitive greed masquerading as no more than itself, but that cannot lessen the intrinsic unpleasantness of an inescapable aspect of his job. Memories

There are memories, too, of a varied sense of humour, a capacity to laugh at self, to indulge in repartee, and to balance the seriousness of subject matter at meetings with a lighter perspective. In addition, there was his enjoyment in word play, and his attempts to create from a known word a derivative that sounded like something which should exist. Perhaps a future edition of the The number selected in 1995 was consciously Oxford English Dictionary will credit him with chosen so that the B.W.U.’s weighted ballot could being the first to use “eroders”- a derogatory term not swamp the fledgling C.T.U.S.A.B.. It was a figure for persons who termite-like gnaw away at workers’ below the B.W.U.’s then declared membership for rights. affiliation to its international trade union body, and is below the current actual membership by For those who could read between the lines and subscription. hear among the words, there was revealed above all else a quintessential Bathsheba man in the Shifting External Influences sometimes wistfully expressed longing for the simple and uncomplicated, the unhurried and It has been Comrade Trotman’s lot in office to serve unsullied. But time for family and those desired in a changing domestic employment environment, Bathsheba things became a sacrifice once duty one subject more and more to an ownership with summoned, and that call was no less incessant loyalty first, if not exclusively, to profit and not than the very waves he sought. the welfare of Barbados; an ownership, unlike the past, becoming increasingly non-Barbadian and So Brother LT, grand old Duke of York, Tweedledum so physically removed from the consequences of or Tweededee as you choose, let me join the its decisions; an environment subject to shifting chorus in recording our gratitude. Thank you, Sir external influences, including those that attend Roy. the reduced power of trade unions in metropolitan countries. He has had to adapt to circumstances Thank you. where both workers and management, having had more formal education, are increasingly critical

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the advent of the National Initiative for Service Excellence (N.I.S.E.) and the Week of Excellence.

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B.S.T.U. Bids Farewell to a Colossus ..and a Friend

by Mary Redman President, Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union

olossus and friend .... this might seem an oxymoron to those who do not truly know or appreciate the multi-faceted character of the diamond that is Sir Roy Trotman. To those with a true understanding of the sacrifices, professional and personal in nature, that Trade Unionism demands, Sir Roy has performed his duties as Trade Union leader par excellence with the greatest of commitment, expertise, generosity, empathy, professionalism, tenacity and consistency. In this business, by the very nature of what we do and the indomitable forces that we fight, we cannot all win and, even in so-called loss, he has led, by example, and has shown us how to protect those over whom we have charge.

anyone else. He knows they are, in fact, very often defended by no-one else in the wider society and too often he has had to place himself out on the proverbial limb in defence of his principles and in the understanding of his role and placement in this society. The B.S.T.U. has benefited immensely from this and we are eternally and profoundly grateful to who and what he has been to us.

We in the B.S.T.U. owe Sir Roy the profoundest of gratitude in his constant counsel given to us as a tiny sister Union. His advice, help and support given so freely, so generously and for so long have seen us through many a difficulty. In fact, when no other Union had the temerity to do so and we were in the dark days of our Alexandra School strike action, the open “full support” of the B.W.U. that he publicly declared for us, we are convinced, No Compromising Of Principles helped to turn the tide and hasten that situation to its temporary “resoIution”. We thank him for Trade Union leaders in Barbados, if they wish to his consistent counsel, empathy and expertise in be true to themselves and for posterity to look those days when he took the time off to come and kindly upon them, have to remain loyal and faithful speak with and pass time with us at The Patrick to the fundamental principles and commitment Frost centre. It meant the world to us in a way which they have undertaken on behalf of their that he will never understand. He understood membership, and even further, in the wider society what familial solidarity in struggle is all about and in pursuit of the goal of true social justice. There can what fraternal support demanded and it is to their be no compromising of principles or no apology eternal credit that the B.W.U. was the only Union for actions taken in honouring those binding to demonstrate that understanding. obligations to values, to standards, to established best practices. Sir Roy has fully represented the Sir Roy is a man of vision that sees Trade Unionism standard in this regard ...going where and fighting in its ultimate sense as impacting and building the when proverbial “angels feared to tread.” He has wider society; nowhere has this been more evident; a clear recognition of the fact that if these tenets than in his role in the creation of the Coalition of are not guarded zealously by labour leaders there Trade Unions; later to become the Congress of is no guarantee that they will be defended by Trade Unions and Staff Associations; and in the

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As we move forward in this society and face the stark realities of what lies ahead, of equal importance will be the manner in which this â&#x20AC;&#x153;realityâ&#x20AC;? is faced. Sir Roy has taught us that there can be neither room nor place for error of judgement nor a resiling from responsibilities.

We unreservedly commend Sir Roy for his perseverance (at the expense of his health) and his enduring dignity in the face of a whole range of adversity from downright hostility, to misrepresentation, to misunderstanding, to unreasonable expectations, to petty jealousy all suffered in the cause of service to the workers of Barbados and the wider Barbadian Society and often suffered at the hands of those who should have known better. We salute you Colossus and friend and wish you a long, happy, healthy and fulfilling retirement. Long Live Sir Roy .... Long Live his beloved B.W.U.

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associated Social Partnership that simultaneously evolved. His stalwart contribution, both at regional and international levels, most especially at the I.L.O., underscores his commitment in this regard. In the same vein, he has always led by precept and example, being especially concerned about succession planning and safeguarding the sustainability of the Trade Union movement in this tiny island, threatened by much powerful and potentially destructive international influence. As President of C.T.U.S.A.B. he opened those executive meetings to all and sundry in the movement so that young and/or inexperienced interested unionists could attend meetings, observe and learn; that was an invaluable experience for me as l know it has been for so many others. A return to that philosophy and practice has to occur so as to ensure a confident, trained, skilled cadre of future union leaders to replace us.

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Sir Roy Trotman â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A National Icon

by Christopher DeCaires, former Chairman, Barbados Private Sector Association

knew of Sir Roy for many years from a distance before having the opportunity to work with him personally. I have always regarded him as a national icon. The image which cements this in my mind is when he led the national march in the early 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to protest against the Government. Many years later I walked with him on several May Day parades and I would witness the respect that he received from the public lined along the way.

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He is perhaps very representative of a by-gone era where individuals had greater character and less compressed into the sanitised leadership that we see a little too much of these days. That means he maintained strong views and had the fortitude to share these openly in the public arena. I have no doubt that representing the working class, especially those at lower economic levels, must be one of the most demanding jobs. The responsibility to represent the livelihood of individuals and their families while, balancing

individual level most employees now have a much greater say in their own personal development and in how their organisations are run. Sir Roy was among a number of great leaders who helped sow the seeds, through his work locally and at the international level, to help create the foundation for this development. Hopefully we will continue We first worked together in 2004 when I represented this effort towards creating an environment the Barbados Private Sector Association at the where each individual is properly recognised and Social Partnership. Sir Roy together with Sir rewarded for the role they play in our society. John Stanley Goddard, had been at the forefront of creating this partnership to enable national I would like to wish Sir Roy the very best for an dialogue on important issues. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t difficult enjoyable retirement. I hope, though, that he to recognise the strength of his leadership at the will still remain available to offer counsel to the Social Partnership meetings and his ability to younger generation to provide guidance from his command the attention of the various interests many years of experience. I also hope he will have represented at the meetings. time to enjoy some social time with his old and not so old friends. N.I.S.E. In contrast to the hard public image I found Sir Roy to be very concerned over a number of issues which were affecting Barbados at that time. In my mind he displayed a strong belief in and love for his country. In wider discussions it became clear that there were far more similarities than differences between the Private Sector and the Barbados Workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union. The issue of our national service quality was one matter that demonstrated this consensus and saw the creation of the National Initiative for Service Excellence (N.I.S.E.). Sir Roy was at the heart of making this a reality and I had the pleasant opportunity of working alongside him as we developed this initiative. Our meetings always started at seven oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the morning and this was a great example of productivity at work. While there is still work to be done in recognising the value of our human capital in Barbados, Sir Roy should feel very proud that he has made a significant contribution to improvements over the fifty years of his career. During this time he will have assisted in moving Barbados from a limited agrarian economy to one that provides a wide range of international services. At the

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the impact it may have on the national economy, requires skill and toughness. Sir Roy had both of these qualities and was regarded as a very formidable opponent in the industrial relations arena. I am happy to say that I never had to face that trauma!

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A Personal Message from Guy Ryder, Director-General I.L.O., Geneva

s Sir Roy Trotman steps down from his responsibilities as General Secretary of the Barbados Workers Union (B.W.U), the International Labour Organisation and the international trade union movement have the opportunity to pay tribute to a leader who served them both with greatest distinction for many years. My good fortune was to have been able to work closely with Sir Roy in both arena. He was President of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (I.C.F.T.U.) from 1992 to 2000 during which time I was on the staff of the Confederation. Later, after I had become I.C.F.T.U. General Secretary, I worked with him closely to bring about the unification of the world democratic trade union movement in the International Trade Union Confederation (I.T.U.C).

Sir Roy Trotman, in his role as Chairman, Workers' Group, ILO Governing Body in discussion with Guy Ryder, Director General, ILO, at the ILO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland.

Sir Roy leads a discussion with (l-r) Guy Ryder, His Excellency, Juan Somavia, the then Director General, ILO, and Ana Biondi, of the ILO Staff.

from these years is Sir Roy’s firmness in pursuit of the goals he set; a combination of openness to dialogue and of intransigence in defence of principle. If he disagreed with something, or saw in it a betrayal of such principles, he would say so and did not mind if it made him unpopular in But it was in the I.L.O. that I knew Sir Roy best and some quarters. where, I believe, his international leadership will leave its most enduring mark. The Workers’ group At the same time, there were many moments of elected him as their Chair in 2002 and he held that companionship and good humour – a reminder post until 2011. His election, and re-election on that, in the end, the work that trade unionists do two occasions, by trade unionists of all 185 I.L.O is about human beings and the warmth of human member States is perhaps the most compelling relationships. testimony to Sir Roy’s capacities of leadership and to the confidence that he inspired in Worker For all these reasons, Sir Roy stands as a worthy successor to the late Sir Frank Walcott as a leader representatives from all continents. in Barbados, the Caribbean, and the world level. When you work with somebody for a quarter of There can be few higher tributes than that. a century or more, you get to know them pretty well, not least when you share in high pressure My personal gratitude and good wishes follow him situations, victories and defeats. What I retain into a long and happy retirement. Indeed, it was Sir Roy who presided over the opening session of the I.T.U.C. founding Congress in Vienna in 2006, bringing down the gavel to usher in a new era of global trade union unity.

The Unionist

by Tony Walcott Executive Director

Tribute to Sir Roy Trotman from The Barbados Employers’ Confederation

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he Barbados Employers’ Confederation Many have raised the question to Sir Roy about (B.E.C.) welcomes this opportunity to offer a "retirement" after serving the B.W.U. for over 40 tribute to Sir Roy Trotman. years and the I.L.O. Governing Body for 20 years. It is our humble opinion that that word represents The B.E.C., established in 1956 to promote the a state of mind and for Sir Roy, he will always interests of employers in industrial relations be actively involved in the work of the labour matters, has had a long and mutually beneficial movement, either directly or indirectly, to improve relationship with the Barbados Workers' Union, the well-being of the working class. and in particular the last twenty years with Sir Roy Trotman after he assumed the mantle of The Barbados Employers' Confederation takes leadership as General Secretary. this opportunity to wish Sir Roy, good health in the future, and success at whatever tasks he Sir Roy has had an illustrious career as a worker undertakes on behalf of Barbados and the wider representative and having been first elected to the Caribbean region. Governing Body of the I.L.O. in 1991, he served in that august chamber until June 2011 when he demitted office as the Chairperson of the Workers' Group, a position he held from June 2002 until June 2011. Through his good offices, Sir Roy was able to articulate the perspectives and concerns of workers worldwide, while highlighting the particular situations of those in developing countries, like Barbados and the other Caribbean countries. While Sir Roy’s labours in the vineyards of the I.L.O. were outstanding by any measure, we consider one of his most outstanding labours of nationalism can be found in his efforts in the early 1990s to champion the cause of Social Dialogue in Barbados. These efforts at a time of significant national economic challenges, led to the establishment of the Tripartite Protocols which set the framework for the conduct of industrial relations in a structured and orderly manner here in Barbados. This model is now a generally accepted best practice model amongst the I.L.O. family. The Unionist

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valuable lessons on meekness and humility; on being merciful and peaceful; even on how to let go and to forgive when persecuted: Matt: 5:10-12 by Roslyn Carrington Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ his topic, though being an interesting one, sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, presented me with a minor challenge as when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall there are many things I want still to achieve say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. in life. With this dilemma before me I have chosen Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward to write about my spiritual aspirations. in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. I was orphaned at a very early age and my seven siblings and I were separated for many years. After I have learned that obeying my Father’s that, life, it seemed, became more and more of commandments is not always easy but that doing a struggle; a struggle to survive despite the odds so sets an example that causes others to glorify and the expectations of others and to live a my Father: Matt 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, prosperous and meaningful life. that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father

Life’s Aspirations

I remember sensing the presence of my Heavenly Father even before I really knew or understood who He was. His Holy Spirit has guided me since and has been my constant Companion throughout my life. I have not always listened nor obeyed as I should have. In fact, I have sometimes been downright obstinate in my ignorance of the ultimate reward (eternal Life). Seeking for myself, worldly treasures instead of eternal treasures (Matthew 6:19 – 21) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. As I have grown in my spiritual walk, my outlook on life has changed. My aspirations are now more focused on what I need to do to achieve my ultimate goal of eternal life with my Heavenly Father. Having made the initial steps of repenting and being baptised by immersion in water, I now had the hard tasks of obeying and enduring. To help me with the task at hand, I sought my Father’s word for guidance and in doing so became intimately familiar with Matthew 5. In this scripture I learned

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which is in heaven. The most valuable, and yet the most difficult lesson I learned has forever changed who I am; the lesson of unconditional love. Mat 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; though I have not quite mastered this lesson as yet (it is a work in progress) I do try to live it. Not an easy task by any means as persecution comes each day in all forms. I have learned, though, to simply hold my tongue, (the old adage “silence is golden comes to mind) to pause in prayer (others count to 10) and smile. Joining the staff at the Barbados Workers' Union has played a great role in my spiritual growth as much of my journey has occurred while here at the Union. The camaraderie and support network is remarkable. I am motivated each day to remember my Saviour’s words, to seek his guidance and continue in faith. Do I have other life aspirations? Certainly! But first….Matthew 6:33 seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 

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Sir Roy's Tribute Highlights

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Rise Sir Roy - Knight of St. Andrew.

Sir Roy Trotman, the Workers’ Spokesperson, Governing Body, I.L.O., is pictured with the former I.L.O. Director General, His Excellency Juan Somavia (centre) and Employers’ Spokesperson, B. Botha, at the I.LO. Headquarters, Geneva.

Senator, Sir Roy, President of the I.C.F.T.U., addresses a conference on Globalisation and Convergence, in Canada in August 1997.

Senator Sir Roy Trotman (centre) in discussion with the other leaders of the Barbados Social Partnership Sir Allan Fields (Private Sector) and Prime Minister Owen Arthur (Government), at a function at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.

Senator Sir Roy Trotman, Chairman of the Barbados Chapter of the Canadian-Caribbean Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue, chats with the with Prime Minister Freundel Stuart at the launch of the Barbados Chapter at the Hilton Hotel in September 2010. Senator John Williams (head of the table) chairs a planning meeting of the National Initiative for Service Excellence (N.I.S.E.) at which Sir Keith Hunte, (on Senator Williams’ right) was introduced as Chairman of N.I.S.E. Sir Roy, a founding father of NISE, is on Sir Keith’s right. Others in picture (from l-r) are Kim Tudor, CEO, N.I.S.E., Senator Darcy Boyce, Chris DeCaires, Chairman, Barbados Private Sector Association, John Pilgrim, Executive Director, Productivity Council, Mark Thompson, President, Chamber of Commerce and Orlando Scott, B.W.U.

Senator Sir Roy Trotman in conversation with the President of the Senate, Her Honour, Kerry Ann Ifill at a Week of Excellence activity.

Senator Sir Roy Trotman is pictured at “Solidarity House” with B.W.U. President General Linda Brooks, Minister of Labour Dr. Esther ByerSuckoo and Sir David Simmons.

The then LeRoy Trotman, as Deputy General Secretary, Barbados Workers’ Union, addressing workers during the Barbados Telephone Company strike in January, 1981. On his right is the then B.W.U. General Secretary, Frank Walcott (now Rt. Excellent Sir Frank).

10. A much younger LeRoy Trotman leads the singing at a meeting in the hall of “Unity House”, Roebuck Street, (circa 1975). His office colleagues (from l-r) – Comrades Levere Richards, Frank Walcott, and Evelyn Greaves harmonise, while Laurence Nurse seems to say “that sounds fine to me”. 11. Governor-General Her Excellency Dame Nita Barrow and Sir Roy Trotman leaves the Sir Hugh Springer Auditorium, “Solidarity House, at the end of a May Day service of Thanksgiving. 12. Sir Roy Trotman (seated at the right of Frank Walcott, BWU General Secretary) at a luncheon in honour of Sir Frank after he was knighted. 13. Governor General, His Excellency Sir Clifford Husbands (4th from right) is pictured at a May Day thanksgiving service with B.W.U. officials (l-r) Linda Brooks, Robert Morris, Deputy General Secretary, President General Hugh Arthur, Sir Roy Trotman, General Secretary, Senator John Williams and Brother Hartley Reid, President, Police Association.

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B.W.U.’S 73rd Annual Delegates’ Conference

he Barbados Workers’ Union convenes its 73rd Annual Delegates’ Conference at “Solidarity House” on Saturday, August 30 and Saturday, September 6.

of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados, which he co-founded, Sir Roy has also been President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, President of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (I.C.F.T.U.), Senator the Honourable Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo, as well as Chairman of the Workers’ Group in Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human the Governing Body of the International Labour Resource Development, will declare the conference Organisation. And at the local level, he was also open. The Conference which will stand out as one of the architects of the Barbados Social it will be the last one at which Senator Sir Roy Partnership. Trotman will preside as General Secretary. He will be demitting office after serving forty-three years Solid Foundation on the staff, twenty-two of which were spent as general secretary Sir Roy was able to build on the solid foundation, laid at the local, regional and international levels Third General Secretary by his predecessors. Sir Grantley Adams, the first president of the B.W.U., was part of the British Sir Roy is only the third general secretary whom delegation to the I.L.O., and Sir Frank Walcott, the B.W.U. has had in its 73-year history. National B.W.U. General Secretary from 1948 to 1991, who Hero, Rt. Excellent Sir Hugh Springer was 28 years served on the Governing Body of the I.L.O., was old when he started the Secretariat in October, a Vice President of the I.C.F.T.U. Sir Frank, one of 1941. Having laid the groundwork for the B.W.U., the builders of the Caribbean Congress of Labour Sir Hugh was appointed as the first Registrar of (C.C.L.), and who made a solid contribution to the the University College of the West Indies in 1948; regional and international trade union movement, and, at a mere thirty-two years, Comrade Frank also served for a number of terms as president Walcott, later Rt. Excellent Sir Frank Walcott, of the C.C.L. Thus, Barbados’ contribution to started a service period of more than 40 years as unionism at the regional and international levels general secretary. has been more than outstanding. The B.W.U.’s Executive Council is anticipating tributes from friends of the B.W.U., at home, as well as from across the globe in honour of Sir Roy’s outstanding contribution to the trade union movement. Apart from his tenure as general secretary of the B.W.U. and President

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The theme of the conference is most appropriately: “Together Towards Tomorrow”. With the departure of Sir Roy, the coming into office of a new Executive Council, together with the B.W.U. celebrating its 75th anniversary in two years’ time, the theme Resolution seeks to appeal to the Barbadian workforce, and, in particular, the members of the B.W.U., “to work together towards the future”.

The Executive Council has reported that it “is very conscious of the less than certain economic The Resolution, Together Towards Tomorrow, outlook and labour markets situation, and has resolves the 73rd Annual Delegates’ Conference had to expend tremendous effort calling for to publicly recommit the B.W.U. to the unchanged greater adherence to consultation and process values which have guided its efforts at all levels; in addressing issues of significant import”. The and further calls on the B.W.U. to reaffirm its pledge report, adds, however, at the same time that the on the principles of its builders and leaders and to B.W.U. has been emphasising the irrefutable need march boldly forward, together towards tomorrow. for the Social Partners to commit to inclusionary The other resolutions carry the following themes: forms of decision-making at each level, it is rather unfortunate that there appears to be a concurrent • Amending the Employment Rights Act; agenda by Government and the Private Sector to • Social Dialogue; resort to the primacy of arms-length adversarial • Uniting to Overcome; and address of matters which have tremendous • Strengthening HIV/AIDS Education In The implications for workers generally. Workplace The Report adds that, unfortunately, too, the The Executive Council’s Report, which will be foregoing reality was the basis of a number of laid before the Conference, deals with the myriad disputes and industrial relations matters which issues which occupied the B.W.U. over the period, threatened industrial harmony and the social September 2013 to the present. Some of the acceptance of what we have labelled our model of major concerns revolved around Government’s Social Partnership. Perhaps paradoxical, according retrenchment policy and, more particularly, the to the report, is the negative impact that the approach by a number of unionised statutory Employment Rights Act, 2012, has had on parties’ corporations and private sector companies which abilities to reach consensus on issues of principle. laid-off their workers, without consultation with the Union. Changing Guard The public is clearly aware of the major struggle which the B.W.U. had with the Barbados Agricultural Management Company, against which it took industrial action, as well as the National Housing Corporation, the National Conservation Commission and the Transport Board.

The Report stresses that it therefore means that going forward, the changing guard, meaning the new administration of the B.W.U., will need to focus attention on lessons previously taught, and those seemingly forgotten; there will be the need to revisit first principles.

New Approach

Dealing directly with the Public Sector, the Executive Council states that, based on the The impasse with those statutory corporations experience of its officials, who have been serving has forced the Executive Council to report to in organisations internationally, the B.W.U. was the Conference that during the period under able to take a leading position in demanding that review, the B.W.U. had been challenged more than higher levels of governance be exercised nationally ever by what appears to be a new approach to and at the corporate level. industrial relations which threatens to undermine established practices, protocols and agreements The Report added that trade unions the world over, in labour management. not least those in Barbados, have been insisting

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that the social dimensions of globalisation should not be trampled and forgotten. The B.W.U. insist that every effort has therefore been made to ensure that institutions are persuaded to parallel social development with the economic progress which everyone is naturally pursuing.

“Both political administrations have both to be censured for exercising poor governance in this matter. The current administration must be taken to task for the manner of their handling of the decision to effect significant staff reductions in 2014. There was no transparency and the limited discussions that were held served to confuse and mislead workers and their unions”.

According to the report, r e g r e t t a b l y, there is pronounced deficit The report concluded that in the approach which the while the Executive Council Government has brought to its handing of labour in the of the B.W.U. compliments the total effort to save Public Sector. It states: “The reality is that Barbados has a jobs, the Union is fully satisfied that, “if greater public sector workforce which were exercised, starting in it is unable to sustain on the economic for t hr ig htness model which the country has been using, and 2013, there could have been a much saner, less neither of the two major political administrations miserable manner of handling the reductions”. should be pilloried for seeking to employ workers.

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Twenty-Five Collective Agreements Finalised

n the period between September, 2013, and the present time, the Barbados Workers’ Union (B.W.U.) was able to settle twenty-five collective agreements, while negotiations have been ongoing with fifty-nine companies. Describing the 2013 to 2014 settlements as “modest”, the Report to the B.W.U.’s 73rd Annual Delegates’ Conference, which will be held at “Solidarity House” on Saturday, August 30 and Saturday, September 6, highlighted some of the better settlements for members, among which was the Bayview Hospital agreement which allows for a 4% pay increase in year one and 2% in year two. Among the other settlements, that ranged above 2 % in the first year, were:

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2.5% in year one, 1.5% in year two, 1.75 % in year three and 2.5 % in year four. All increases are to be compounded. It was also agreed that the Company would distribute $680 000.00 among the 114 employees whose conditions of employment would be affected when flexible working hours were introduced. Among the companies with which the B.W.U. is having on-going discussions to revise their agreements, are: • Barbados Port Inc – June 1, 2008 • Capita Financial – September 1, 2010;

• The Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative • Rotherley Construction Inc – August 15, Credit Union - 3.5 % in the first year and an 2010 additional 3.5% in the following year. • The Arawak Cement Company Limited. The • Berger Paints at 3% in year one, 2% in year two effective date for the weekly employees of that and 2% in year three, company is July 1, 2011 and the effective date for the Exempt Group is May 1, 2011 • Northern Lumber Company, 3% in the first year, 3% in the second year and 2.5 % in the • Bess Mining – formerly Black Bess Quarry third year, – August 1, 2011 • Caribbean Label Craft with 3% in the first year • G4S Securicor – weekly and monthly – and 2% in the second year; and January 1, 2011 • TT Electronics 3% in year one.

• G4S BSS – January 1, 2011

Among the other collective agreements which • G.C.S. – Ganzee Limited July 1, 2011 the Report to the Conference has highlighted is the Barbados Light and Power Company Limited, • Platinum Systems Inc - , January 1, 2011 effective January 1, 2012 to December 21, 2015 in which that company’s employees will receive a • Sugar Industries – January 1, 2011

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BL&P Negotiations reached after Forty-Five Meetings

he four-year Barbados Light and Power • A 10% Rota Premium to be paid on any day Company Limited collective agreement, an employee is required to work for an 8-hour effective January 1, 2012 to December 31, period beginning before 7:30 a.m. or finishing 2015, was reached after forty-five meetings with after 4:30 p.m. when overtime is not being paid the Barbados Workers’ Union. Nineteen of them for the period. were held at domestic level and twenty-six under the chairmanship of the Chief Labour Officer. • Implementation of shifts operating with two persons instead of three. The agreement has been reached on wages and most of the other areas in the negotiations The following items are still outstanding: between the B.W.U. and the Company to revise the two collective agreements on behalf of workers in • a review of the conditions relating to meter the Operations Division and in the Administrative readers; and and Support Group. • Occupational safety and health and operational Among the major areas of agreement are: issues associated with the implementation of shifts manned by two operators instead of • Increased wages and salaries of 2.25% in the three. first year of the agreement; 1.5% in the second year; 1.75% in the third year; and 2.5% in the Challenges fourth year. Noting that the negotiations presented challenges • Implementation of flexible working hours for the Union, the Report to the B.W.U.’s 73rd Annual in some work areas when the company is Delegates’ Conference highlights the fact that “The undertaking major projects, overhauling negotiations took place in an environment where equipment and for emergency work; the company, now majority owned by Emera, a Canadian company, is endeavouring to reduce its • Changed hours of work during flexible working costs and improve its efficiencies in an effort to time to 40 hours a week, any five days in stem a decrease in the sale of electricity, which it six Monday to Saturday, eight hours a day experienced for the first time in its history”. between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Normal hours of work of 40 hours a week, eight Given the current economic climate and the hours a day, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to public’s outcry at the soaring cost of electricity in Friday will remain for day workers outside of he Barbados, the Report stated that Union thought flexible arrangement. that “it was a good opportunity for the workers to

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contribute and assist the country by working with transparency and the limited discussions that the Company on this issue”. were held served to confuse and mislead workers and their unions”. So states the B.W.U.’s Executive The approach was to work with the company to Council’s Report to the 73rd Annual Delegates’ introduce a flexible working arrangement that Conference which takes place at “Solidarity would reduce the high level of overtime currently House” on Saturday, August 30 and Saturday, worked in some areas of the company, which September 6. increased the company’s expenses and ultimately affected the cost of electricity to the consumer. The B.W.U.’s view is that, based on the experience of In exchange, the Union asked that the company its officials who have been serving in organisations maintain its current employment level. At the internationally, the Executive Council was able to same time, by its action, the Union was making take a leading position in demanding that higher a public commitment to assist the company in levels of governance be exercised nationally and at offering cheaper products to the consumer. the corporate level. The challenge to this approach, according to the Report, came in getting the workers to work with the Union at a level that made the exercise viable for both parties. The compensation, sought by some segments of the workforce for changes in working hours and the reduction in the level of overtime that were accustomed to, was not at a level that the Company was willing to undertake or that the Union could support

According to the Report, trade unions the world over, not least in Barbados, have been insisting that the social dimensions of globalisation should not be trampled and forgotten, and that every effort has, therefore, been made to ensure that institutions are persuaded to parallel social development with the economic progress which everyone is naturally pursuing.

The Report stated that, regrettably, there is a The Report notes that the Union spent a pronounced deficit in the approach which the considerable amount of time during the course of Government has brought to its handling of labour the negotiations meeting with the workers, hearing in the Public Sector. The reality is that Barbados and understanding their concerns, and advising has a public sector workforce which is unable to them of their rights and responsibilities and the sustain on the economic model which the country implications of the various options that were open has been using, and neither of the two major to them. political administrations should be pilloried for seeking to employ workers.

Public Sector Negotiations

The Report stressed, however, that both to must be censured for exercising poor governance in this matter, and that the current administration must he Barbados Workers’ Union believes that be taken to task for the manner of their handling the present political administration must be of the decision to affect significant staff reductions taken to task for the manner of its handling in 2014. of the decision to effect significant staff reductions in 2014.

“There was no clear plan regarding how or where the cuts would be efficiently made; there was no

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The B.W.U. Welcomes Air Traffic Control Services

he Executive Council of the Barbados Workers’ Union welcomes the staff of the Barbados Air Traffic Control Services into the family of the Union. The Division, which is headed by Comrade Kapil Adams, comprises mainly members of the Barbados Air Traffic Control Association. The team has been working assiduously to ensure that the plight of Air Traffic Controllers is brought to the attention of management and the parent Ministry.

Lay-offs – Major Concern For B.W.U.

he spate of lay-offs in the Public and Private sectors has been a major concern for the Executive Council of the Barbados Workers’ Union.

And the Executive Council’s Report to the 73rd Annual Delegates’ Conference expresses the Barbados Workers’ Union’s concern over the retrenchment of large numbers of workers in the Public Sector without the provision being made In this new partnership, there has been for them to be transferred to the Private Sector. identification of a number of critical issues that the Executive Council will be seeking to have “A recipe for chaos” is the way that the Report addressed in the shortest possible time frame, described this action by the Government.. chief among which is the shortage of staff resulting According to the Report, Government’s view was from attrition. that the lay-offs were unavoidable, and a reduction in expenditure was necessary to reduce the high deficit as well as to secure the exchange rate peg, while the employers in the Private Sector claimed that their trading circumstances had declined rather than improved, hence they had to take corrective action.

The Barbados Co-operative & Credit Union League Limited takes this opportunity to congratulate Sir Roy, on his retirement. The end of an era but the start of a whole new chapter. 1st Floor, Co-operators General Insurance Co. Ltd. Building Upper Collymore Rock, Wildey St. Michael Tel: (246) 429-7075 Fax: (246) 436-5848 Email: bccull@barbadoscoopleague.org Website: www.barbadoscoopleague.org

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Among the companies in the Private Sector where there were lay-offs or redundancies were – T.G.I. Fridays, West Indies Rum Distillery, Rayside Construction Limited, Williams Industries Inc., Carib Beach Bar, McEnearney Quality Inc., Trimart Supermarkets and JADA, Amaryllis Beach resort, R.B.C. Royal Bank of Canada.. The lay-offs and/or redundancies in the Public Sector came largely from agencies and projects such as the National Environmental Enhancement Programme (M.T.W. Drainage Division), B.A.M.C. Company Limited, National Housing Corporation, National Conservation Commission, Transport Board, Beautify Barbados. n

REVISIT PROTOCOL V1

rotocol V1 will need to be revisited to allow for the recall of some of the drivers/ operators at the Transport Board, asserts the Report of the Executive Council to the 73rd Annual Delegates’ Conference.

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January 31, 2014, it became clear that the management was not seeking to be obnoxious.

It added that the Board indicated a willingness to treat, in good faith; but as the correspondence it shared with the Union, for example, on February The Report has stated that while it is true that the 12, 2014, indicated, it was forced to await directions Transport Board failed to follow proper process from a senior level. in the face of its lay-off plans, it must be said that the overarching adverse effects of national While the Report admits that the B.W.U. and the governance were, and are, responsible for the National Conservation Commission (N.C.C) have, absence of purposeful dialogue. historically, enjoyed a satisfactory level of labourmanagement relationship, in this year under Dealing with the spate of lay-offs in the Public review, it became clear, from the outset, that Sector, which took place earlier in the year, the management was not being allowed to meet and Report stated that for the continued historical treat in good faith. The Report stated that the integrity of the Reports, the Executive Council management declined to respond to requests wished to record that “the Transport Board tried made by the B.W.U. to meet to discuss the staff and failed; but it was the only Government agency challenges, indicating that the N.C.C. was not which made a meaningful effort to follow industrial ready and would advise in good time. relations practice, the Social Partnership Protocol or the Employment Rights Act”. When after several efforts, the Union managed to get the N.C.C, including Board members, to meet The Report indicated that, before laying off a on March 3, 2014, it put forward ideas to reduce single person the management of the Transport the level of setbacks, and showed how there could Board sought to understand and to pursue what be amelioration. It should be pointed out that the had, by the end of January, 2014, emerged as N.C.C. agreed to meaningful efforts to reduce the an approach for handling the lay-offs arrived at adversity which was facing the workforce. during discussions with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance with the two major unions The Report stressed that further efforts to arrive at of Barbados, the Barbados Workers’ Union and painful but clear and transparent conclusions were the National Union of Public Workers. denied as the N.C.C.’s management demonstrated an inability to follow Protocol V1, the Employment According to the Report, those two senior Cabinet Rights Act, the January meetings with the Prime members agreed to find ways to facilitate voluntary Minister or even accepted practice. separation, to arrange for early retirement including for those employees no longer able to Efforts to get meaningful discussions regarding do productive work, and, generally, to apply the how the N.C.C. would arrive at its revised layamelioration facilities provided for by Protocol V1. off target of 200 were frustrated; the NCC would only go as far as undertaking to study the Union The Report stated that when the Transport demand for dialogue and to resond. Instead Board sat down to hold discussions on of meeting, however, the N.C.C. proceeded to

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send off its unilaterally determined group of 200 workers, thereby creating much anger among the entire body of N.C. workers. The Report stated that the Union had earlier warned workers and had indicated to the N.C.C. that it would refer the issue of the processing of the lay-offs to the Employment Rights Tribunal. The formal trigger was pulled on May 2 following the N.C.C.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s failure to meet in late April 2014 and its letters of termination to some 200 workers at the end of that month. The Report indicated that there were some calls for strike action, particularly driven by political interest, but the Executive Council considered that such an approach would be divisive and it stuck with its position of reference to the Tribunal. ď Ž

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Ready the Youth to Seize the Business Challenge

“Investment in young people is an investment in society”, says the B.W.U. “

75%

micro

50%

medium -sized

small

icro, small and medium-sized business will be the drivers of new jobs in the current environment and the youth should be readied and equipped to take in this challenge, states the Executive Council’s Report to the 73rd Annual Delegates’ Conference of the Barbados Workers’ Union (B.W.U). “Investment in young people is an investment in society”, says the B.W.U. “and the income they earn can go a long way in boosting consumer demand and adding to tax revenue”. The B.W.U. is calling on the Government to provide training to promote awareness among the youth the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship and self-employment and its role in shaping their future and that of the country’s economic and social development. The B.W.U. suggests that the training should be structured along the lines of the International Labour Organisation’s (I.L.O.) Know About Business Programme (K.A.B.) and should include the basic skills and attributes that are required to be a successful entrepreneur such as confidence, presentation skills, networking, motivation and drive.

Create the Business Space for Laid-Off Workers

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he Barbados Workers’ Union (B.W.U.) wants the government to create an environment conductive to the creation and growth of sustainable small businesses and a means of providing self-employment for the large number of workers who were recently made redundant. The Government should improve the provision or make available affordable finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises and should also assist by subsidising credit, guaranteeing loans and supporting macro credit initiatives. Government should also ensure that where jobs are created there is effective regulation so that these enterprises can provide “decent work” for their employees, as the B.W.U. does not accept that insecure and unsafe employment is an answer to unemployment. Economic Development The B.W.U. is making the point that micro and small businesses play an important role in the economic development of Barbados. These businesses, according to the B.W.U., contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (G.D.P.) and are a source of employment generation, particularly for women and youth. Over the years, according to the B.W.U., the sector has been challenged by several factors including poor management structures and systems; unavailability or high cost of primary raw materials; lack of funding; lack of hands-on technical support; a small and limited domestic market; high financial cost and the diversion of demand to import substitutes. The B.W.U. also observed that during the current economic crisis these challenges have intensified with the rising cost of utilities and the reduced disposable income of consumers. The Unionist

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STOP Denying Domestic Workers Their Rights

ARICOM’s best kept secret is out ! Just like university graduates, doctors, nurses and musicians, Domestic Workers have the right to move freely within CARICOM, to sell their services and to establish businesses. Hooray!!!

This seemed too good to be true. It is true, but what the group learnt that is equally true, was that despite there being an approved regime, domestic workers have not been able to exercise their right to free movement to provide services or the right of establishment to set up their businesses, because of a number of barriers which are in existence in many CARICOM states.

This was one of the powerful revelations which a group of Domestic Workers, past and present, learnt on Saturday 22 March 2014 when they gathered with the assistance of the B.W.U., at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill School of Business, to examine their right to earn a living as CARICOM citizens.

Members of the group were concerned to learn that the decisions of that 2009 Conference are yet to be implemented. They were in disbelief to hear that:

• To date, there still is no Caribbean Vocational Qualification (C.V.Q.) nor C.V.Q. infrastructure in many CARICOM States; • There is still stigma associated with being a Options domestic worker; Through the kind courtesy of the Caribbean • Negative perceptions about domestic workers Policy Development Centre (C.P.D.C.) the group outweigh the positives; heard about their options to offer their services Barriers throughout CARICOM, from several professionals including Shantal Munro-Knight, Executive Coordinator, C.P.D.C., the Convenor, Steven The Unionist is therefore calling on all CARICOM Mac Andrew, Consultant Technical Coordinator Members to move post haste to remove the and Julius Gittens, Consultant Communications barriers which are hindering domestic workers from establishing businesses and finding work. It is Specialist. also calling for the ratification of I.L.O. Convention Domestics were excited to learn that since July 189, Decent Work for Domestic Workers so that 2009 the Conference of Heads of Government they can enjoy just and respectable conditions of decided to extend free movement of skills to work wherever they sojourn in CARICOM. household domestics with the proviso that they Free movement to undertake economic activities should have a C.V.Q. or equivalent qualification. is a Right, not a privilege for the domestic worker; Can you imagine no work permit? No refusal to it is time that all CARICOM states live up to the enter! No unemployment! These were some of obligations under Article 9 of the Revised Treaty the thoughts voiced by the members of the group of Chaguaramas. regarding the benefits of this move by the Heads of Government, and how they could use them to Remove the barriers, respect and empower the improve their lot in this time of a global economic Domestic Worker Now! recession to which there seems no end. 40

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poverty, environment destruction, and social injustice.

• We will work to eliminate discrimination and communication barriers that divide workers; whilst promoting internationalism. • We will stand with all workers in struggle and actively campaign for the protection and advancement of international labour standards and human rights.

Serena Browne is part of something BIG!!

• By signing the declaration, I hereby pledge my solidarity with young people and workers internationally and commit myself to this struggle.

• The hard work and dedication of this group continued through the next couple of years and was rewarded with the endorsement of the Executive Board, the establishment of The alarm represented the voices of the a Steering Committee and the expansion Mongolian Transport, Communications and of youth work throughout all I.T.F. Regions Petroleum Workers’ Union which put forward a worldwide. By the 42nd Congress in Mexico in proposal calling on the International Transport 2010, the I.T.F. Executive had determined that Workers’ Federation (I.T.F.) to organise activities to it would amend the constitution to make the encourage more young people – workers up to the Youth Committee a formal part of its structure. age of 35 – to become involved in the trade union The rest is history. movement. he alarm sounded in Durban, South Africa in 2006 and grew louder with each Congress.

The I.T.F. heard and responded. Now, young Transport Workers are assured that their voices are heard and that the I.T.F. remains relevant for them. The Youth Committee, which was created to ensure that youth are involved in making decisions and developing activities, has grown from strength to strength.

Today, the Caribbean and the B.W.U. in particular, salute Comrade Serena Browne for Being Part of Something Big as she prepares to take on the role of representative for young Caribbean Transport Workers in the I.T.F.

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (I.T.F.) Americas at its Regional Conference held In 2007 the young workers worked assiduously to 4 – 8 November 2013 in Rio Das Ostros, Brazil, develop a programme for young workers resulting nominated Comrade Browne to serve as the in the first Global Youth Conference on 6 & 7 Caribbean’s Representative on the I.T.F. Youth October 2008 in Brussels. There the young workers Committee for the 2014 – 2018 period. This launched the Brussels Declaration, pledging that: nomination is expected to be endorsed at the 43rd Congress to be held in Sofia, Bulgaria in August • We will act in global solidarity to fight for 2014. the eradication of oppression, exploitation,

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Your Health

Barbados Highest Mortality Rate for Prostate Cancer Incidence

international reports and interesting facts it has learned through its research. The Registry states that when the Report is published it would have reached a huge milestone; the ability to provide real, quantifiable data on cancer, and that readers would be able to access specific data on cancer incidence as well as breakdown by age and sex.

he Barbados National Registry for Chronic Non-Communicable Disease, Chronic In the meantime, in honour of fathers, the Registry Disease Research Centre, has issued will focus on its leading cancer: prostate cancer. sobering news which should cause all Barbadians to take greater care of their health. In a statement, published in the month of June, the Registry stated that though second in the world in incidence for 2008, Barbados is estimated to have the highest mortality (death) rate for prostate cancers in the world for 2008. Additionally, WHO/I.A.R.C.’s list of highest mortality rates from prostate cancer for 2008 shows Barbados first, with the nearest being Trinidad and Tobago. The Registry stated that previously all data relating to cancer incidence in Barbados has been based on estimates, but for the first time, it can state the facts. What are the facts? The statement noted that the Registry’s first reportable fact is: the top five of cancers in Barbados for the year 2008 are cancers of the Prostrate followed by the Breast, Colon, cervix and Rectum. The top five cancers for females are: Breast, Colon, Cervix uteri and Rectum, while for men they are – Prostrate, Colon, Trachea, bronchus and lung, Stomach and Rectum. The Registry promises that while the full details of the Barbados Cancer Profile will be published in its first BNR Cancer report at the beginning of the 4th Quarter this year, it will be sharing some of the data with readers through its newsletter as well as discussing how its findings stack up to

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“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” – Douglas Adams –

The Bartel Credit Union Limited takes this privileged opportunity to thank Sir Roy Trotman for his support, cooperation and forbearance, all of which are outstanding virtues for greatness in leadership. We show our utmost respect to his lifelong contribution to the people of Barbados and the wider Caribbean. We at the Credit Union wish you good health and success in all your future undertakings.

“Violet House”, Upper Collymore Rock, St. Michael. Tel (246) 435 2239 | Fax (246) 426 6264

Pay More Attention to Worker Health

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ver the past eight months, the major workers in Barbados. But while we may be unable news reports in the mass to formally link any illnesses media in Barbados have suffered by persons who have been focused on the negotiations been laid off, reports have between the trade unions – the circulated about retrenched Shame Barbados Workers’ Union and the workers who have had to seek n io National Union of Public Workers s s e medical attention. Barbados r Dep Anxiety Ann y A - and the Central Government and therefore would be better the statutory corporations over informed and guided on this the retrenchment of workers. Stresss issue if the relevant institutions Frustrated were to conduct research on The Barbados Workers’ Union, the such important issues. Studies, island’s largest trade union, has conducted in the industrialised also been forced into negotiations world, indicate that stress, other with a number of private sector companies over mental health issues, such as depression, together the latter’s failure to follow process in regard to lay with social problems, have had their effects on the offs at their companies. workforce in some countries, with some workers paying the ultimate price. Consultation The trade unions have been contending, and rightly so, that the negotiations with the statutory corporations and some private sector companies have been soured because of the latter’s decision to lay-off workers without proper consultation, that is, adhering to the Employment Rights Act, Protocol V1 and the collective bargaining process. But what has been sorely missing in the national debate in relation to the retrenchment issue is the “human face”. So, the question that has to be asked is: how has the retrenchment process affected the quality of life and/or the state of the mental health of the workers involved, those workers who have already been laid off, those who are still on the job, and those who are wondering:” Am I next?”

The retrenchment process could be mitigated by taking a number of positions which include (a) the establishment of a proper consultative process between companies and worker representatives, (b) the organising of programmes to include professional counseling services for workers who are to be retrenched as well as for those who are laid off, and (d) the introduction of welfare programmes for the effected workers. Work-Related Stress

A paper on the subject, “European Campaign 201415: Manage Stress for a Healthy Workplace”, by UNITE the Union, establishes that job insecurity, along with poorly managed organisational change and ineffective communication, predispose to The Unionist is not aware of any research which has work-related stress. And stress can be become been conducted in Barbados by any professional burdensome: the total costs of mental health or institution on the mental health or other effects disorders in Europe (both work and non-workof the current recession on the well-being of The Unionist

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related) are estimated to be EUR 240 billion per began to fall again in 2010, they are currently still above corresponding values in 2007”. year. An article, captioned “Austerity Sparks Suicides When Recession Hits: Cutting Research – Bloomberg”, states that In a book released in 2013 by professors David Stuckler and Sanjay Basu, it was revealed that suicide rates in both the U.S. and the U.K. increased after the end of 2007, which marked the beginning of the recession in the U.S.. They calculate there were 4 750 “excess” suicides during the slump in the U.S. compared with average rates before the recession. For the The paper disclosed that few would contest U.K., they estimate a 1 000 suicide rise. that the U.K. government’s austerity policy has increased job losses, and indeed, one of its core They also stated that the use of antidepressant aims has been to achieve large scale reductions medicine rose 22 percent in the UK from 2007 in public sector employment. But what are the to 2009. The number of Spanish patients, with clinical symptoms of minor depression who visited implications for health? doctors, climbed to 48 percent of patients from 29 The introduction to the research stated that the percent between 2006 and 2010. implications for health “are an important question”. HIV Infection A recent report commissioned by the Government called for measures that would make dismissing employees easier than it is now, conceding that The rate of HIV infection rose in crisis stricken ‘some people will be dismissed simply because Greece by more than 200 percent since 2011, their employer doesn’t like them,’ but arguing that driven by increased drug use via injection amid this is a ‘price worth paying’. Although the wording a 50 percent youth unemployment rate and of the report was unusually blunt, it reflected a reductions in HIV prevention budgets, they say in widely held view among many of the government’s “The Body Economic: Why Austerity Kills”. Greece supporters that the answer to the current financial also experienced its first malaria outbreak in problems was to regulate labour markets further, decades following reductions to mosquito-spray with so-called ‘supply-side’ policies that weaken programmes. employment protection and obligations in areas Oxford University’s Stuckler and Basu, an assistant such as health and safety. But if these policies are professor of medicine at Stanford University near to be pursued, what is the price that must be paid Palo Alto, California, argue there could have been by those who will lose their jobs. Such knowledge another approach. During the Great Depression, is essential before deciding whether this price is each $100 of relief spending from the New Deal worth paying”, the Introduction to the research led to fewer deaths and cut suicides, they said. stated. Sweden also suffered an economic crisis in the A research document, entitled “Suicides associated with the 2008-10 economic recession in England: time trend analysis”, published August, 2012, concluded that the study provides evidence linking the recent increase in suicides in England with the financial crisis that began in 2008. English regions with the largest rises in unemployment have had the largest increases in suicides, particularly among men.

It also stated that “a growing number of people may be paying the ultimate price. In 2008, suicides began to rise in England, from a 20 year low increasing by 7% among men and 8% among women from the previous year. Although suicides

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1990s, as did Iceland more recently. Both countries maintained social welfare programmes and saw no spurt in deaths. “What we have learned is that the real danger to public health is not recession per se, but austerity,” the authors said. n

The pilot project is aimed at improved control of hypertensive patients (attending one or more polyclinics) in Barbados applying approaches determined at Global Hypertension Standardised Treatment Workshop, Miami, 2013. The key outcome of this pilot is the development of a arbadian workers who are sustainable model for the control of hypertension Signs of hypertensive should be High Blood that other countries regionally and globally can Pressure pleased to hear that the apply to their health care system. island has been selected as the first country for a demonstration The local implementing institutions are the of the Global Standardised Ministry of Health and the Faculty of Medical Hypertension Treatment Project (G.S.H.T.P.). Science, Cave Hill Campus, University of the West Indies. The Principal Investigator is Dr. The US Centres for Disease Control and Kenneth Connell, Lecturer, Faculty of Medical Prevention (C.D.C.), in collaboration with the Sciences, Cave Hill, U.W.I., who is also a member Pan American Health Organisation (P.A.H.O.) and of the National Commission on Chronic Diseases, other stakeholders, have launched The Global Barbados. Standardised Hypertension Treatment Project (G.S.H.T.P.) in recognition of the immense global The G.S.H.T.P. Barbados Pilot officially started on health burden caused by high blood pressure. April 1, 2014 and the project is currently in its preimplementation phase. OVER WEIGHT / OBESITY

SECONDARY HYPERTENSION DIABETES

ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

EM of ED tion ities a m m m tre fla ex (in wer lo

L NA RE RE ILU FA

VASCULAR PROBLEMS

Some members of the B.W.U. Retirees’ Division are pictured line dancing at “Solidarity House’.

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Global Standardised Hypertension Treatment Project Barbados Pilot

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Office Ergonomics: Solutions to common aches and pains

by Carol Henry Safety and Health Officer Labour Department

he average office worker spends more than half their work day sitting in a chair while using the computer. Often, time is not taken to become familiar with the adjustment features of the office chair or to explore the arrangement of items on the desk. Not doing so may cause twisting and stretching to reach things that may eventually lead to aches and pains. The application of ergonomics to the office setting can help reduce aches and pains that can occur while working at a computer and can increase productivity.

What are Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders? Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a group of painful disorders of muscles, tendons and nerves. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Tension Neck Syndrome are examples.2

The symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders may appear long after performing a task and can range from slight discomfort to extreme pain. There are three stages of injury, however, What is Ergonomics? permanent injury can be prevented if persons Ergonomics is the scientific study of human work. recognize the symptoms and take corrective It considers the physical and mental capabilities action at the early stages. of the worker as he or she interacts with tools, equipment, work methods and the working Stage 1 environment. Ergonomics reduces the risk of injury by adapting the work to fit the person instead of • Discomfort may persist for weeks or months but is reversible. forcing the person to adapt to the work.1 • Most workers experience pain and weakness during work activities but Best Fix conditions improve on days away from work. To determine the best fit for an employee, the employer must consider factors such as the ease • Interference with work tasks is minimal. of use, the design of the work and comfort level. A tool that is easy to use and understand will Stage 2 be functionally more efficient than one that is complicated. Jobs design focuses on how the job • Discomfort may persist for months. is expected to be carried out. A good job design • Symptoms begin more quickly and last longer. considers task variety; work pace including breaks —————— Office Ergonomics. Washington State Department of Labor and and training. Sitting at a workstation that is poorly Industries laid out will not only cause discomfort but over “OSH Answers: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs).” CCOHS: Canada’s National Centre for Occupational Health and Safety time can lead to the development of work-related information. Web. 07 Jan. 2010. <http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/rmirsi.html#_1_4>. musculoskeletal disorders. 1

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• Discomfort may persist for months or years. • Symptoms are always present, even at rest.

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• Physical signs may be present and sleep may • Activities of daily living are disrupted and be disturbed. sleep is disturbed. • Work tasks may be difficult to perform. • The person is unable to perform light duties at work. Stage 3 • The likelihood of recovery is poor.

Table 1 shows common symptoms, the possible causes of these pains and the workstation component that may need adjusting.

Common Symptoms and Causes3 Symptoms

Possible Cause

Workstation component to be adjusted

Neck Pain

Monitor is too high, too low or too far away Chair is too low Improper monitor and/or document positioning Poor sitting posture and/or lack of position change Keyboard is too high Bi/Tri-focal use Armrests are too high Desk and/or keyboard is too high Poor posture for prolonged period Extended reaching for frequently used equipment Keyboard is too high/too low Keyboard tilt Deviation of wrist while typing No wrist support for keyboard and/or mouse Lack of task variety Resting body part on sharp edge Prolonged sitting Poor sitting position Chair is too high/too low Poor chair condition/fit Prolonged sitting Desk is too high/too low Chair height Monitor/document not within reach Uncorrected vision Glare Too much/too little light Lack of task variation from monitor Screen flicker and/or colours Reading material too close/too far Poor posture Lack of footrest to support legs Poor seat depth fit Lack of seat padding

Monitor and document Chair Monitor and document

Shoulder Pain

Hand/wrist/elbow pain

Low back pain

Upper back pain

Eyes

Thigh/leg pain

Chair, job variety Keyboard Monitor and document Chair Desk, keyboard Job variety Desk, mouse, monitor, telephone Keyboard Keyboard Keyboard Keyboard, mouse Job variety Keyboard, mouse Job variety Chair Chair Chair Job variety Desk Chair Monitor, document Have eyes checked Monitor, document, light source Monitor, document, light source Job variety Monitor Monitor, document Chair, job variety Chair Chair Chair

—————— 3 Office Ergonomics, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

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Your Health

Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Adjustability • Seat height that causes thighs to be parallel to the floor Applying ergonomics principles to the office • Seat width that is neither too small or environment can prevent the development of wide for the person WMSDs or reduce an intermediate symptom • Backrest that fits the S-curve of the back from becoming advanced. Create a comfortable • Breathable construction materials environment by avoiding overreaching, repetition, awkward posture, direct pressure, fatigue and Adjustability force; understanding how to adjust the work environment to accommodate individual needs; Adjustability is also an important factor, as better and applying principles of good posture and results are achieved when the chair can be easily habits. adapted to the physical characteristics of multiple users. Actions that can be taken to improve working conditions include: Height (of seat) • Select people with capabilities and skills to do the job. • Train personnel • Assess the design of equipment, procedures and the work environment • Include health and fitness activities in everyday life. • Taking regular breaks of 1 to 3 minutes every hour from your computer • Alternating computer tasks with noncomputer tasks to avoid strain • Regular stretching to relax your body • Practicing safety while participating in your hobbies away from work.

There are varying opinions on the optimum seat height. It is commonly accepted that the highest point of the seat should be at least two inches less than the distance between the crease at the back of the knee and the floor. This is known as the popliteal height. (see below) STAND at the front of the chair. Adjust the height so that the highest point of the seat is just below the knee cap. Seat

Key factors when selecting a shair The seat should be: The chair is the most important part of the • of adequate width; workstation; therefore the chair must fit the • curved downward at the intended user and be appropriate for the tasks. front (waterfall front); A well suited chair can reduce the likelihood of • gently sloping towards the back – a slope of developing back pains. The workstation may be 5° is recommended; used by several persons so it even more important • firmly padded with non-slip material. to select a chair with ergonomic features. The features of a “good” ergonomic chair are as follows:

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The backrest should be such that: • it does not interfere with backward movement of the arms • if adjustable, a range of 12 – 24 cm along the centre line should be possible • it supports the back, particularly the lumbar region (lower back) • if fixed, a slope of 95 – 105° is recommended Construction Materials • The cover material should be breathable. • The frame should be durable. General • Where armrests are provided they should be padded and positioned so as not to cause elevation of the shoulders. • Armrests should be 42 – 48 cm (17 – 19 inches) apart. • Chairs should be equipped with 5 arm bases as a means of improving stability. • When seated, the feet should rest flat on the floor. If the feet do not rest flat on the floor, a footrest should be provided

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• Place the monitor directly in front of the keyboard and chair. • Place the monitor an arm’s length away from you while in a seated position. • The top of the monitor should be at or slightly below eye level. • Keep elbows close to your sides and bent about 90˚ angle. • Make sure you have enough work space to accommodate whatever documents or other equipment is needed. • Adjust your keyboard to get a good typing position. A space in front of the keyboard is sometimes helpful for resting the hands and wrists when not typing. • Try to keep your wrists straight when typing. Keep a soft touch on the keys and don’t overstretch your fingers. Good keyboard technique is important. • Sit with the knees at the same level or slightly below the hips. • Place your feet slightly out in front of your knees and make sure they are comfortably supported, either by the floor or by a footrest. • Don’t sit in the same position for long periods. Make sure you change your posture as often as practicable. Some movement is desirable, but avoid repeated stretching to reach things you need (if this happens a lot, rearrange your workstation).

Achieving the seated neutral body posture The best way to sit at a workstation is in a neutral posture. The neutral posture is a working posture in which the joints are naturally aligned. However, sitting still for too long is not healthy. Small changes in posture are recommended at least every 15 minutes such as leaning back a little further into the backrest. The following can help achieve the neutral seated posture:

The Safety and Health Section of the Labour Department can be contacted at 310 1523 or labour@labour.gov.bb if you require further information on ergonomics. n

“We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot.” – Eleanor Roosevelt –

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Your Health

Backrest

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The May Day 2014 Season

His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave, Governor General of Barbados (left) is escorted by B.W.U. General Secretary, Senator Sir Roy Trotman, at the end of the 2014 May Day Service of Thanksgiving at “Solidarity House”.

“All Hands on Deck” was

for Barbadian consumers to support Barbadian goods and services with a view to maintaining Barbadian labour. .

the banner under which the Executive Council of the Barbados Workers’ Union and the entire B.W.U. family celebrated the May Day 2014 season. In the period between the May Day launch and the May Day thanksgiving service, held at “Solidarity May Day 2014 was launched by the Minister of House” on Sunday, 27th April, a section of the Labour, Senator Dr. the Honourable Esther Byer- B.W.U. outreach team, led by President General Suckoo in a ceremony attended by Sir Roy Trotman, Linda Brooks and Sir Roy visited the homes of a General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union, number of BWU retirees, most of whom were in Ms. Bobbi McKay, Executive Director, Barbados their 80s and 90s, presented them with gifts and Manufacturers’ Association and members of the spent time in reminiscing on the past. The team May Day 2014 planning committee, comprising also took time out to visit retired and former Government, Private Sector, NGO and Trade Union members with disabilities, some of whom are still representatives. Sir Roy and Ms. McKay addressed in the prime of life. That work was continued on the gathering and Ms. McKay again sounded a call Heroes’ Day, April 28th when the B.W.U.’s outreach

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pomp and pageantry, which is always a delight to the crowds who line the streets. The other participating groups in the parade, led by the Union, with the prize-winning Ministry of Labour’s contingent in second position, enjoyed themselves along the route under the watchful eyes of the The Governor General, His Excellency Sir Elliott Royal Barbados Police Force, who were excellent Belgrave led the list of dignitaries who attended in maintaining crowd control. The parade included the May Day service of thanksgiving, which was companies such as ORAN Limited, BICO Limited, presided over by the Dean of St. Michael and the Barbados Light and Power Company Limited, All Angels Cathedral, the Rt. Reverend Dr. Frank the Central Bank of Barbados, the Barbados Marshall. Pastor Kevin Hunte of the Abundant National Oil Company, and the Barbados Port Inc. Life Assembly delivered an inspiring sermon on these groups later joined the Barbados Shipping the theme, All Hands on Deck, in which he called and Trading contingent on the beach. A large on the church to take the lead in regard to the number of workers whose companies did not social issues which are confronting Barbados at formally participate in the street parade, joined this time. with their colleagues, to swell the numbers on the street. The Band of the Royal Barbados Police Force, joined by the Excelsior Singers and the Springer Sir Roy, speaking in his final May Day speech on Memorial School Choir, provided excellent music the topic, “The May 2004 Manifesto” addressed for the service. the receptive May Day patrons for just over an hour. The 2014 May Day Street parade and celebrations were a bitter-sweet occasion for the entire His address was followed by the traditional Barbados Workers’ Union’s family as it was the musical cultural programme, which included skits, final May Day event that Sir Roy Trotman was a presentation on the Domestic Workers’ project participating as general secretary, he having and a music package which featured the cream announced his retirement. The parade, held under of Barbadian entertainment such as John King, brilliant sunshine with the colourful Cadet Corps Richard Stoute, Mighty Grynner and Blood. Band in the vanguard, followed by the Scouts, the Guides and Brownies and the Youth Service The final event on the May Day programme was contingent, which provided the event with the the B.W.U./Cave Shepherd cricket match, played between a B.W.U. XI and a B.C.A. Under 17 Eleven.

Senator Dr. the Honourable Esther Byer-Suckoo, Minister of Labour speaking at “Solidarity House’.

Pastor Kevin Hunte of the Abundant Life Assembly delivering the 2014 May Day address at the thanksgiving service.

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team, supported by the Love Day Crew, which has the support of Miss Bobbi Mackay, visited three of the island’s district hospitals, where they brought cheer by providing gifts, and the offering of prayers and song.

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In Memoriam

Colin Norville

Colin Norville appears with the late Margot Branch (left), contralto and soprano, Norma Bowen in the B.W.U.’s first Christmas recital at the B.W.U. Labour College in 1979. Members of the B.W.U. Choir are pictured in the background.

he Executive Council of the Barbados Workers’ Union mourns the passing of former member and noted tenor, Colin Norville. He was on tour of Canada with the Wesley Singers of Barbados at the time of his death on Thursday, August 21, 2014. Comrade Norville, who was regarded as one of the finest tenors in the Eastern Caribbean, was the Choir Director of the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, and was, in his younger days, a member of the choirs of St. Leonard’s Anglican Church and St. Michael and All Angels Cathedral. He was also a founder member and Director of the B.W.U. Choir, and was a soloist at major recitals in Barbados,

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often appearing with the Royal Barbados Police Band. Comrade Norville was a member of the B.W.U. Division at the Advocate Newspaper before he joined the teaching staff of the Coleridge and Parry School. He also served as a member of the Board of Management at the Lodge School. n The Council mourns the passing of Comrade William Holder, former Tutor, B.W.U. Labour College. n

In Memoriam

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In Memoriam

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