The unionist vol 25 no 20 2016

A Publication of the Barbados Workers’ Union Where There Is No Vision The People Perish Vol.25 No.20 2016

“Clear Focus, Renewed Drive”

Seventy Fifth Anniversary Edition

The Governor General, His Excellency Sir Clifford Husbands (l) in conversation with B.W.U. General Secretary, Sir Roy Trotman and President General Hugh Arthur at “Solidarity House.�

(Bottom Left) Sir John Stanley Goddard, Sir Frederick Smith and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Ms Millie Small at a May Day Service; at right - seated are Sir Roy Trotman, Sir Clifford Husbands, Prime Minister Owen Arthur and President General David Giles.

CONTENTS

Editor’s Note 2 From The Desk Of The General Secretary 5 Congratulations From The Prime Minister 9 Best Wishes From Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C., M.P., Political Leader Of The Barbados Labour Party.

11 In Affirmation Of The 75th Anniversary Of The Barbados Workers’ Union 13 A Message From Guy Ryder, The Director General, ILO 15 A Message from Ms. Claudia Coenjaerts, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team and Office for the Caribbean.

16 A Message from The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) .

19 British Trades Union Congress Message for B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary 20 UNI Global Union Message for B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary 21 International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Message for B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary 24 Bermuda Industrial Union Message for B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary 25 St. Lucia National Workers’ Union Message for B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary 26 St. Lucia Seamen Waterfront and General Workers’ Trade Union Message for B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary 26 Solidarity Message from the Waterfront and Allied Workers’ Union in Dominica for B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary 27 “Lest We Forget” Labour Is Our Most Precious Resource 28 The Role Of The Ministry Of Labour In The Advancement Of Industrial Relations Practices In Barbados 31 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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Sir Grantley Adams And His Role In The Social Revolution 35 Rt. Excellent Sir Hugh Springer 40 Memories Of A Mentor 45 Investing In Education Towards Workers’ Empowerment: The Story Of The Early Beginnings Of Workers’ Education In Barbados. 51 Labour Education And Its Role In Industrial Relations In Barbados 57 The Crisis Of 1991 And Some Of Its Long Term Positive Influences 61 Reflections On Early Trade Union Education 69 Towards A National Wellness Policy For Labour – Supporting The Worker And His Family In NCD Prevention And Control. 73

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»» p. 45 A Publication of the Barbados Workers’ Union Where There Is No Vision The People Perish Vol.25 No.20 2016

“Clear Focus, Renewed Drive”

A Blessed Seventy Fifth Anniversary!

ON THE COVER PRESIDENTS AND GENERAL SECRETARIES who have the served the B.W.U. with distinction over the years: Rt. Excellent Sir Grantley Herbert Adams, B.W.U. President General from 1941–1954, Sir Macdonald Blunt, 1954–1971, Claude Skeete, 1954–1971, Lemuel Daniel, 1979–1994, David Giles, 1984-2001, Hugh Arthur, 2001 – 2008, and the incumbent Linda Brooks. Rt. Excellent Sir Hugh Worrell Springer, General Secretary from 1941 to 1947, Rt. Excellent Sir Frank Leslie Walcott, General Secretary from 1948 to 1991, Sir Roy Trotman – 1992 to 2014, and the incumbent, Toni Moore – 2014 to present.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

75 Years: A Tribute To The B.W.U. I

Orlando Scott, BSS, JP

Senior Assistant General Secretary, Barbados Workers’ Union

field workers, through to the modern day sectors like the Public Service, telecommunications, tourism and the service sector – who banded together to form a formidable and united force to advance the cause of democracy, workers’ rights and economic development.

I feel blessed to be a member of the family of The Barbados Workers’ Union because this organisation has made an immense and unmatched contribution to the development of Barbados, post 1937, and, indeed the trade union movement in the Caribbean and internationally, through the excellent efforts of leaders like Sir Grantley Adams, Sir Frank Walcott and Sir Roy Trotman.

The evidence of the Labour Movement’s I thank God for raising up such an army of contribution to the social, economic and political admirable men and women, those in the vanguard development of Barbados is clearly observed of the struggle as well as the foot soldiers, who when the post 1937 social, political and economic have led the Barbados Workers’ Union over the past make-up of Barbados and the living standards seventy five years and whose work has brought the of the average Barbadian are compared to the workforce safely across the stormy waters. oppressive conditions in which the average Barbadian existed between the period 1838, at

Today we pay tribute particularly to those thousands Emancipation, and 1937, when the social rebellion of unsung heroes from across the myriad economic of the masses occurred. Barbados has not been sectors in Barbados, beginning with the original the same since then. The political lobby by Labour members – the bakers, dockers, ships’ carpenters, leaders in Parliament, when added to the benefits foundry workers, tailors, factory engineers and accrued from the collective bargaining process,

am blessed to be alive and still active in the work of the trade union movement in this Jubilee Year of the Barbados Workers’ Union (B.W.U). If I am alive, God willing, on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, when the Barbados Workers’ Union marks its 75th anniversary, I would have been able, firstly as a member, later as a shop steward and now as an employee of the B.W.U., to witness, and participate in, the many high points in the life of this organisation. These landmarks include: the B.W.U.’s twentieth anniversary, which was celebrated in 1966 with much fanfare and which coincided with our nation’s attainment of political independence from Britain; its fiftieth anniversary which was observed in 1991; and its 75th birthday which we will marking this year.

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EDITOR’S NOTE acted as a spur to economic development. Much of the points made in this paragraph will be examined in the contents of the articles which will follow in this commemorative publication.

And while the working classes in Barbados have overcome much, eternal vigilance will be the key to the sustenance of our achievements on behalf of the masses. In this regard, we must all maintain an open line to our Divine Master.

Much has been written and spoken about the visionaries, National Heroes - Rt. Excellent Sir Grantley Herbert Adams, B.W.U. President General from 1941-1954, Rt. Excellent Sir Hugh Worrell Springer, General Secretary from 1941 to 1947, who laid the foundation for the Union and Rt. Excellent Sir Frank Leslie Walcott, General Secretary from 1948 to 1991, who enlarged upon the early work of the founding fathers.

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(Baker), C. Butcher, and Dalrymple (Coopers) and T. Symmonds (Seaman).

Original Officers

Succeeding B.W.U. Presidents – Sir Macdonald Blunt, Claude Skeete, Lemuel Daniel, David Giles, Hugh Arthur and Linda Brooks, together with succeeding General Secretaries Sir Frank Walcott, Sir Roy Trotman and Toni Moore, during their tenure, have also underscored “unity” as being the watchword for the Barbadian workforce.

Sir Kenmore N. R. Husbands, who served as assistant to the General Secretary and was later appointed as the first black Speaker of the House of Assembly, is among the early trade union stalwarts, worthy of mention. So too, is C.A. Bushell, president of the Lightermen’s Division, who was later employed by the B.W.U. Then there were Executive Councillors and outstanding divisional leaders, who worked boldly and untiringly to solidify the foundation of the Union during the decade of the 1940s. These included stalwarts like Gardiner Drakes, President of the Ships’ Carpenters’ Division, E.L. Alleyne, Vice President of the Ships’ Carpenters’ Division, G. C. Hope, President, Tailors’ Division, G. Small, Stevedores, H.T. Williams, Union Treasurer and member of the Stevedores’ Division, H. Barker, a Union Trusee and member of the Seamen’s Division, Evelyn Walcott of the Produce Porters’ Division, D. Lawrence of the Coopers’ Division and W.E. Griffith of the Stevedore Porters’ Division.

The original Officers and Executive Council of the B.W.U. chose as its motto, the precept taken from the Book of Proverbs, “Unity Is Strength: Where there is No Vision the People Perish”. This mantra, indelibly written on the heart and soul of the leaders and followers, has guided the B.W.U. throughout the decades, spanning the 1940s to the present.

With “Unity” as the watchword, Adams’ and Springer’s unrelenting crusade to refashion the social, political and economic contours of the Barbados of the 1930s was ably and boldly supported by the men who comprised the B.W.U.’s original Executive Council, whose names must never be forgotten. They were Hilton Augustus Coulston (Treasurer), an elementary school teacher; Caleb Mose, J.Barry Springer and J.T.C. Ramsay (Trustees); Chaucer Greenidge and Macdonald Brathwaite (Engineers); Clyde Gibson and Alphonzo Gibson (Printers), Reynold Grant and Cleophas Bourne (Longshoremen), C. Medford

In this Jubilee year of the B.W.U., we also wish to pay tribute to the Presidents and General Secretaries who have the served the B.W.U. with distinction over the years. They are Sir Macdonald Blunt, 1954-1971, a dock worker, who succeeded Sir Grantley as president of the B.W.U., Claude Skeete, 1954-1971, Lemuel Daniel, 1979-1994, David Giles, 1984-2001, Hugh Arthur, 2001 – 2008, and the incumbent Linda Brooks. Sir Frank held the reins of General Secretary from 1948 to 1991. He was succeeded by Sir Roy Trotman – 1992 to 2014, and the incumbent, Toni Moore – 2014 to present.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Pictured here: Past Presidents and General Secretaries who have the served the B.W.U.: Sir Macdonald Blunt, 1954-1971, Claude Skeete, 1954-1971, Lemuel Daniel, 1979-1994.

the Constituency of Christ Church East Central in Parliament, now serves as Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM; and Her Excellency Yvonne Walkes, a former Senator, serves as High Commissioner to Canada.

This 75th Anniversary is being celebrated under the theme, “75 Years: Clear Focus, Renewed Drive” and the B.W.U. will be using that theme to rally its membership during the coming months. While we must never forget our past accomplishments on the behalf of the working classes, the past has passed and we must therefore, with a clear focus and renewed drive, use this milestone as a spur to work towards the greater good of the people whom God has ordained us to serve.

We take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to all of those persons and institutions which have contributed in any way towards the success of the Barbados Workers’ Union. In relation to this publication, we thank those persons who have contributed by the writing of articles and those companies which have supported us over the past twenty years of this publication.

A number of B.W.U. staff members have played prominent roles on the regional and international stages. Sir Grantley, while presiding over the B.W.U, was elected as President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour and, after serving four years as the first Premier of Barbados from 1954 to 1958, was elected as Prime Minister of the ill-fated Federal Government of the West Indies, 1958-1962; Sir Hugh Springer served as the first Registrar of the University College of the West Indies. Sir Frank Walcott also served as president of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, Board Member of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and as a Member of the Governing Body of the ILO; Sir Roy Trotman served as President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, President of the ICFTU, and Chairman of the Workers Group, ILO, becoming the first person from this Hemisphere to hold the latter posts. Other staff members of the B.W.U. have made significant contribution to national development. They include the former Principal of the B.W.U. Labour College, Evelyn Greaves, who represented the parish of St. Lucy in the House of Assembly, and served in the Senate. He recently retired as High Commissioner to Canada.

His Excellency Robert Morris, who represented

God bless! 

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FROM THE DESK OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY

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Happy 75th Anniversary B.W.U! “Clear Focus, Renewed Drive” COMRADE TONI MOORE General Secretary, Barbados Workers’ Union

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nniversaries, especially those which mark a significant milestone, provide occasion to reflect on the soul and depth of the one celebrating; they are also purposeful fuelling the vision for what is ahead. The Barbados Workers’ Union’s milestone of 75 years as a registered trade union on October 4 this year is therefore bound to present a remarkable retrospective of its record, its contributions and its successes; for our history is a rich one which, from the rubble of the Riots of 1937 to our participation in partnership, allows us to connect our progress through time.

heritage”. How can we uphold and build on our legacy if we don’t understand it?

Understanding the linkages between the past and present is an absolute essential for rooting people in time; not in the sense that we want to keep people stuck in the past, but as brilliantly expressed by Penelope J. Corfield in her article “Why History Matters – Making History” (2008), because history ...

I was recently at a meeting, where the opportunity was presented for the B.W.U. to engage in some philosophical exchanges with Capital; the Union was challenged that its 75th anniversary lecture series was perhaps too backward looking in its focus and therefore missed the opportunity to connect its various publics to the vision for the future. I was absolutely confounded, for there I was, confronted with the startling reality that it is not only our young people that are disengaged with the meaning of being “strict guardians of our

“helps people to establish a secure footing or ‘location’ within the unfolding saga of time ... it is the ability to keep a firm footing within history’s rollercoaster that is so important. Another way of putting it is to have secure roots that will allow for continuity but also for growth and change.”

We must therefore never overlook the brave visionaries of the Barbados Workers’ Union like the Right Excellent Sir Grantley Adams and the Right Excellent Sir Hugh Springer whose contributions helped to shape the social, economic and political landscape during the pre-independence period

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FROM THE DESK OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY

which immediately followed the 1937 Disturbances.

There is also no denying the contribution of the Right Excellent Sir Frank Walcott, whose tenure as General Secretary spanned the period of the founding fathers and half the era of independent Barbados until 1991. Then, let us recognise Sir Roy Trotman who led this Union, as its General Secretary for twenty-three (23) years from 1992 to 2014, and who continued to establish a leading role for the workers’ movement in Barbados, the region and the world.

post-2008 period, following one of the fiercest international financial crises, the recognised value of dialogue and the mutuality of respect has been severely threatened and undermined; this, in spite of the positive lessons our history teaches us.

In Barbados, trade union recognition and the right to strike are resurfacing as issues among some employers. We are experiencing growing inequality, increasing marginalisation of young workers; the future of work is being compromised by forces that want to transform the way work So we salute them and the numerous others is done so that the worker is the obvious loser. not herein mentioned but whose indelible A new response is needed- but what? And from contributions will never be ignored. These great where? figures stood their ground for justice and all shaped this country’s development. A tribute to The B.W.U. has chosen to observe the activities these stalwarts is most fitting as we observe this of its 75th year under the theme “Clear Focus, year as one of significance, marking this country’s Renewed Drive”. We have satisfied ourselves 50th Anniversary of Independence. that ongoing and sustained development of this country has and will continue to be bolstered by The B.W.U. continues to prefer approaches that the best effort of workers. The theme is therefore facilitate meaningful, peaceful dialogue. We indicative of our renewal, our recommitment to remain committed to sharing responsibility workers and their families. The Barbados Workers’ with employers to promote the welfare of their Union will assure a response for those who wish establishments and the proper development of to take us back to the future in addition to being our country. However, employers must not behave decisive in managing the latest employment as though the work they offer is through some act trends. of kindness; they operate to make profits and the B.W.U. has always respected that in the same way I have been honoured with the exciting task of that we accept that workers work for their bread. leading and fuelling the vision of this Union; Though such understanding is basic enough, the this organisation that bears a progressive and Union’s struggle at 75 years old remains a struggle undaunted spirit; a spirit that will not be derailed for RESPECT. The struggle remains one in which from the achievement of a better way of life for we fight to allow workers’ creativity to flourish in workers and for the entire society. As the B.W.U.’s environments where they feel respected enough fourth General Secretary, I have embraced the to return respect. unique opportunity I have been afforded to ensure that the narrative of this union delivers on the The B.W.U. still believes that respect for the struggle of our forefathers and meets the needs of processes of bipartite and tripartite dialogue those who need us now. That narrative is not yet portends tremendous benefits for the entire complete; the future is yet to be shaped by people society. Respect for the social partners and for like you who want better and who will commit to dialogue is as valuable now as it was in times past getting better. and will remain so in the future. However, in the

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FROM THE DESK OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY

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2014 “The Changing Of The Guard”. Sir Roy Trotman, outgoing B.W.U. General Secretary, presents the B.W.U. symbols to newly-elected General Secretary, Comrade Toni Moore.

I therefore trust that the readers of this edition of The Unionist will be encouraged to be faithful to our history; the history of our nationhood and the history of this great organisation called the Barbados Workers’ Union. It is my sincere wish that

it encourages greater respect and understanding for the value of our combined contribution in crafting our fate.

Happy 75th B.W.U! 

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75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE

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Congratulations From The Prime Minister

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am pleased to offer congratulations to the Executive and members of the Barbados Workers’ Union (B.W.U.) as the Union prepares to commemorate its 75“‘ Anniversary on October 04, 2016.

in 1945 paved the way for the ordered improvement of living conditions across the Caribbean region ever since.

The Barbados Workers’ Union was formed in 1941 after the disturbances but before the publication of that Report had contributed significantly to the struggle of workers for a better and more abundant life. The Barbados Workers’ Union therefore, has cemented its place in the history of Barbados and the Caribbean over the past seventy-five years.

2016 is also the year in which we celebrate the centenary of the birth of the late National Hero and former General Secretary of the B.W.U., Sir Frank Leslie Walcott, on September 16.

The year 2016 is special to all of us, for soon after the Union’s own celebrations, Barbadians at home and abroad, will be rejoicing as we observe 50 years of nationhood on November 30, 2016!

Today, I acknowledge and applaud the Barbados Workers’ Union for its many achievements. Any institution which has produced three National Heroes and six Knights deserves Achievements of this kind must always be our greatest respect and admiration. remembered, recognised and celebrated as they are often fruits of sweat, tears, effort and sacrifice. Without fear of contradiction, I can assert that the It was following widespread labour unrest in Barbados Workers Union, throughout its 75 years, the British West Indies between 1934 and 1939, has consistently upheld its mission that the Imperial Government established a Commission under the chairmanship of Lord “To be an excellent trade union provider of labour Moyne to investigate the unspeakably poor market services in Barbados and the wider Caribbean conditions under which people in the West Indies and to improve the quality of life of all Barbadians were living and working. That Commission’s Report through participatory representation”.

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75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE Mangrove in St. Philip to ensure that the education and enlightenment of workers are put and kept on the soundest of footings. The Barbados Workers’ Union has done Barbados proud and we would be churlish were we to attempt to deny it.

Very few of the legislative enactments relating to workers and which now adorn our statute books can be divorced from the steady and unrelenting advocacy of the Barbados Workers’ Union. If local trade unions command the respect of employers in the public and private sectors, their debt of gratitude is owed to the Barbados Workers’ Union If there now exists a smooth working relationship between workers, employers and the state, thanks to the agreeable environment of a social partnership, it is the Barbados Workers’ Union’s commitment to the welfare of the workers that helps to explain that state of affairs.

It is against this background that I treasure the opportunity to share this celebration with the Barbados Workers’ Union and to salute all those who have contributed to its success over the past 75 years.

It is my fervent hope that, as members reflect with thanks on an impressive past, they will focus also on crafting a future that will be even more successful as this great institution continues its onward march on behalf of the workers of Barbados and the Caribbean. 

The Union’s performance over the past seventyfive years can be described as a faithful living out of its motto: “Unity is strength, where there is no vision the people perish.” No better evidence of that vision exists than in its construction of a Labour College at

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75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE

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Best Wishes from Mia Amor Mottley, Q.C., M.P., Political Leader Of The Barbados Labour Party.

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he members of the Barbados Labour Party extend warmest congratulations to the members of the Barbados Workers’ Union on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of it founding.

by civility and respect, even as our responsibilities differed.

In recent times, workers in Barbados have borne the brunt of economic adjustments occasioned largely by ineffective policy prescriptions. It has been impossible for us not to take cognizance of this.

Our organisations share the same DNA, birthed mainly by the courage, vision and leadership of Sir Grantley Adams and What I can pledge on Sir Hugh Springer who behalf of the Barbados laboured with a number Labour Party is that of other courageous men workers’ rights will be and women to improve central to the rebuilding of the lot of workers across Barbados. We have always Barbados. Even though we grounded our development have not always sat on the strategy on the philosophy same side of the bargaining of a fair share for all. table during those 75 years, Our current economic our common mission to circumstances demand stand up for ordinary Barbadians, has, I believe, that every Barbadian will be called upon to be part contributed to our longevity and, I daresay, to the of the rebuilding of our country. We believe that success of our organisations. if you are called to share in fiscal and economic adjustments in the interest of the country, there As our paths diverged, that commonality has in must be a commitment to providing a fair share of large measure ensured a relationship characterised the rewards to those who have made the sacrifice.

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75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE As you continue to celebrate your milestone achievement and the contribution which your organisation has made to improving the lives of Barbadian workers in every economic sector, we look forward to renewing our partnership and to receiving your ideas on the role of labour in what of necessity will be a very different industrial landscape as we work to make our country stronger for all of our people. ď Ž Please accept our blessings and our best wishes for continued success.

You will never reach destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.

Winston Churchill

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75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE

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In Affirmation Of The 75th Anniversary Of The Barbados Workers’ Union

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together; and there should be absolutely no attempt to split hairs on this, no matter what perception, ideologically, politically, socially or economically, any may have held of the Union over its long history.

Given the fundamental uphill-against-the-odds mission addressed by the Union, a variance of maneuvres must of necessity been utilised from epoch to epoch.

warm greeting to all who, in holding hands with the trade union movement, will avail themselves of the contents of this magazine.

It is with a consciousness of my role as Chaplain that I embrace the invitation to contribute to this publication, in celebration of the Seventyfifth Anniversary of The Barbados Workers’ Union.

Let me at once extend my heartiest congratulations to the Union, and let me affirm the pleasure it has been to serve it in this capacity and in succession to colleagues departed but fondly remembered, Canon Harold St. C. Tudor and the Venerable James L. Springer. It is a credit to the maturity of this nation that quite a number of our secular institutions value the place of the spiritual in the pursuit of their societal objectives.

Let us appreciate how the first twenty-five years of this great institution represented a probing, fathoming and pile-driving to set a foundation for a nation to develop, adjusting its thinking, growing confident and assertive of its potential and its dignity. It is not for me to recall that which history has indelibly memorialised for us. It is to be intellectually honest enough not to gainsay the fact of B.W.U.’s grand march, despite any shades or shadows which have been cast It is a matter of kind historical fortune that the upon our national scene. seventy-fifth anniversary of this movement coincides with the nation’s celebration of its fiftieth However, I want us to appreciate how the B.W.U. anniversary of independence. For, they belong has served to inspire, strengthen and empower the labour movement in general, and to acknowledge

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75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE in turn allowed for a mediation with the Prime Minister on behalf of the Labour Movement, thereby effecting a satisfactory resolution for the time being.

I must salute the collegiality of Archdeacon Rufus Brome, Canon Eric Payne, and Canon James Springer, the humility of Prime Minister Sandiford and the appreciation of Leroy Trotman…

In stating this story, I am affirming the Labour Movement’s contribution and the central position of the B.W.U.; I am owning CTUSAB and the Social Partnership as significant national outgrowths.

What has befallen relations at the level of CTUSAB was never part of the script. It represents a tear which time and maturity, I trust, will mend. I say, therefore, to the Barbados Workers’ Union, “You have done well. In that same note of high acclaim to the nation, let me say “HAPPY ANNIVERSARY”.

“A BLESSED SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY! May your organisation continue to flourish, by the grace of God. 

that its role in bringing this nation to a particular point of respectful deliberation, mid-way through our fifty years (in 1991) spoke resoundingly to Barbadian maturity. The birth of the Social Partnership evolved out of the formation of the coalition, with the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations if Barbados being the major fruit of our ‘labour’.

I speak of this time as one very familiar to me. I was at this unfolding, enjoining clerical colleagues at that time to stand with me in an effort to identify the spirit and concern of the Church for the state of the nation. I understood the devaluation that loomed and I feared the worst traumatisation of the Barbadian psyche since the 1930s that would overwhelm us, on account of the economic strictures which our government was under pressure to impose.

Let me say that much of my time then was reflective and prayerful. I must salute the collegiality of Archdeacon Rufus Brome, Canon Eric Payne, and Canon James Springer, the humility of Prime Minister Sandiford and the appreciation of Leroy Trotman for measured resistance, which gave me audience with these major players, and which

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A Message From Guy Ryder, The Director General, ILO

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his is a momentous year in the history of Barbados as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence and notably for the B.W.U. as it prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary later this year.

Indeed, Barbados can be proud of the many eloquent advocates who have enriched, over the years, the work of the ILO in furthering social justice.

It is for this reason that it is all the more regrettable that I am unable to be present at this Conference despite our many efforts to reschedule my programme.

I understand the importance of this Conference and therefore while I may not be there in person, I would like to propose sending a celebratory video message to commemorate the B.W.U.’s significant role in the development of the

ILO, and with the promise of a visit to Barbados in the near future. ď Ž

...indeed, Barbados can be proud of the many eloquent advocates who have enriched, over the years, the work of the ILO in furthering social justice.

I think that anytime you get clear about what your mission is or what your focus wants to be, things start to come together in your life.

Eve Ensler

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75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE

A Message From Ms. Claudia Coenjaerts, Director Of The ILO Decent Work Team And Office For The Caribbean.

“The trade union in a modern society cannot ignore the realities of our time and withdraw from participating in national issues and allow those people without commitment to workers, to preside over their destinies”

unions have as well to participate strategically at the regional and international levels in order to realise their sacred duty to represent workers effectively. At the latter level, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) provides an invaluable platform for trade unionists because the ILO promotes and embraces the participation of worker representatives on an equal footing with representatives of governments and employers.

For the ILO, tripartism and social dialogue are two fundamental principles on which the Organisation is built and the foundation on which it carries out its mandate of universal peace and social justice.

“Trade unions, as the collective agencies of workers, have to act as catalysts in every aspect of national life.

Workers are concerned about social, economic, political and cultural life, trade unions, therefore, cannot truly represent workers if they isolate or withdraw themselves from the mainstream of national life’.

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hese quotations are from the 1991 writings of Sir Frank Walcott. In a few words, he captures the incontestable role and obligation of workers’ organisations if they are to truly represent their constituents. Although these words only speak of participation in the nation’s agenda, through his life’s work, we understand that trade

Since the inception of the ILO in 1919, trade unionists, employers’ and Government representatives have been actors in this highly participatory and democratic process of social

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75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE dialogue to provide the world of work with a range of international standards which protect workers and level the playing field. Representatives of the Barbados Workers’ Union have participated in and made a significant contribution to the work of the ILO.

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Sir Frank Leslie Walcott attended the International Labour Conference (ILC) from the 1950s and became a member of the Governing Body in 1969.

There he was systematically re-elected until his retirement. In 1976 Sir Frank chaired the World Employment Conference. On account of his special interest in combating apartheid, he was a member of most of the ILO’s anti-apartheid committees. In his 1991 plenary address to the 178th Session of the International Labour

It is my view that trade unions have to play a role in organising those who own operations and work in the informal sector, even though they may not conform to the traditional membership patterns. We well recall the early start of the movement in those crafts of the medieval days, where members were independent skilled persons, sometimes employers themselves.’

A vision that the Caribbean trade union movement has not yet taken on board, and yet one that has to be given serious weight as the movement seeks to remain relevant, engaged and in the vanguard of national and global issues.

The Director General’s report to the 274th Session of the Governing Body in March 1999, had this to say about Sir Frank:

Conference he said:

Members of the Governing Body and ILO officials will remember him as an historic figure who defended with great vigour the interests of workers and who promoted the principles and ideals of the ILO not only when participating in the work of the Organisation, but also in his activities in Barbados and other parts of the world.

“..I still remain hopeful that a peaceful and negotiated end to apartheid will be reached. We urge moderation and common sense on all sides; we urge the continued support of the international community in ensuring victory over this moral scourge before the end of this century.”

The contribution of the leadership of the B.W.U. did not end with the path blazed by Sir Frank Leslie In as much as Sir Frank attended the ILC as the Walcott. His legacy was ably taken up and built on Workers’ Delegate for Barbados, he was always by Sir Roy Trotman, his successor as B.W.U. General a spokesperson for Caribbean workers. Having Secretary who also made contributions at the served as a president of the Caribbean Congress regional and international movement by serving as of Labour, his speeches at the ILC demonstrated President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour and that he spoke not only for workers in Barbados the President of the International Confederation but for all working people in the Caribbean, thus of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), the forerunner of firmly bringing the concerns of the region to the the International Trade Union Congress (ITUC). world’s attention. His interventions were marked Like his predecessor, Sir Roy spent 20 years as a with candour and courage, a good example of this member of the ILO Governing Body of which nine was his statement on the informal sector: were spent serving as the Workers’ Vice-Chair and spokesperson for the Workers’ Group. In this ‘The social partners ... have a duty and obligation to position of leaders of the world’s workers, Sir Roy confront these challenges as they arise, and to break out led with unwavering firmness, always expressing of the sometimes sterile band of traditional attitudes and the workers’ views with eloquence and clarity, perceptions to establish new relationships and patterns managing to hold the Workers’ Group together of interaction in the interest of shaping the future for and forever seeking consensus with the Employers people all over the world...

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and Governments to hammer out solutions even in the most difficult situations.

A difficult Conference negotiation where the leadership of Sir Roy has been recognised as instrumental, was the Committee discussion leading to the adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). There were many times in that Conference discussion, especially in the wee hours of the morning, where it was thought that no consensus would be reached.

But with steady determination, many side-meetings and the able support and alliance of Bokkie Botha, the spokesperson of the Employers’ Group, and reminding delegates that the children of the world would not thank them if they failed, Sir Roy was able to guide the discussion to a successful conclusion. To date, it remains a Fundamental Convention which was adopted by acclamation at the ILO Conference.

in any case not in the same way. We have travelled this long road together and you have been a very strong companion. I can sum it all up by concluding that when it came to building and delivering the Decent Work Agenda, Sir Roy did much more than a decent job.”

The Barbados Workers’ Union has produced two remarkable Caribbean and international trade union giants whose leadership and wisdom have made their contribution to the work of the International Labour Organisation invaluable. In the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the B.W.U. and the 100th anniversary of the birth of National Hero, Sir Frank Walcott, the B.W.U. has much to be proud of. However, as both these men understood, the improvement of the lot of working people and the creation of social justice is work that must continue. So while the trade union fraternity rightly celebrates their achievements, current leaders cannot rest on their laurels but must seek to achieve social justice through the implementation of the Decent Work Agenda and tripartite social dialogue. 

Sir Roy not only led negotiations but he supported his fellow worker delegates in their negotiations and as Ebrahim Patel recalled: “I was always able to count on his support and advice when negotiating new standards as in the areas of cooperatives or the employment relationship. He {Siir Roy] worked with me in the early stages of conceptualising what became the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation (2008).”

On his retirement in 2011, the ILO Director-General, Juan Somavia, encapsulated Sir Roy’s contribution thus: “I truly believe that the ILO owes an enormous debt to you, Sir Roy. Many things which we have achieved over the last years would not have happened without you or

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A Message From The National Union Of Public Workers (NUPW)

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he National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) congratulates the Barbados Workers’ Union (B.W.U.) on the attainment of seventy - five years of existence. As the first trade union organisation to be recognised on the island it is certain that there have been several successes over the years.

The B.W.U.’s vigourous advocacy for respect of employees’ rights, establishment and improvement of various social security benefits and leave entitlements, and educational opportunities, to name only a few have redounded to the upliftment of employees and the country as a whole.

Despite the changing scenes and the challenges, economic and otherwise, which will always be a part of the industrial relations landscape, the NUPW is confident that the B.W.U. will continue to grow from strength to strength.

As the oldest union representing private sector employees in this country, the B.W.U. would have undoubtedly shaped industrial relations in our nation. There can be no coincidence that our beloved country is celebrating a significant milestone at the same time that the B.W.U. is doing the same.

On behalf of the National Council, Executive and staff of the NUPW I wish the B.W.U. a productive and successful 75th Annual Delegates’ Conference.  In solidarity Roslyn Smith

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British Trades Union Congress Message For The B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary

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he British Trades Union Congress is delighted to send greetings and congratulations to the Barbados Workers’ Union on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, and to renew our ties of friendship and solidarity, especially in this 50th anniversary of Barbadian independence.

We have so much in common: our membership is, relative to the size of our two economies, pretty much the same – the TUC even shares our address with the Barbadian High Commission a few doors along Great Russell Street in London! And we are proud of our role, and that of our then General Secretary Walter Citrine, in the early development of the B.W.U.. Our leaders – including outstanding Barbadian trade unionists like Frank Walcott and Le Roy Trotman - have become friends over the years, and I am of course personally pleased that both the B.W.U. and TUC are led by strong women trade unionists. Even more importantly, our two trade union movements have been sustained and have succeeded because of the fabulous trade union members and activists who have helped create better lives and decent work for so many workers in our two countries.

But we also face similar challenges – the challenge of joblessness, stagnant wages and insecurity has made it more important than ever that we resist attacks on collective bargaining and the right to strike. United in the Commonwealth Trade Union Group and the International Trade Union Confederation, we will continue to work together to ensure that workers get decency and respect at work, and that social justice is paramount.

Owen Tudor — Head of European Union and International Relations

As your delegates gather for your important debates, we too will be preparing for our Congress where we will adopt a new campaign plan. We welcome the thousands of the Barbadian diaspora in UK trade unions – including on our staff at the TUC – and we will always be at your side as we know you stand with us. The British trade union movement joins with me in wishing you happy birthday, and best wishes for the next 75 years!”  Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end.

When your neighbor has put you to shame?

Debate your case with your neighbor himself, And do not disclose the secret to another: Lest he who hears it expose your shame.

And your reputation be ruined.

Proverbs 25:8-10

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UNI Global Union Message For The B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary

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his is a remarkable year for the Barbados Workers’ Union and we join our global voice with the people of Barbados on this “Triple Crown” of national rejoicing.

Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary of Independence.

Congratulations on the 75th Anniversary of the registration of the Barbados Workers’ Union as the first legal trade union in Barbados.

Congratulations as you celebrate the centenary of the birth of your former General Secretary and National Hero, Rt. Excellent Sir Frank Leslie Walcott.

When I first joined the ranks of the international trade union movement in 1980 I had the privilege of getting to know Sir Frank through his important work on the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Governing Body. He was a close friend of the FIET General Secretary Heribert Maier who was also a member of the ILO Governing Body.

He stirred in me a deep interest in the Caribbean which remains as strong today even after a span of almost four decades, an interest kept alive by Sir Roy Trotman and your new General Secretary, Toni Moore.

Philip Jennings — General Secretary, UNI Global Union

The debate over economic and priorities remains real and rooted in the reality of the daily lives of people.

The B.W.U. has always broken through, from helping to build a nation, having the courage to insist on a labour college, building Caribbean union cooperation, and a new breakthrough with the election of a first woman general secretary, Toni Moore – a decision that inspires women everywhere.

Be Proud Of Your History

The B.W.U. and Sir Frank are intertwined with the history of your nation and the Caribbean. He had a seat at the table as history was made - not as a spectator but as an advocate of independence and social justice. It is a lesson from history that is still relevant today, give working people a voice and respect and the union presence will take every opportunity to make the nation stronger.

In 1940, the bakers, printers, coopers, engineers, seamen joined the ranks. Today it is the world of service, finance, commerce, tourism, information technologies, media and communications workers who are receiving the union call.

The B.W.U. has been tested throughout its history. The strikes in the 1940s , the Barbados

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Advocate Strike in 1956, the Windfall Crisis of 1963. At UNI Global Union, one of our founding partners was the Communications International (CI) and our telecoms members recall the strikes at the Barbados Telephone Company following the dismissal of David Giles.

Barbados has not been free from global economic trends and crisis and it experienced one of the earliest structural adjustment policies of the IMF’s austerity policies that are still a scourge of workers in so many countries today. ď Ž

Success is almost totally dependent upon drive and persistence.

The extra energy required to make another effort or try another approach is the secret of winning.

Denis Waitley

75 Years & Counting!

Congratulations to the

Barbados Workers Union on reaching this milestone!

Happy 75th Anniversary

from the Management and Staff of

Crown Packaging Barbados Limited.

Crown Packaging (Barbados) Limited

#8, Six Roads Industrial Park, St. Philip, Barbados.

Tel: (246) 423-5605

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International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) Message For The B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary

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ear Colleagues of the Barbados Workers’ Union,

On behalf of the entire ITF, I am delighted to be able to send our thanks and best wishes to you in this momentous year of the B.W.U. Anyone would be proud to know that their organisation was three quarters of a century old, and their nation’s first legal trade union. But you can go further. You are also marking the centenary of the birth of your former general secretary, Sir Frank Leslie Walcott, as well as the 50th anniversary of your country’s independence, in which he played such an important part.

Stephen Cotton — General Secretary, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)

proud and successful as those that went before them.

Sir Frank’s achievements were legion, and show his obvious love for his members, his country and its people. His roles were many: B.W.U. General Secretary, Ambassador to the United Nations, ICFTU Executive Board Member, President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, ILO Governing Body Member, Parliamentarian, President of the Senate. And to them all he devoted not just his huge energy and personality, but also his abiding belief in internationalism, trade unions and the rights of those they represent.

UNI Global Union and the B.W.U. are close friends.

We work together to organise workers. We take the union message to new generations in the service sector. We reflect together on how to face new work challenges in a digital world. How to grow, how to build the union and people like, how to influence the direction of economic and social policy to ensure the working people have a decent life, skills, jobs and a fair social safety net.

It is clear that Sir Frank’s memory lives on among you as and the people of Barbados, and that the Barbados Workers’ Union is not just upholding those values, but also adapting, learning and evolving to meet the challenges of the future. I have no doubt that the next 75 years will be as

Congratulation to the B.W.U., let’s continue to make thing happen. Let’s be inspired by the examples of Sir Frank Leslie Walcott.

Bravo, you are all Triple Crown winners! 

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Bermuda Industrial Union Message For The B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary

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Indeed the membership of the Barbados Workers’ Union has reason for celebration after 75 years. We congratulate you on your long history of continuous struggle for the protection and improvement of working conditions for your membership and the workers of Barbados, enabling them to have a better life. Further, we commend you for your commitment and solidarity to the Labour Movement generally.

H. Molly Burgess, JP — General Secretary, Bermuda Industrial Union

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Judging from the theme of the conference “Clear Focus, Renewed Drive”, I have no doubt that the presentations and ensuing debates will engender interest and stimulating discussion in the great tradition of the Barbados Workers’ Union (B.W.U.).

he Officers, Members and Staff of the Bermuda Industrial Union are extremely delighted to send a message of congratulations, warmth and solidarity to the Barbados Workers Union (B.W.U.) on the occasion of this historic milestone, The 75th Anniversary of the founding of your great union and the convening of your 75th Annual Delegates’ Conference.

Our heartfelt prayer is for you to have fruitful deliberations and a successful 75th Delegates’ Conference and that the Officers and Members of your great organisation will continue to enjoy many more years of success. 

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St. Lucia National Workers’ Union’s Message For The B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary

St. Lucia Seamen Waterfront and General Workers’ Trade Union Message For The B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary

Tyrone Maynard — President General, National Workers’ Union — St. Lucia.

Janice Eugene — General Secretary, St. Lucia Seamen Waterfront and General Workers Trade Union

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he National Workers’ Union is extremely pleased to have been invited to share a solidarity message with you on this special occasion of your 75th Annual Conference of Delegates being convened under the theme “Clear Focus, Renewed Drive”.

The St. Lucia Seamen Waterfront and General Workers’ Trade Union congratulate you the Barbados Workers’ Union on realising your 75th anniversary. Indeed it is a momentous occasion to reflect and savor on your challenges and most We note with interest that this theme appears of all your achievements and its impact on the to imply that you have arrived at a crossroad Society and the wider Region. where your vision has been illuminated, thereby facilitating a paradigm shift into high gear on the Your theme “Clear Focus, Renewed Drive,” is not only right path! What an exciting place to be!! It can relevant but stands as a beacon of hope for a only be UP from here and we at the NWU piedge worker in today’s ever changing socio-economic solidarity with the B.W.U. and commit to work in landscape at home and further afield. unison for the benefit of all our members.

We unite with other Unions to pledge our Solidarity The current economic climate in all our Caribbean to advance this noble cause of ours. It was Nelson territories has forced us to be creative, to think Mandela that said “After Climbing a great Hill, one outside the box and to change the way we do only finds that there are many more Hills to Climb. business. With “Clear Focus, Renewed Drive” we must continue on our quest to ensure that workers’ rights are never compromised under the guise of austerity measures. Our economic recovery is desperately dependent on the spending power of the working class!

Long live the Barbados Worker’s Union!!

Long live the Barbados Worker’s Union!!

Long live the Barbados Worker’s Union!! 

On this historic occasion, we wish you success with the hosting your 75th Annual Congress and we wish you and your members strength in your continued journey.

The Lord himself will fight for you.

Just stay calm.

Exodus 14:14

Long live The Barbados Workers, Union!!

Solidarity forever. 

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Solidarity Message from the Waterfront And Allied Workers’ Union In Dominica For The B.W.U.’s 75th Anniversary

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reetings and Fraternal Best Wishes from the Executive Staff and Membership of the Waterfront & Allied Workers’ Union.

We wish to congratulate the Barbados Workers’ Union on the observance of your Seventy-fifth (75th) Anniversary of dedicated and committed service to the workers of Barbados. Your observance of 75 years makes the B.W.U. one of the oldest functioning and progressive unions in the Caribbean Region.

Kertist Augustus — Secretary / Treasurer Waterfront and Allied Workers Union, Dominica

Under your former General Secretary, Sir Frank Walcott, the Barbados Workers’ Union had an outward vision to strengthen other regional Trade Unions via Education and Training. He opined that by strengthening the other unions. The Barbados Workers’ Union would in itself be strengthened and solidified. The Waterfront and Allied Workers’ Union benefited from that vision in that we were invited to participate in two Summer Schools held at the Codrington College in Barbados.

success in the organising and observance of your 75th Anniversary and may the Solidarity and Unity which exist between our Unions be consolidated in the future.  Don’t think about what can happen in a month.

Don’t think about what can happen in a year.

Just focus on the 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to get closer to where you want to be.

It is therefore not by accident, we believe that you have selected your theme for the 75th Anniversary “Clear Focus Renewed Drive”. The Union has in recent times concentrated on educating and training of the youths both in Barbados and the Region; thereby continuing its focus on the present and future human resource capacity of the union and by extension the relevance of the union in the future.

Eric Thomas

The Waterfront & Allied Workers’ Union therefore wishes the Barbados Workers’ Union profound

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“Lest We Forget” Labour Is Our Most Precious Resource

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he Annual Delegates’ Conference of the Barbados Worker’ Union (B.W.U) in August, 2016 formally marks the seventy fifth anniversary of the establishment of the organisation. The official birth date of October 4 will be observed by a series of commemorative events which should highlight this union’s contribution to the nation over the years.

‘lest we forget’, to remind all Barbadians, everywhere, that Labour is our most precious resource, and that the B.W.U., more than any other institution, has reinforced that reality while at the same time insisting that Labour is not a commodity to be disposed of like salt, or potatoes or flying fish in season.

The period should also serve as a launching pad for new initiatives and restructured platforms which the Union will need to embrace in order to engage the battalions of organised capital as well as the marauding hordes of guerrilla warriors who are constantly sweeping forward to cripple the collective power and unity of those workers who have had the courage and strength to raise the banner for human and trade union rights.

One would think that these assertions are so basic that Barbados should not need to be constantly making reference to them. Indeed the editor of a local daily took the Union to task some ten years ago for still today wrestling with such simple things as workplace recognition and basic living conditions. She had just returned to the country from UTOPIA and though she never publicly acknowledged her innocence, she soon started writing from a standpoint which showed that she was gradually being taught to face reality.

Over these seventy-five years, there has been much for which the country may reflect on and give thanks. Though this article cannot treat any matter at length, it must still use the occasion,

Trade unions were a response to a threat. That threat takes different guises but, stripped of its finery, it remains the threat to the community occasioned by man’s exploitation of man. Let

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75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE me say that right “persons’ exploitation of other persons”. The B.W.U.’s first General Secretary (Rt. Excellent Sir Hugh Springer) was so conscious of the insidious nature of the disease driving that exploitation that, in his farewell report to the Annual Delegates’ Conference of 1947, before he demitted office to become Registrar of the University College of the West Indies, he warned:

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“…….The Union accepts the view of the old prophet that the price of peace is eternal watchfulness.”

The time has come for the political directors of Barbados, what ever the party flag, to promote it for the working masses who yet form the bulk of the crowds they go out to win over at every election.

A simple bill should be drawn up and passed into law to make it a requirement for employers to meet and treat with workers, whom they must recognise when once they have advised that an agreed number in their grouping has formed an association on their own or as part of a national organisation.

Union members who embraced the struggle as their own under Frank Walcott’s (Rt. Excellent Sir Frank) generalship will recall the oft-repeated warning, with the Rt. Excellent Sir Frank preferring the use of the word “vigilance” instead of Rt. Excellent Sir Hugh’s “watchfulness”. And the warning was repeated by Sir Frank’s successor, and is still now being sounded: in greater measure, in lesser measure, with harsh words, with more gentle words, the drive to gain maximally is winning over the drive to win optimally. Labour gets forgotten and becomes, for the occasion, a commodity which may transmogrify into a sainted choir colleague on church day. At work it is a commodity.

This matter has been thought of before. Some critics, who have recognised that it is the case in many of our neighboring islands, have put forward the view that the workers and their representatives are made to suffer because (a) political leaders are afraid of offending potential investors, or because (b) they prefer to exercise the power of some divinity who has to be approached when gifts like recognition are sought.

The central point of this aspect of the article is still pertinent: the posit is that, after the country has reached the Platinum stage, it is still, regrettably, having to deal with relationship issues at work for which there must be a greater attempt at remedy. I refer to trade union recognition and I do as well to the use of social dialogue channels.

The second matter which the B.W.U. would welcome at this time is a more meaningful commitment to Social Dialogue. At this time efforts are being made to draft a Protocol Seven to guide social partnership interaction. It would not be out of place to remark here that many critics and observers are feverishly seeking for a new model

The truth is that what will really deter the serious is not the workers’ exercise of their freedom to associate; what will deter and frustrate is the sense of uncertainty which could be made to cloud the labour environment. In Barbados there are no jokers in the pack, no scorpions lurking in dark In the seventy five years of its existence there recesses to wreak havoc. There is, however, the have been some bright moments when, of their debilitation for Capital and for Labour which can own accord or working with the Union, Employers result from the unjust and often inhumane denial have adopted a more genteel approach to Labour. of a worker’s fundamental rights.

This article publicly wishes to acknowledge in a composite manner those persons and the several More will be stated about this when the Union instances of such excellence. reflects more fully on its 75th Anniversary.

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75TH ANNIVERSARY MESSAGE Labour remains ready to step up its role. It recognises that fifty years for us as a nation represents a launching pad for treating our growth and development concerns differently.

to guide how we will manage our decision-making processes. Within all of this the B.W.U. is aware that the Real Economy may become overlooked, and the importance of ensuring the welfare of the world of work may be forgotten.

The B.W.U. has undertaken to renew its central position in working with the several private sector employers who value the work ethic which we embrace even whilst we fight for workers’ rights and or a voice at the workplace. We have shaken off the earlier rejection we suffered and will work with Government at all levels, aware, as we are, that we may not slacken our pace; there is no space for complacency. We will work with other unions, where they will have us, not as a part of any helpless structure, but as a partner understanding that unity is strength. ď Ž

The level of discussion, planning and review which has to take place ought not to be taken for granted.

The entrepreneur must not be taken for granted; it is to him that the country must look to devise, develop, market and sell competitive products, providing Decent jobs in the process. If the jobs are not Decent, if there is no discussion between and among the partners, then the attempts to capitalise on our comparative advantages will fail to underscore the success of the plans we make.

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The Role Of The Ministry Of Labour In The Advancement Of Industrial Relations Practices In Barbados

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across sectors and across the country. This mandate is carried out through consultation, inspection, conciliation and articulating policy, regulation and legislation.

arbados has achieved much in the arena of industrial relations and can boast a degree of peace and stability in general.

This has been achieved through the individual and collective work of the workers, especially the Barbados Workers’ Union, the Employers and the Government. The latter has a dual role as the largest employer and as the regulator and legislator.

While the work of most Government ministries can affect industrial relations, especially where policies have social or economic implications, it is the purview of the Ministry of Labour, especially the Labour Department, to maintain and improve industrial relations in individual workplaces,

In the early industrial environment, it was recognised that while most people needed a job to enable them to meet their most basic needs, an individual worker by himself had absolutely no power and influence over the might of Capital. That power imbalance was seen to give rise to expressions of social discontent and unrest inside and outside of the workplace. Inside the workplace the expressions could be through sabotage and low morale. In the wider community there could be general disorder, elevated levels of social discontent and riots.

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The primary aim in what has become known as Industrial Relations sought to address the power imbalance between workers and employers – Labour and Capital.

into meaningful collectives. As such, the Act sets out a level of workplace regulation not prescribed for any other sectors. This is also the rationale for establishing a Minimum Wage for shop assistants. In other sectors, trade union organisation and collective bargaining processes will ensure those standards.

The Shops Act is used as indicative of the minimum arrangements and standards encouraged across other sectors.

To that end, workers had to be encouraged and facilitated in banding together as a unit capable of counter-balancing the power of Capital. There was however one little problem: such actions were against the law and seen to be in restraint of trade, resulting in dismissal of participants and opening the trade union leadership to civil and criminal actions against them. Even engagement in peaceful picketing exposed persons to similar perils.

One of the most basic, most fundamental actions of the State in Industrial Relations has been the establishment of a legal environment that would allow for trade union organisation, collective bargaining and peaceful picketing, so that today in Barbados the right to freedom of assembly and association is enshrined in the Constitution at Section 21. The Trade Union Act first passed in 1939 and proclaimed in 1940, was immediately followed by the registration of the Barbados Workers’ Union in 1941, 75 years ago.

Another fundamental role defined for the Labour Department is that of providing the mechanisms through which conflict can be resolved at both the individual and collective levels.

Before industrial relations practices were adopted, relations at work were mainly private matters between master and servant. Changing ideas and ideals have moved society away from that concept of master and servant, to an employer/employee understanding of the employment relationship. The revised understanding accepts that antagonisms, differences of opinion and conflicting views and interests will give rise to tensions and disputes both at the individual and collective levels.

Another fundamental role defined for the Labour Department is that of providing the mechanisms through which conflict can be resolved at both the individual and collective levels. The Labour Department Act sets out that it shall be the duty of the Chief Labour Officer to receive and investigate all representations of employers or of employees, with a view to the settlement of disputes and grievances and to conciliation. Since 1964 voluntary conciliation, facilitated through the Labour Department and the Ministry of Labour, has effectively supplanted the use of the Trade Disputes (Arbitration and Enquiry) Act, 1939.

Collective Action While collective action places workers on a more equitable footing with Capital, it is recognised that not all workers will be in a situation that facilitates collective action. In order to ensure certain basic standards in employment below which no worker in Barbados should be allowed to fall, the State institutes legal obligations in the employment arrangement. Some examples of these in Barbados include the Holidays with Pay Act, the Protection of Wages Act and the Employment of Women (Maternity Leave) Act. The Shops Act is particularly interesting, since it seeks to compensate for the reality that workers in this area – shop assistants, will be engaged in small dispersed units across the island and may not be best placed to be organised

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International Obligations

the most recent being the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006. Giving expression to these As a member of the world community of nations, instruments has been central to the work of the Barbados has obligations at the international, Ministry of Labour. The 1998 ILO Declaration hemispheric and regional levels. The CARICOM of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work treaty – the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, embodies the eight core Conventions of the ILO. requires member States to promote human and These core Conventions are among those ratified social development through measures to facilitate by Barbados. The ILO Decent Work Agenda and the the organisation and development of harmonious ILO Code of Practice on HIV/AIDS are examples of labour and industrial relations. The Council for other ILO dictates that inform Barbados’ agenda.

Human and Social Development (COHSOD) is the forum through which labour management Occupational Safety And Health matters are addressed at the CARICOM level.

Within the Organisation of American States (OAS), Among the perils of industrialisation are the Barbados is actively involved in the work of the dangers presented to workers’ safety, health Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour and well-being. Occupational Safety and Health (IACML). Barbados is currently the incoming Chair (OSH), as a discipline, emerged to change the for that body and the XX IACML will be held here focus from ‘getting the job done at any cost’ in November 2017. Perhaps more widely known to that of ‘getting the job done safely’. The Factories Act and the Accidents and Occupational Diseases (Notification) Act came into operation in 1952. In the absence of legislation up to then, national promotional activities, awarenessbuilding and education efforts had to be relied upon. Under the initial Factories Act, Labour Officers undertook OSH inspection functions. A significant development came in 1982 - 83 when a new Factories Act was proclaimed and Factory Inspection was appointed as a discipline in its own right. Today, the Safety and Health at Work (SHaW) Act covers safety, health and well-being in all workplaces as opposed to only “factories” and prescribes for their inspection.

Within the Organisation of American States (OAS), Barbados is actively involved in the work of the Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labour (IACML).

is Barbados’ membership in the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Barbados attends the International Labour Conference annually and the Ministry of Labour must facilitate the attendance of a duly constituted tripartite delegation to that conference.

ILO Convention 81 – Concerning Labour Inspection in Industry and Commerce, articulates a system of labour inspection to enforce the laws relating to conditions of work and the protection of workers.

Under the Labour Department, such inspections, not just for OSH, are routine and generally, employers and employees offer their cooperation, The International Labour Organisation issues a support and encouragement in these endeavours. range of instruments – Protocols, Declarations, Recommendations and Conventions. Barbados Injuries still do occur though and compensation has ratified thirty-seven (37) ILO Conventions, is required. Here in Barbados, the Workmen’s

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Compensation Act came into force in 1943 providing for compulsory employment injury insurance before the National Insurance began providing Employment Injury benefits.

The Chief Labour Officer is an ex-officio member of the National Insurance Board where a tripartite arrangement obtains.

the new Shops Act; a revised Holidays with Pay Act currently before Parliament; and Employment Sexual Harassment and Discrimination (Prevention) in the Workplace legislation nearing completion, the Ministry of Labour has been doing much to satisfy the requirements of this Convention.

Convention 150 also requires that public authorities Standards, Activities And Programmes provide technical advice to employers and employees and their representative organisations.

ILO Convention 150 – Concerning Labour The Labour Department has been carrying out Administration: Role, Functions and Organisation this role for 75 years. describes the Labour Administration as covering all public administration bodies responsible for or In Industrial Relations, the Ministry of Labour engaged in activities in the field of national labour plays a central role promoting desirable standards policy. The Convention requires each Member State and practices while keeping the systems under to make arrangements to secure consultation, review with a view to improvement. The assumed cooperation and negotiation between employers role of the Ministry of Labour at the national and employees’ representatives and between level mirrors the mandated role of the ILO at the public authorities and representatives of employers international level that is, to set labour standards, and employees. develop policies and devise programmes to promote “decent work”. The Ministry supports In Barbados, tripartite dialogue is institutionalised parties in their positive endeavours and makes through the Social Partnership. The Minister of services available for the facilitation of dispute Labour chairs a working sub-committee, while the resolution. It is then a source of satisfaction to Prime Minister chairs the plenary body. Tripartite be in a position to report to the national and the dialogue also occurs in the development of international community that, from the inception national labour and other policy and legislation. At of the modern system of labour administration the local/plant level, dialogue between employers commencing with the arrival in Barbados of the and employees’ representatives takes place first Labour Officer Guy Perrin in 1940, the Labour routinely through collective bargaining processes Department, in its varying incarnations, has played and representation. In its early stages, it took and continues to play its role in the advancement national policy framework, encouragement and of industrial relations practices in Barbados. facilitation to achieve this dialogue which is now the accepted norm.

On this, the occasion of its 75th anniversary as the first registered trade union in this our fair land, the The ILO Convention 150 further requires that Ministry of Labour and the Labour Department competent bodies prepare and review national congratulate the Barbados Workers’ Union – the labour policy and the laws to give effect to that most influential trade union in Barbados, on policy. These bodies shall keep policies and laws its sterling work with the other stakeholders in under review for defects and abuses and submit industrial relations, including the Ministry of proposals to address such defects and abuses. Labour, and on its role in the advancement of With the significant pieces of labour legislation Industrial Relations in Barbados.  being enacted in recent years - the Safety and Health at Work Act, the Employment Rights Act,

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STALWARTS OF THE B.W.U.

Sir Grantley Adams And His Role In The Social Revolution The following is an abbreviated version of the first part of a paper presented

by Sir Alexander Hoyos, historian and educator during a lecture series to mark the 40th anniversary of the Barbados Workers’ Union.

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by Sir Alexander Hoyos,

and other territories in the West Indies. In due course, the Commission reported, declaring that the situation in the West Indies was rapidly approaching a crisis and that the condition of things in Barbados was worse than in any other West Indies territory. Adams could not have been born in a less auspicious time.

G

rantley Adams (Rt. Excellent Sir Grantley) is perhaps one of the most controversial figures in the history of Barbados.

He was involved in sharp differences of opinion at almost every stage of his career. We are still too near to his times to be able to make an on objective appraisal of his character and career.

His father was Fitz Herbert Adams and it is interesting to note, by sheer force of character and persistence, that the latter was able to triumph over the unhappy circumstances of the times.

He was a teacher and rose to become a headmaster of St. Giles. But the salaries paid to teachers in those days were appallingly low. Yet it is remarkable that The fact that the picture, which once stood at he was able to provide a secondary education for the head of that gallery of luminaries has been each of his seven children and those included two taken down since 1954 is but one instance of the girls. But times were not easy and it is significant disputatious polemics in which he was involved that Grantley had to win an Exhibition to go from St. Giles to Harrison College and that he had to during hi long and at times turbulent career. win the Barbados Scholarship in 1918 ( a fiercely Adams was born on April 28, 1898. A year before competitive thing in those days) to take him to that a Royal Commission (Norman) had been Oxford and Gray’s Inn, London. appointed to investigate conditions in Barbados

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STALWARTS OF THE B.W.U. Adams And O’Neal

emphasised by Mr. Morris between O’Neal’s two organisations, the Democratic League and the Workingmen’s Association, and the local branch of Garvey’s organisation, the United Negro Improvement Association (U.N.I.A).

Thirdly, at this stage of his career, Adams was not really a Liberal, the influence of Oxford and Asquith notwithstanding.

Grantley Adams returned to Barbados in 1925.

By that time the Democratic League was well established under the leadership of Dr. Charles Duncan O’Neal; and Clement Inniss and Clennel Wickham at the Herald were giving it a voice and a fighting faith such as no movement in Barbados had ever received before.

Wickham struck at the heart of the matter in a trenchant article he wrote in the Herald in 1925. In that article, he warned Adams that, if he intended to throw himself in strange company – in the company of those who wanted children to be employed without passing through a school house – in the company of those who refused native born Barbadians a place in the Established Church, he would find himself, Wickham concluded, in vey bad company. (Herald, July 26, 1925).

I have no intention of retracing the ground covered

by Mr. Robert Morris in the paper he read to us on June 7th last. The narrative he provided is well documented and it must be generally accepted as an objective record of the facts. But I venture to make some remarks on his analysis and assessment of some if the activities of Adams and his contemporaries. In the first place, O’Neal was not a Socialist – certainly not in the Marxist of Marxist-Leninist sense if the term. This point was made more clearly in a paper Mr. Morris prepared for another occasion two years ago. At no time, as Mr. Morris then emphasised, did O’Neal openly advocate the liquidation of private property.” The 1937 Disturbances – search for a Hero page 2). At no time did he advocate the total control by the state of the instruments of production, distribution and exchange (ibid). At no time did he publicly advocate the conversion of private property in land and capital into collective ownership.

Nonetheless, Adams went his own impetuous and willful way. It is indisputable that he contributed materially to the failure of the strike of 1927, that he proved a formidable barrier to the progress of the Democratic League, that in 1930, he helped to smash the “Herald” and thus brought almost irretrievable ruin to the career of Clennel Wickham, one of the greatest journalists in the whole history of Barbados.

Conversion For this reason, the charge made by the oligarchs of the day that he was a “Bolshevist” must be seen If anyone had been able to look into the future, as fantasy born of fear. he might have been move to utter the ancient lamentation “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou In the second place, O’Neal was not a racist. Like Me?” For Adams was before long to travel along his his mentor, Marcus Garvey, he sought to inculcate own road to Damascus. The man who persecuted in the black man a sense of racial dignity and a those who followed the Democratic faith was to racial elf-respect. This is, of course, a perfectly join the fold and become its most formidable legitimate thing. champion.

Incidentally, if I may return to the picture on the Mr. Morris sees Adams’s turn at an earlier date than wall, I would venture to express the opinion that I DO. For me, the positive signs of his conversion Garvey’s picture should be placed next to that of were shown when he first took his seat in the O’Neal in view of the close connection, rightly

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STALWARTS OF THE B.W.U. House of Assembly (1934). Several points may be made here to demonstrate the change of policy.

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at once took the opportunity to warn the House that the native Barbadian was not much different from the native of St. Kitts (Hansard 11/936). By 1. Instead of writing for a Conservative paper like this time his attitude to the planters was plain the Agricultural Reporter (now defunct), he for all to see. He accused Douglas Pile, then the now contributed regularly to the radical paper, leading figure in the planter group, of living in the The Observer, which had been founded in 1934 Middle Ages and warned in the famous words of

by W. A. Crawford T.W.B. O’Neal, that “the flood gates were open” and that no one could now shut them (Ibid) 2. He began to make speeches of a radical nature such as had never before heard in the House One scholar, (Morris) has suggested that Adams’ of Assembly stand at this stage of his career was due not to principle but to personal pique, but I can find no 3. Clennel Wickham, with a magnanimity that is evidence to support this view. rare in public life, at once welcomed him to the fold and rallied to his support. For Wickham What I do know is that, from the time he made his realised that the man, who had done so much position in the House abundantly clear, the white damage to the Democratic cause, could now solicitors, who almost completely dominated and prove its great champion because of his controlled the legal profession, at once cut off the platform oratory, his combative nature and his lucrative briefs that used to flow in this direction. intellectual pugnacity.

The disturbances spread from St. Kitts to other Attempts were soon made in the House to silence territories in the West Indies. And when the storm him, as other representatives of the people had eventually struck Barbados in July 1937 Adams been silenced before. But Adams was made of was regarded as Suspect Number One. The ruling sterner stuff. planter-merchant group was convinced that his sustained agitation for reform had aroused and Early in 1935, after an attempt to harass him, he excited the public’s mind beyond control. warned the House that there was “a limit to the forbearance of even so patient an animal as the Adams And Payne average Barbadian”.

The immediate cause of the outbreak in Barbados He pointed to the slums on Bridgetown and said was the campaign for trade unionism conducted that there had once been similar slums in Paris by a young man, Clement Payne, who had arrived “where the people lived like rats”. He recalled in the Island in March 1937. He held 17 meetings remarks attributed to Marie Antoinette on a certain in Barbados, urging the workers to combine for occasion and warned that the French Revolution the purpose of improving their conditions of had followed (Hansard, 12/2/35). The constant employment. The authorities grew concerned protests Adams made about the living conditions about his activities and before long decided to of the poor gave rise to a spirit of uneasiness take action. He was arrested and charged “with in the island. His speeches on the House were having willfully and falsely declared that he was a regarded as particularly inflammatory because of Barbadian when he landed in the Island.” the increasing unrest in the Caribbean. The year 1935 saw the first labour disturbance of the 1930s Adams declined to appear for Payne in the Lower in the area that is in the island of St. Kitts. Adams Court unless he was paid for his professional

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services. Later, when he received his fee, he defended Payne in the Court of Appeal and secured his acquittal from the charge on which he had been convicted in the Lower Court. Nevertheless, the authorities decided to deport Payne from the island. That deportation was the signal for the outbreak of the Disturbances of 1937 which began on the evening of July 26.

Actually, there is no need to be confused by this kind of situation.

For, in the same way as I have tried to point out that the Adams, who opposed Why did Adams refuse to appear for Payne in the the Democratic lower court unless he was paid a fee? That is a League in the question that has long exercised the minds of earlier years, historians and other scholars. There may well be was completely, several answers to this question:different from the Adams who 1. Adams did not, at least at the time, accept later translated Payne’s bona fides as a labour leader into reality the programme of 2. He was determined to establish that the only reform advocated link between him and Payne was a purely by O’Neal. professional one The historian, if 3. He submitted to the Deane Commission that he is a realist, Payne, according to one of his associates must make (Chase), was paid by the Chamber of Commerce allowances for the facts of human nature, for the and the Conservative Electors’ Association to contradictions of the human personality. oppose the reform of the Legislative Council which was regarded by all Progressives as the Public Enemy No. 1 bastion of Conservatism in Barbados. It is on record, however, that this was denied both by The circumspect manner, in which Adams the Chamber of Commerce and the Electors’ conducted his dealings with Payne, did not save Association (Deane Commission Report, p2). him from the dark suspicions of the ruling oligarchs.

A letter in The Observer reported the warning by 4. The fact remains, however, that there was a a planter in Broad Street that, if shooting started marked difference, as Dr. Francis Mark has again, Adams and his wife and child would be pointed out, between the Payne of the Lower liquidated (Observer, August 21, 1937) Green and the Payne of Golden Square, ‘History of the B.W.U. p4). In the Lower Green, Payne The Police, described by Payne as “lackeys” of spoke to middle class audiences, attacking the the Capitalists, fired shots into Tyrol Cot when liberal proposals for constitutional reform and they passed by and Adams and his family were embracing his fellow members of the Political forced to sleep in the basement of the house. His Association. At Golden Square, a little later, watchman, Macdonald Jones, was shot and there Payne was the militant proletariat preaching is little doubt that the bullet was intended for the gospel of trade unionism, (Ibid p2) Adams, (Mark, p 83).

Nevertheless, the authorities decided to deport Payne from the island. That deportation was the signal for the outbreak of the Disturbances of 1937 which began on the evening of July 26.

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STALWARTS OF THE B.W.U. An attempt was made to burn down Tyrol Cot and a report of that attempt in the Observer led to criminal libel suit against that newspaper.

Those and other incidents produced an alarming situation and before long it was decided to send Adams to London to inform the Colonial Office of the prevailing state of affairs and to press for an investigation by a Royal Commission.

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After the visit to the Royal West India Commission, Adams threw himself, with characteristic vigour, into the battle for democracy and social justice.

It is of some significance that on the eve of his departure for the UK, three coloured middle class lawyers interviewed the Attorney General, who was the key figure in the ruling Oligarchy, and urged that Adams should be disbarred and a charge of sedition be brought against him. That was the best flare-up” or the harbinger of a “social revolution”? way they could think of ingratiating themselves to The action taken after 1937 and the rapidity of the ruling oligarchy. social change from that date rightly led him to the conclusion that the latter was the case. (Morris, Adams’ visit to the UK in October was supported Report on Research Topic, p 10) by a petition signed by more than 2,000 people, including such notables as C.A. Brathwaite, Dr. The Old Age Act Pension was passed in 1937, the H.G. Cummins, James A. Tudor, Dan F. Blackett Trade Disputes Act and the Minimum Wage Act in and Wynter A. Crawford. That petition invited the 1938, the Trade Union Act in 1939. These measures Secretary of State to meet “a true, faithful and were followed in quick succession by the Labour worthy representative” of Barbados (Observer Department Act, the Workmen’s Compensation September 15, 1937).

Act, the Wages Board Act and the Education Amendment Act, all in the same year, 1943. The After the visit to the Royal West India Commission, Factory Bill and the Town and Country Planning Adams threw himself, with characteristic vigour, Bill were made into law, together with the Shops into the battle for democracy and social justice.

Act. Faith And Hope

Here one might pause to reflect on the nature of this legislation. The Minimum Wage Act was the The prevailing mood of the people at the time first major step in the development of the modern was one of faith and hope. Faith and hope in system of Industrial Relations in Barbados (Mark 61). “the result of Adams’s mission to England in Certainly, the most important piece of legislation 1037; in the effectiveness of labour legislation; in during this period was the Trade Union Act. At first the new labour office; in the reforming effect of it was introduced with such important provisions the Royal Commission’s visit; in the protection it as peaceful picketing and immunity from actions was expected the Colonial Office would provide of tort. Adams’ warning about the dissatisfaction against the Conservative elite in Barbados” (Mark, if the workers and the visit of the Royal West India p79) Commission brought about a change and the Bill was placed on the Statute Book in 1939 with the Mr. Morris has raised the question whether the second provision. But peaceful picketing had to 1937 disturbances were merely “an unfortunate wait until a much later date. 

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STALWARTS OF THE B.W.U.

Rt. Excellent Sir Hugh Springer Architect And Builder

by Orlando Scott

spectacular and unexcelled rise of Sir Hugh Worrell Springer, Barbados’ third native Governor-General.

For six years up to 1990, Sir Hugh held that post, following the death of his predecessor, Sir Deighton Ward.

“It is right that people aspire to greatness and also remember to honour those who deserve to be honoured.

A nation without heroes is spiritually impoverished”. . H. W. Springer, Acting Governor of Barbados, 1964.

Taken from “For Love of Country – The National Heroes of Barbados.

Sir Hugh’s long and distinguished academic career and public service marked him as among the greatest Barbadians of all time. A 1931 Barbados he Barbados Workers’ Scholar in Classics, Union is pleased achieved at Harrison to highlight the life College, Sir Hugh, who of National Hero, the Rt. received his primary Excellent Sir Hugh Worrell education at Wesley Hall Springer, its first general Boys’ School, later stood secretary, 1941-1947. Sir in the vanguard of public Hugh was one of three education policy-making National Heroes who were Officers of the B.W.U., the others being Rt. throughout the Commonwealth for most of his Excellent Sir Grantley Herbert Adams, the B.W.U.’s life. (ibid) first president general and Rt. Excellent Sir Frank Leslie Walcott, Sir Hugh’s successor.

The Barbados Scholarship qualified him for entry to Hartford College at Oxford University where From educator, to politician, leader of organised he gained a B.A. degree in 1936. He obtained the labour, Parliamentarian, member of the M.A. degree from this institution in 1944, studied Government and, finally, to the pinnacle of law at the Inner Temple, London and was called public life as Head of State. To quote the booklet to the Bar in 1938. On his return to Barbados, he ‘National Heroes of Barbados’, p 22, this was the was invited by Sir Grantley to join the progressive

T

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STALWARTS OF THE B.W.U. movement and he was elected as the first General Secretary and Organiser of the B.W.U., serving from 1940 to 1947. Sir Grantley, hailed as “Moses”, and Sir Hugh proved to be a formidable duo, collectively using Parliament, the political platform and the collective bargaining table as vehicles in their call for social and political change in the country.

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in partnership with Sir G r a nt l e y and others, laid down a rock-solid foundation for the modernisation of Barbados, by providing a firm structure for the Labour Movement, the outgrowth of which were a strong trade union organisation in the B.W.U. and a mass-based political party in the B.L.P., both of which worked collectively and individually towards the break down of the barriers associated with three hundred years of colonialism in Barbados.

Following the completion of his early mission in Barbados, in 1948, at the age of 35 years, he took up duties as the first Registrar of the University College of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.

Sir Hugh worked in a variety of professional and political capacities. He was engaged in private practice as a barrister-at-law in Barbados from 1938 to 1947 and served as Parliamentary representative for the parish of St. George from 1940 to 1947, General Secretary of the Barbados Labour Party, Acting Governor and Commanderin-Chief of Barbados, as well as serving as Director, Commonwealth Education Liaison Unit, Commonwealth Assistant Secretary-General of the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

His already distinguished career advanced even further in 1944 when he was appointed a member of the Executive Committee, thus increasing Labour’s representation as Sir Grantley had become a member two years earlier. In a 1946 Barbados Progressive League-Congress Party coalition, led by Sir Grantley as the first Premier in the history of Barbados, Sir Hugh held responsibility for Education, Legal Departments, Agriculture and Fisheries.

“Hugh Springer’s organising genius at this stage was of the first importance to the Labour Movement”.

Building The Foundation

Sir Hugh had returned to Barbados well qualified for the task which lay before him, he having been associated in Britain with the Fabian Society, which advocated the end of colonial rule and whose membership included labour icons like Sir Walter Citrine, along with reformist like Sir Stafford Cripps and Arthur Creech-Jones and which advocated the end of colonial rule.

The early part of Sir Hugh’s life’s work in building the foundations of the Barbados Workers’ Union is worthy of fuller research and ventilation. If not the architect, he was the builder of an array of political and educational institutions which, radically transformed the Barbadian society and ameliorated the living conditions of countless thousands. In the ten-year span between 1938 and 1947, while serving as General Secretary of the Barbados Progressive League, the Barbados Labour Party and the Barbados Workers’ Union, Sir Hugh, skilled as a brilliant organiser and administrator,

This article notes, in parenthesis, an aspect of Sir Hugh’s life’s work of which little is known, and that is his efforts in preparing young Barbadian males, members of the well known (but now defunct) Weymouth Club, in the science of politics and the art of public speaking, among whom were Frank Walcott (now Rt. Excellent), whom he recruited as his assistant in the B.W.U. in 1945, former MP, the late Owen T. Allder, Charles Alleyne, former head of the Statistical Department, and Gladstone Holder, former Chief Information Officer and journalist.

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Having been elected to the office of General Secretary, the Barbados Progressive League, the parent body of the Barbados Labour Party, its political section and the Barbados Workers’ Union, its economic section, benefited tremendously from Sir Hugh’s administrative skills. So remarkable was Sir Hugh’s stewardship as the Union’s first general secretary that historian, Sir Alexander Hoyos wrote: “Hugh Springer’s organising genius at this stage was of the first importance to the Labour Movement”. The administrative work of the Union, in its formative years was done primarily

by Sir Hugh, since there was no secretariat. The business of the Union, including, the handling of grievances, was managed by the Officers – President, General Secretary and Treasurer- and the Executive Council who met on evenings at the League’s headquarters, corner of Swan and Lucas Streets, before the B.W.U. bought its headquarters building, corner of Fairchild Street/Nelson Streets.

Sir Frank, who was recruited as Sir Hugh’s assistant, became the first paid officer of the Union.

more than eighty hours per week to sixty; the bakers were classified, wages were increased with minimum rates fixed for each grade and a scale of overtime pay introduced; the inhuman practice of locking bakers in bakeries throughout the night was also abolished by this agreement.

This was a landmark collective not only in the sense that it revealed the oppressive environment in which the average worker toiled, but it showed that, under Sir Hugh’s guidance, for the first time in the history of Barbados, workers were benefiting from what are now common achievements such as (a) reduced working hours, (b) classification of grades and scales, and (c) and vastly improved working conditions.

Another major accomplishment was the negotiation between the Union representatives and the Foundries, under the chairmanship of the Labour Commissioner. As a result of this agreement, there were wage increases, with engineers placed for the first time in grades and In Barbados the dramatic upheaval of 1937 was minimum rates agreed to. In addition, the term responsible for the coming into being of the Trade of apprenticeship was regulated and a system of Union Movement and by the time the nations were regular examinations brought into existence. at war in 1939 there was developing the machinery of collective bargaining.

Major Tests Under Sir Hugh’s able guidance, the machinery for collective bargaining, the election of shop stewards and delegates, and grievance handling was established to bring a measure of efficiency for settling grievances and preparing for negotiations.

It was therefore not too long after the registration of the Union that it began its mission of seeking to improve wages and conditions of work for members of the divisions.

The major tests of the Union’s capacity for leadership came when in 1942, just one year after it was formally established. A leading unionist, D.R. Holder was dismissed by the Works Manager at the Foundry in circumstances which the division regarded as “wrongful dismissal”.

After intervention by the Governor, the Union agreed that the men should return to work, and on conclusion of the evidence heard before an arbitration tribunal, a compromise was reached, Outstanding Achievement Holder apologised “for any loss of temper’, and the Foundry agreed to reemploy him. The B.W.U.’s The outstanding achievement of the early period Second Annual Report commenting on this stated, was the agreement negotiated in 1940 between “The Engineers Division exhibits in times of crisis the B.P.L. (Bakers’ Division) and their employees, a solidarity which is reassuring. by which: the hours of work were reduced from

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STALWARTS OF THE B.W.U. The other test came two years later, in 1944, when a founder-member of the Union, MacDonald Brathwaite was dismissed by the Barbados Foundry. He had served the Foundry for 25 years from apprentice to senior workman and had been Secretary of the Division from its inception.

The Executive Council of the Union felt that Brathwaite’s dismissal was “a challenge to its influence and an attempt to strike a deathblow at the vigorous growth of unity among the workers in city and country, and in factory and field”.

Conciliation failed and a strike took place on October 21, 1944, which lasted eight weeks. In this testing time, the Union rapidly grew in stature and derived inspiration for the fight for the worker from the response of trade unionists and others in Barbados and elsewhere.

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Orange Hill and Carlton in St. James; Speightstown, St. Peter: and Ellerton and Market Hill, St. George.

This system continued, though in a minor, into the decade of the late 1970s especially among the divisions in the agricultural sector.

Membership had also grown from 330 in 1943 to 10 647, as a consequence of the mobilisation of factory and particularly field workers in the agricultural belt. Following Walcott’s appointment in 1945, a thrust was made, on his initiative and Springer’s backing, to unionise field workers across the island, a move which resulted in greater reach of the workers in the sugar industry, then Barbados’ leading economic sector, by the Barbados Labour Party and the Barbados Workers’ Union. The B.W.U.’s success was achieved even as the Congress Party, under Wynter Crawford was striving for a foothold in the rural parishes.

Unionists in Trinidad, learning of the efforts to break the strike, publicised the facts of the case, started a collection and sent the Union substantial sums of money to the Union. Barbadians in Curacao also rallied to the support of the Union making it unmistakably clear that trade unionism had taken on a Caribbean aspect. Following the intervention of the Governor – although Comrade Brathwaite was not reinstated – he was offered and accepted a substantial gratuity. He was later employed by the Union as an organiser.

Before the passing of the Trade Union Act in 1939, the Barbados Progressive League had already organised several groups of workers, mainly from the urban corridor, and was actively engaged on their behalf. When the Trade Union Act came into force in August 1940, bakers, printers, coopers, longshoremen, engineers, seamen were ready to make a formal start. On registration on October 4, 1941, the Union’s first officers were Grantley H. Adams, President, Hilton A. Coulston, Treasurer, Hugh W. Springer, General Secretary, with Caleb Better Conditions Mose, J.B. Springer and J.T.C. Ramsay (Trustees).

Members of the Council were – Chaucer Greenidge,

By October, 1946, as a result of the resolute McDonald Brathwaite (Engineers), Clyde Gibson, endeavour, tempered by a spirit of reasonableness, Alphonso Gibson (Printers), Reynold Grant, under Sir Hugh’s leadership as General Secretary, Cleophas Bourne (Longshoremen), C. Medford there was a record of better conditions for the (Baker), C. Butcher and Dalrymple (Coopers, T. worker and increased wages, thus paving the Symmonds (Seamen). way for a higher standard of living not only in the worker’s immediate circle but throughout Springer, who, in 1941, was twenty-eight years of the community. Additionally, under the prudent age when the B.W.U. was registered, was faced guidance of Sir Hugh, in the absence of modern- with the daunting challenge of seeking to build a day check-off system and the insufficiency of trade union organisation in a hostile environment mechanised transport, collection agencies were controlled by the planter-merchant oligarchs. set up with agents in the outlying districts and When he resigned his post of General Secretary parishes, such as St. Andrew; Sugar Hill, St. Joseph; of the Barbados Labour Party and the B.W.U. to

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assume the post of Registrar of the University College of the West Indies, he was satisfied that the joint efforts of the Barbados Labour Party, by virtue of its robust debate in Parliament for an enlightened approach by the Government , and its growing influence at the bargaining table, the progressive movement had made the start towards the democratisation of the social institutions in Barbados.

By 1946, Sir Hugh was able to state, with a degree of satisfaction: “The influence of five years of trade unionism has been tremendous. Wages are the keystone in the economic structure of a community, and when the lower income brackets have been increased, a leavening process begins which spreads through all classes and grades of workers. The Union has been responsible for negotiations resulting in higher wages in many branches of industry, improved working conditions and a measure of security undreamt of even in the immediate past.

“As a result of the solidarity of the worker and his determination to secure improvements and adjustments, employers have also entered upon the task of organisation and the Sugar Producers’ Federation and the Shipping Mercantile Association have been founded. The existence of these organisations, with the cooperation of the Labour Department, has materially assisted in the conduct of negotiations. But as was said in one of the Annual Delegates’ Report, the Union’s success cannot be measured in terms of expanded numbers ort even in terms of increased wages achieved. The Council feels that its greatest contribution is to create and to maintain between employee and employer an attitude of mutual respect and consideration”. 

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STALWARTS OF THE B.W.U.

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Memories Of A Mentor

by Ambassador Robert L. Morris

I

first met the late legendary trade unionist and politician, now the Rt. Excellent Sir Frank Leslie Walcott, National Hero of Barbados, at a meeting to which I had been invited for the purpose of working with the Principal of the Barbados Workers’ Union (B.W.U.) Labour College, Evelyn Greaves, novelist George Lamming, writer Anthony Hinkson, actor Earl Warner and others, to prepare a dramatic presentation as part of the Official Opening Ceremony of the B.W.U. Labour College at Mangrove in St. Philip in September, 1974. I was then an M Phil student working on my thesis: The Rise of the Labour Movement in the Caribbean, with special reference to Barbados, between 1920 and 1945.

expressed an interest in my joining his staff as his Personal Assistant.

I was also employed as a Teaching Assistant in the History Department at the Cave Hill Campus, then under the direction of Dr. (now Sir Keith Hunte), who was the first to intimate to me that (the General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union), Mr. (Frank) Walcott, as he then was, had

The meeting turned out to be an excellent one, and I provided the historical information and assistance in direction, on which “Meet Me in Golden Square” was composed.

Anthony Hinkson and I were contemporaries at Boys’ Foundation, and we were founder members of the Barbados Writers’ Workshop, which we started while we were students of Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, and we had cowritten “UNCHAINED”, the Barbados play for the first CARIFESTA in Guyana, in 1972. In 1974, Hinkson and I had travelled to York University in Canada for training in creative writing, under the late Barbadian novelist, Austin “Tom” Clarke.

After my participation in creating the skit, Evelyn Greaves, the Principal of the Labour College, and close associate of the General Secretary, would invite me to deliver lectures on the History of the Barbados Workers’ Union and the Caribbean

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Labour Movement. Mr. Walcott sometimes attended the lectures and made comments.

At that time I was busy delivering lectures on Clement Payne, and Dr. Charles Duncan O’Neal (Now National Heroes) and was challenging the Hoyos version of the role of Grantley Adams.

In terms of my trade union involvement, I had joined the Teachers’ Division of the Civil Service Association in 1965, and was on the Barbados Union of Teachers’ (BUT) Executive Council under John Cumberbatch while I was a student at Erdiston Teachers’ College. I was active in the BUT, when the separation from the CSA resulted in the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) and the BUT.

the gift of a lifetime to be mentored by the most outstanding trade unionist/ politician our country has ever seen. I differentiate him from Adams, whose forte was the cut and thrust of politics, rather than the boiler room of negotiations; from Springer whose career was in Education Administration, and from Leroy Trotman (now Sir Roy) who was not by temperament and ideology, fully sold on political unionism. Frank Walcott believed that trade union leaders had a role to play in party politics, supporting the party whose policies seemed most aligned with those of the trade union, but he was not supportive of an organic link between the trade union and the political party. As my views were similar to those of the person to whom I was attached as personal assistant, my ten years’ apprenticeship with him, laid the basis for my 30 years experience on the staff of the Barbados Workers’ Union.

When I worked as Tutor in History at the Barbados Community College from 1978 to 1981, I succeeded Leroy Inniss (later Judge) as the President of the B.W.U. division at the College.

Mr. Walcott recruited me from the College when I had just received a term’s leave, after working for fifteen years between 1965 and 1981, and had already arranged to travel to England to pursue research at the Public Records Office, and complete my dissertation. In the interview for the post as his personal assistant, he advised me that it was his third attempt to recruit me, that he had been a member of the audience at Yoruba Yard, when, on many occasions, I was expounding on the early labour movement, and that I should leave teaching history for a more meaningful career in the Labour Movement. He promised that I would be offered a scholarship to Rutgers University in the same way that Evelyn Greaves and Leroy Trotman had been, that my salary would be the on the same scale as his deputies, and that I could join the staff after preparing a research paper he had to provide the ILO.

Mentorship Frank’s main method of mentorship was through “intimate experiential transfer.” The most readily used strategies were: dissecting research papers; ‘pocket lectures’; editing his articles or speeches; acting as a sounding board; and introductions to his distinguished friends. It was an approach used with those whom he trusted and whose temperaments were compatible.

One of the first things Mr. Walcott asked me when I started my tenure with him was how we should address each other. We decided that I could call him Chief or G.S. I added Sir and used it often.

He decided Robert was austere, “Bobby” was friendlier.

The Chief would request written position papers on negotiations, especially national ones like sugar, the public sector and hotels; policy issues, reports, papers for teaching purposes at the Labour College, and for use at the International Labour Office (ILO), the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), ORIT, the American

Gift of a Lifetime I was accepted by the Executive Council once I made a written application for the post, and from 1981, to his resignation in 1991, I was afforded

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STALWARTS OF THE B.W.U. Institute of Free Labour Development (AIFLD), the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL), or for the commissions and committees on which he served.

Once the paper was received, he would invite me to a one-on-one and he would proceed to” tear holes” in whatever had been presented. He did not mince words, nor did he hesitate to condemn harshly. He would then sometimes discuss the matter at a seniors’ meeting where wider views were shared and incorporated into the paper. When he met to deal with the matter with employers, for instance, he would then use the arguments he had so passionately rebutted or criticised.

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the walls of the Sir Hugh Springer Auditorium.

Sometimes the main purpose of the pocket lecture was to say he was sorry, without saying so, for something he might have said in the heat of the moment, and his humanity and innate sense of decency felt he should correct.

At first I did not understand what was happening and asked him to explain. He advised me that if I could not defend my paper it was no use to him. I had experienced tutorials at Cave Hill, but none like these before. I learnt that he was using strategies which had been perfected by his trainers: the inimitable Grantley Adams, the B.W.U.’s first president general and Hugh Springer, the first general secretary. He never desisted from the strategy. Prepare the paper; get ready for a mind twisting, gut wrenching critique. Grow; get strong.

Pocket Lectures

But can you imagine the depth of knowledge shared in these lectures? Let me suggest some of the matters that could have been discussed in these lectures: how he felt when Sir Hugh offered to employ him and then he did not hear for a while; going to church with his mother and repeating her Biblical sayings; he and his weightlifting with Gold Bead and other physical culture colleagues; cricketing exploits; why Gabby should institutionalise sports in the union: cricket, half marathons, netball; his dislike of communism, imperialism, fascism and any undemocratic system; cooperatives and credit unions; his feelings about the Barbados Telephone Company and other industrial actions; the Union Choir, going into politics. Errol Barrow asked him if he would allow me to enter politics in the 1986 campaign.

He advised Mr. Barrow that he would talk to me.

Mr. Barrow had been talking to me providing information on my thesis. My aunt Clementina Kezia Morris was a cook at Culloden Farm. She felt she could challenge Mr. Barrow in the kitchen. He did not agree. When she went to Seawell Airport (now Grantley Adams) to depart for Canada, her boss, the Prime Minister of Barbados went to see her off, and told her that if things did not work out, she could “come and beg back for her job”. Would I want to be a candidate for his party? My boss told me that I could go far in politics but I should not lose by starting against a Prime Minister, who had power, money, connections, and a good reputation. I told him I had friends, community experience, discipline and organisational skills. He said he wished me luck.

Then the pocket lectures! My phone would ring, in the afternoon most of the times. The Chief was at the other end. “Bobby, can you come a minute?”

“Yes, Chief!” I hustled into his office, where one entered only on request. Sometimes Vere Rock, the Financial Controller or Gabby (Scott), the Public Relations Officer, was already there, sometimes both. Sometimes I was alone. Sometimes for an hour, sometimes for two, the Chief drew from deep inside his tool kit, his reservoir of experiences, his stories, his travels, his experiences. The Chief was a charming raconteur, a humorous man, sometimes with his fingers steepled and tapping the tips together, with laughter and his feet tapping the floor, enjoying every moment of the While I was at Harvard, Gabby (Scott) was already engagement. Out of such encounters Gabby would working with the late Sir Marcus Jordan, and the select colourful sayings, some of which now adorn late Peter Morgan to ease my way into politics.

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The late Tom Adams died while I was at Harvard.

When I returned to the island, the late (Dr. Robert) “Bobby” Thomas agreed that he would hand over the political baton to me. My boss could not give me any institutional support, other than his best wishes. They were enough to see me through.

Gabby and I edited many speeches, articles and even letters written by the Chief. Quite frankly, after a time the public could hardly distinguish the author, as our views coincided on so many matters. Gabby and I later mined the Union Speaks series and published a book outlining his career, and some excerpts which highlight his thoughts and views on several topics, as we understood the value of his contribution to the intellectual bases of industrial relations in Barbados. Frank loved writing, and understood that it was important to keep the Union’s position before the public constantly. He understood the values of Public Relations, Marketing and Corporate Communications and was able to attract mainline newspaper persons like Keith Seale and Gabby, whose skills spanned a wide range in areas that could maximise productivity in a union.

Pictured here: Comrades Clifford Mayers (l) and LeVere Richards,. (r)

Frank liked to interact with the brightest and the best. When I joined the Union Staff, he was in the process of consolidating the administrative team of his maturity. Males such as Evelyn Greaves, Leroy Trotman, LeVere Richards, Clifford Mayers, Tennyson Beckles, Stanley Nicholls, Vere Rock, Gabby Scott, Keith Seale, could do justice to any government department, or any private sector organisation. The females like Pauline Lucas, now Lady Walcott, Veronica Griffith, Evette Gibson,Yvonne Walkes, Ann Dottin, Wynell Worrell, Marjorie Benn, Joyce Blenman were persons of class. When we started to recruit newcomers like Coreen Gibson, that class was maintained as they were tested by professionals before the recruitment process was completed. These were all persons he could use as sounding boards. He did not like “yes men”, or “yes women”, or easy pushovers. The senior staff meeting was a seminar where everyone

Former Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley speaking at the B.W.U.’s 29th Annual Delegates’ Conference. Seated (l-r) are Sir Frank Walcott and B.W.U. Chaplain Canon Harold Tudor.

had to be prepared to learn. He was so impressed when he recruited Faye Alleyne, that when she graduated from Howard, he directed that I leave a Commonwealth Parliamentary Meeting in Quebec to join him in Maryland for her graduation. Faye and her colleague, the late Charmaine Bailey, were valuable and resounding sounding boards.

Finally, the Chief brought me and others in touch

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STALWARTS OF THE B.W.U. with Caribbean Icons like the late father and son team of Norman and Michael Manley of Jamaica, Professor Rex Nettleford, Professor George Eaton, Prime Minister Hugh Shearer, Professor Rawle Farley, and many others from the region as well as International Politicians and International Trade Unionists like Len Murray of the TUC, Shirley Carr of the Canadian Labour Congress. In celebrating our 50th Anniversary as a nation, it is well to remember that he persuaded the ICFTU to hold its Board Meeting in Barbados, at the new Hilton, allowing his colleagues on staff at that time to meet with the President of the AFL-CIO, George Meany and many other international greats.

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and union staff negotiators, in relation to the Executive Council and the office of the General Secretary; the implications of strike action for union financing and solidarity associations; the possible consequences of a general strike; relationships with the Barbados Employers’ Confederation and the Labour Department, among other technical and policy issues. It took all of the Chief’s maturity, natural guile, experience, status, and strength, to overcome the greatest challenge to the Union since its inception. Had the Union failed to stem the challenge to its existence, its future would have been most uncertain.

The Chief institutionalised a lunch arrangement at the old Hilton in the 1980’ s where his young protégées on staff got the opportunity to meet with persons from the university, Frank Alleyne, now Sir Frank, and Courtney Blackman, or the late Sir John Stanley Goddard, hosting lunches to introduce colleagues to the social graces.

Following the end of the dispute, the Chief was faced with mediating between staff of the Telephone Company, insisting they should withdraw from a union negotiated pension scheme, a matter which caused him considerable angst. When a probationer was dismissed without being allowed representation, the Chief used the signed collective agreement to show that the Company was in breach, and that its decision could not stand. I was then exposed to a case at the Bridgetown Port where a highly respected official in the Personnel area was under pain of termination, and was given the full attention by the Chief. In all these early opportunities to observe the Chief at work I made the following observations: his professionalism reduced personalities to a secondary situation; his focus was on principles, policies, rules of the game, structures, relationship building. He was tough talking, obdurate when right, but respectful to all. He had reached the stage where he quoted Churchill’s position. “Jaw, jaw is better than war, war.” The most enduring lesson for me in this period of mentorship was the Chief’s clear perception that the social partnership based on Tripartism, was the future of Industrial relations in Barbados.

Deep End The Chief also mentored by pushing us in at the deep end in serious negotiations at the Port, or in sugar, or at the Light and Power or the Transport Board where members were hardy and demanded strong leadership. And in the days when the Union mounted both political and industrial platforms, following the “Heavy Roller” (his sobriquet), was no easy task. But the Chief led by example, knew that our talents differed, and encouraged us all to be the best that we could be.

My earliest mentorship experience on entering the Union was in the strike against the Barbados Telephone Company Ltd, in 1980/1981.

I transitioned from leading the B.W.U. division at BCC, to operating at the side of the Chief. I Harmony Hall Complex absorbed the Chief’s analysis of the complexity of the issues involved: the political dimensions; the On reflection, the Chief, in the dynamic plateau intricacies of the related roles of shop stewards and peak years between 1981 and 1991, led a team

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which developed the Harmony Hall Complex, established an enduring Credit Union, presided over the Senate, had the new National Insurance Building named in his honour, was knighted by his country, and honoured by the University he had supported during his life. At the apex he was declared a National Hero and a statue was erected in his honour.

My most enduring lesson came at the time of the Communist outreach in the Caribbean, when sympathisers were located on staff, on the Council, and in the rank and file. National pressure groups were established in the political and industrial arena, challenging the bona fides of the Barbados Workers’ Union and its leadership. The Chief kept the position he had maintained throughout the Cold War. He supported Freedom, Peace and Prosperity for all. He was against Totalitarianism of the left, and Totalitarianism of the right. He was about Justice, Human Rights and Dignity of the person. He was with Nelson Mandela and the anti apartheid movement all along the way.

The Chief was not one to coronate a successor. It was clear that his recruitment strategy from the 1960’s was designed to create a new calibre of staff to complement divisional leadership.

The Executive Council and the Divisions would be formed by those who captured the respect A mentor in life and in death; those of us who of their peers through a transparent elective benefited from his mentorship: SALUTE HIM!  process at annual conference. The staff would be He who passes by and appointed by the Executive Council through the meddles in a quarrel not recommendation of the General Secretary. his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

For senior staff, a minimum requirement was a Proverns 25:17 Secondary Education, but for senior operational staff, a University Degree or other technical qualification was required. The Chief was also prepared to seek out postgraduate qualifications for staff without requiring them to sign a bond.

He assisted such staff to develop expertise and to play national roles, with the expectation that the future leadership of the Union would be secured through democratic processes. Clearly the official charged with leading the operational branch of the Union had an advantage; however the Chief could not have been accused of taking sides with any of his senior officials.

Indeed it can be said that no one could be exposed to more critical analysis, within the halls of the Union, than senior officials on the staff of the Union. I have never experienced anything but respectful acceptance of the strictures from the Chief. This did not mean that officials did not speak plainly and respectfully to the Chief. He was strong but neither dictatorial nor autocratic.

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CONTRIBUTOR

by E. EVELYN GREAVES Education Officer of the Barbados Workers’ Union(1968-1974); Head of Labour College & Deputy General Secretary of B.W.U.(1974-1986 and 1994-1996); Senior Specialist in Workers’ Activities at the Caribbean Office of the International Labour Office, Port of Spain, Trinidad &Tobago(1996-2002); Member of Parliament(1971-1981)& (1986-1994); Senator(1981-1986); Cabinet Minister(1986-1994); High Commissioner of Barbados to Canada (2008-2014)

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Investing In Education Towards Workers’ Empowerment: The Story Of The Early Beginnings Of Workers’ Education In Barbados.

I

t would be a mistake to believe that the Barbados Workers’ Union Labour College at Mangrove in St. Philip was the beginning of workers’ education in Barbados. From the early years of the formation of the Barbados Workers’ Union, efforts were made to provide some measure of education for the members of the Union. These were sporadic attempts and the late Sir Frederick Smith, writing in his recently published Memoirs Dreaming a Nation (2016) stated the following:

Barbados Workers’ Union did not take root until the beginning of the 1960’s.

When I was teaching at Harrison College in 1949, I used to go over to the Workers’ Union Building on Nelson Street in the evening after school to teach English to the secretaries of the various divisions of the union mainly to enable them to correspond with the employers on any matters relating to problems and grievances. I would show them how to write letters, how to address the employers and I used to assist them very often in drafting letters on issues raised.

It was in September 1961 that Frank Walcott, the ever forwardlooking General Secretary was able to convince the Executive Council of the Union that a consistent policy had to be adopted for the education of workers. Thus, the Summer School was developed as a concept along the lines of the folk high schools which were being very successfully run by the Labour Movement in Scandinavia – Denmark and Sweden especially. These schools offer non-formal adult education. There are no academic requirements for admittance and there are no exams – but students will probably learn more than they had ever dreamed of. They receive a diploma, at the end, as proof of attendance.

It is clear that the early leadership of the organisation recognised that workers had to have some exposure to the rudiments of a wide area of learning if they were to function more effectively in the workplace. However, it can safely be said that serious and concerted efforts at making the education of workers an integral plank of the

Teaching in the folk high school is characterised by professionalism and dedication. Classes are based on dialogue and mutual learning between students and teachers. The main focus is to discover and strengthen the unique skills of each student in a challenging yet supportive atmosphere.

The curriculum for the Summer School dealt with the following: industrial relations, economics, history of the labour movement, trade union leadership, cooperatives, negotiations, grievance

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CONTRIBUTOR the Resident Tutor, Mr. A. A Thompson, who gave untiring assistance to this project and the general education programme of the Union.

The first Summer School was an instant success.

For the first time, Executive Council members, presidents and secretaries of divisions in the B.W.U. were able to sit together for long periods, study together and share ideas about the Union and plan for its future. Thus, the first real attempt of a consistent education plan in the Union was born. These Summer Schools at Codrington College continued every year until 1973.

B.W.U. Chaplain Canon Harold Tudor prays at the laying of the corner stone for the B.W.U. Labour College. From (l-r) are Claude Skeete, Evelyn Greaves, (Sir) Maurice King, (Sir) Erskine Sandiford, Mr. Reynold Weekes (unknown) and (Sir) Frank Walcott.

As the Summer Schools grew in popularity and importance, the B.W.U. was able to secure the handling, organisational building, to mention services of Dr. George Eaton from the Trade some of the areas touched.

Union Education Institute at Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies to be the Dean.

The early Summer Schools were conducted at Codrington College and were aimed at attracting The 25th anniversary of the B.W.U. coincided with Members of the Union’s Executive Council and Barbados becoming independent in 1966 and a Presidents and Secretaries of Divisions. They were wide-ranging programme of activities took place. residential. In short, in the beginning, the idea was Frank Walcott, as a member of the Executive to ensure that those in leadership positions in the Board of the International Confederation of Free organisation experienced the teaching that was Trade Unions (ICFTU), based in Brussels, was being done. In this way, it was felt that there would able to persuade that organisation to hold its be a ready ‘buy-in’ from the key decision-makers Executive Board meeting in Barbados – the first in the Union. time such a meeting was held outside of Europe!

Leading trade union figures from around the world The 20th Annual Report of the Executive Council came to Barbados and participated in a number of the Barbados Workers’ Union (1961) records the of public discussions that were organised by the following : B.W.U. The challenges facing the labour movement throughout the world were brought to the fore.

The Executive Council has decided to sponsor a one week Trade Union Summer School. This Summer School Members, at the urgings of Frank Walcott, was made possible by the generous financial assistance recognised that if the Barbados Workers’ Union was of the Solidarity Fund of the ICFTU, the Fathers at going to stay relevant and survive in the troubling Codrington College, who readily agreed to allow the times ahead, a serious approach would have to Union to have the excellent facilities at Codrington be adopted at modernising the organisation. It College for the week, 3rd to 9th September 1961, the was clear that the employers’ organisations were assistance of the Director of Extra Mural Studies of the strengthening their negotiating personnel and the University College of the West Indies, and particularly Union could not afford to be left behind.

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CONTRIBUTOR The first step towards modernisation was the recruitment, in 1967, of a Research Officer in the person of Lawrence Nurse who had recently graduated in the second group from Cave Hill Campus of the UWI. His role was to prepare the briefs for negotiations and also lead some of the negotiations. The success of this move led the B.W.U. to pursue expeditiously the establishment of an education department.

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organised in the evenings at “Unity House”, Roebuck Street, The City, for shop stewards and committees of management personnel.

The B. W.U. divisions were run by committees of management that included the shop stewards.

These programmes were run on a regular basis and became a feeding ground for the annual Summer School at Codrington College.

It was felt that emphasis had to be placed on preparing the workers to cope with the challenges that were seen on the horizon. This had to be done through a consistent education programme.

Hence, the following year, 1968, the B.W.U. recruited an Education Officer. I had the honour and privilege to be that person. The role of the Education Officer was as follows:

As the reputation of the success of the Summer School grew, the Union now had to deal with requests from trade unions in the Eastern Caribbean for places for their members. One such request came, in my second year at the Union, from Comrade J. Burke King from the St. Lucia Workers’ Union. He came to Barbados and personally implored Frank Walcott to allow his son Tyrone Maynard to participate in the programme that year. He attended and went back to St. Lucia and became a very successful trade union leader, even ousting his father from the leadership of the union.

“Unity House”

• The preparation and organisation of trade union training courses, news bulletins, press conferences and such other duties relating to education, training and publicity.

• Advising the General Secretary and the “Unity House” was dedicated in 1969 as the venue Officers of the Union on general trade union for educational activities of the B.W.U. The place training programmes and publicity. was a hive of activity on evenings and at night for not only were shop stewards training taking place Workers’ Education but on a regular basis, public lectures, sponsored by the B.W.U., were held. These were well attended I assumed duties on 1st September 1968. My very by members of the Union, the public and by the first duty was to work with Dr. Eaton and Basil young students of the Cave Hill Campus.

Blackman, then General Secretary of the Caribbean Congress of Labour and a noted Workers’ Educator, Outstanding Caribbean and American intellectuals at the Summer School at Codrington College. This gave lectures. Persons such as the late Walter exposure was an excellent entry for me into the Rodney, Jan Carew, Professor Rex Nettleford, field of workers’ education. It stood me in good former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Michael Manley, stead for the future.

Richard Hart, novelist George Lamming and Ralph Gonsalves (now Prime Minister of St. Vincent It was realised that one training programme at and the Grenadines) were among those giving Codrington College could not satisfy the training the lectures. Bayard Rustin, an American Civil requirements of the Union and as a consequence, Rights leader, also gave a lecture Black Power with the establishment of a functioning education as a Force for Change and Richard B. Moore, department, a number of training courses were a Barbadian American gave a ten-week lecture

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series(November 1971 to January 1972) entitled The AFL-CIO, through the American Institute for New Light on African and Afro-American Free Labor Development (AIFLD), had provided a History. one-time grant of $50,000 to assist with start up costs and the Danish Labour Movement, through In 1970-71, I was privileged to attend Rutgers, the its international programme agency (DANIDA) State University of New Jersey on a Scholarship contributed $10,000 (U.S). It also provided to study for a Masters’ degree in Labour Studies the services of a trainer in the person of Steen under the guidance of Professor Herbert Levine, Silleman for a period of eighteen months. During a pioneer in Labour Education in the United this time, I was afforded the opportunity, through States of America. There, I participated in the a Fellowship from UNESCO, to spend a month in programmes of the Labour Education Center at Denmark and Sweden to observe the workings of Rutgers. This was an excellent preparation for their folk high schools. implementation of the idea that was gaining root for the establishment of a Labour College by the These gestures were significant and, as I pointed Union. out earlier, opened our eyes to the value of the College and the use to which it could be put in Very soon after my return to Barbados, the providing much needed education for the workers. planning began for the establishment of a Labour The Labour College, at the outset, developed the College. The construction of the B.W.U. Labour following objectives as its guiding principles: College at Mangrove in St. Philip began in 1973 and was completed in 1974 in time to be opened • To promote the education of workers in all on 20th September. areas and aspects of their working lives.

At the time, it was anticipated that the Government • To train leaders of the trade union movement of Barbados, through a substantial subvention, in skills of leadership, organisation and would have assisted the College financially but this administration of trade unions in the Caribbean was not to be. It provided an annual subvention of context. $10,000.00. This was later increased to $20,000.00. • To develop a body on new knowledge in labour education and related disciplines through Duty Free Concessions research and teaching.

The Government also provided duty free • To train labour educators in the educational concessions for materials for the construction and methods and techniques of labour education. equipping of the College. The subvention could not, by any stretch of the imagination, keep the • To educate workers in the disciplines relevant to College going. The B.W.U. therefore had to carry developmental change and the decolonization the College fully as an expense. With the help of process in the Caribbean. some international trade union friends, and some creative moves, the College survived in these early • To integrate the education of the worker days and thrived as a vibrant institution delivering into the wider field of adult and continuing training for workers not only in Barbados but for education by providing to the worker, a liberal workers from throughout the Caribbean. education of his general intellectual, cultural and economic improvement as a citizen.

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CONTRIBUTOR

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• To disseminate new and established knowledge • The International Federation of Agricultural in industrial relations and trade union matters and Allied Workers (IFPAAW). among all the leading participants in the industrial relations system and to the public Thus, in a small way, the Labour College earned at large. some foreign exchange for Barbados and also did its bit in the promotion of Barbados as a • To foster and promote a universal awareness of destination for holding regional and international the trade union organisation as an institution meetings. of growth and an instrument of change in the developing Caribbean.

It should be noted that in 1974, President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia made an Official visit to The B.W.U. Labour College thus proceeded to Barbados and Prime Minister Barrow requested offer courses, mainly of two weeks’ duration the Labour College to host a public session for to its members at the leadership level within President Kaunda as he too was very partial to the divisions of the organisation. Hundreds of the education of workers in his country. This was members participated and, without doubt, the a successful event as the President spoke to a quality of representation by the shop stewards in grievances at the workplace level improved. It was also noticeable that the preparation of proposals for revising collective agreements improved and there was relative stability in the industrial relations climate.

The work at the Labour College soon began to capture the attention of regional and international organisations that were operating in the region and they began to use the College for their regional meetings and, more particularly, for their training programmes. These organisations included the following: • The Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL); • The American Institute for Free Labor Development(AIFLD); • The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC); • The Freidrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation(FES); • The Trade Union Congress of Britain (TUC); • The International Labour Organisation (ILO); • The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU); • The Danish International Development Agency(DANIDA); • The Postal Telephone and Telegraph International (PTTI); and

President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia signing the Visitors’ Book at the B.W.U. Labour College. Looking on are - B.W.U. General Secretary Sir Frank Walcott, Governor General Sir Winston Scott, Prime Minister Errol Barrow (in dark glasses) and Principal, B.W.U. Labour College, Evelyn Greaves.

packed hall at the College and showered praise on the B.W.U. for its foresight in establishing the institution.

However, it has to be stated that the success of the College caused a number of critics, especially from Left wing groups, to accuse the College

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of being an arm of the CIA. I suppose that this was because the American Institute for Free Labor Development held meetings at the College from time to time and also supported training programmes for trade unionists from the OECS countries. There was absolutely no foundation for this accusation since at no time did AIFLD or any other organisation seek to influence the content of the College’s programmes. With absolute confidence, Frank Walcott, the General Secretary of the B.W.U. would dismiss the critics in the following manner:

competitions and the Netball competition has moved to the Netball stadium at Waterford and still continues.

Apart from the establishment of the Labour College, the most successful venture of the Union since its formation has been the birth of the Barbados Workers’ Cooperative Credit Union Ltd in 1983. This milestone was fulfilling one of the fundamental objectives of the Barbados Workers’ Union. It should be noted that a number of previous attempts had been made but these had failed.

The location, layout and general ambience of the College are conducive to retreats and meetings away from the hustle and bustle. As a result, a number of local groups and regional groups have used the College from time to time.

The B.W.U provided space for the Credit Union at its Solidarity House offices until it could afford to get its own space. As would be appreciated, the two organisations are governed by different laws and so they are two different organisations.

The impact of the Labour College on the B.W.U. It must be said, though, that the B.W.U. Labour and workers, generally, is easily demonstrated College planted the seed, the B.W.U. watered and by the following example. In 1982, in one of the fed the plant until it could stand on its own. sessions at the College, an exercise was set for group work that asked participants to identify new The story of workers’ education in Barbados is areas that the Barbados Workers’ Union could intimately tied to the Barbados Workers’ Union pursue that would enhance the Union and make it and its Labour College.  more appealing to its members, in particular, and workers, generally. A number of excellent ideas It has been a success story! were proposed. These included the following: • Starting a Credit Union; • Starting a cricket club to play cricket in the Barbados Cricket Association’s competition.

This would use the cricket grounds that were being developed at the College site; • Starting a Netball competition among the divisions of the Union. As a start, the car park at ‘Solidarity House” could be used as the Netball courts; and • Starting a Choir among the members.

The proposals were approved by the Executive Council and thus began a new phase in the life of the Barbados Workers’ Union. Suffice it to say, the cricket team has been active in the BCA

Former General Secretary of the British Trades Union Congress, Len Murray (l) with Secretary/Treasurer of the CCL, Burns Bonadie, Principal, B.W.U. Labour College, Evelyn Greaves and NUPW President, Horatio Cooke, at the BW.U. Labour College.

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by ULRIC SEALY Former Principal, B.W.U. Labour College

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Labour Education And Its Role In Industrial Relations In Barbados

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he writer of this article is of the view, that to be discussing the role of labour education in industrial relations is to be discussing trade union development and function, and what enables it to be better able to play its role within industrial relations.

This article will demonstrate that trade union capacity building is inextricably linked to the union’s embracing of labour education. The approach will be to examine the “what” and “why” of labour education, which will invariably reveal that it speaks to the need for unions to be better able “to play an effective role”.

Change Management, Collective Bargaining, Conflict Resolution, Critical Thinking, Gender Issues, Globalisation, Grievance Handling, History of Trade Unionism, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Labour Law, Leadership and Communication, Management Principles and Techniques, Occupational Safety and Health and Environmental Awareness, Productivity Bargaining, Profit and Gain sharing Schemes, Regional Integration – CARICOM Single Market and Economy CSME), Service Excellence, Social Dialogue, Socio-Political and Economic basics, The Decent Work Agenda, The International Labour Organisation (ILO), and Work Ethics.

Labour Education In the 1960’s, the B.W.U. embarked upon the Labour education is seen as social education delivery of labour education in a significant way, more so than personal education, since it focuses through the hosting of annual summer schools at is on developing a group – “the union”. the Codrington College. This was followed by the opening of its labour college at “Unity House” in The International Labour Organisation (ILO) the city, in 1969 and its subsequent relocation to defines Labour education, as “a means of providing Mangrove, St. Philip in 1974. The “Public Workers’ workers and their representatives with the training they Academy” of the National Union of Public Workers need to play an effective role in the economic and social life was opened on 26th July 1985. of their societies.” Bruce Spence (2007) defines it as “…education and training offered by labour unions (trade A question to be asked at this stage is “What is the unions) to their members and representatives…to prepare nature of this active and effective role that the union should and train union lay members to play an active role in the be playing in the economic and social life of their societies?” union.” Workers College of South Africa (2016) sees To meaningfully answer it, we must proceed from the aim of labour education as “to equip the working a position of understanding the nature of the class with analytical tools that will help it interpret their trade union. world, and act upon it from a working class perspective”.

The Trade Union The curriculum for labour education comprises a group of strategically chosen subjects. These The International Confederation of Free Trade subjects include Analysing Financial Information, Unions ICFTU (1949), now the International Trade

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CONTRIBUTOR relations. With a view to complementing the foregoing views, I will now introduce information for your examination, to assist you in obtaining a better understanding of industrial relations.

Union Confederation (ITUC), defines the trade union as “a continuing and permanent democratic organisation, voluntarily created by the workers to:- (a) Protect themselves at work; (b) Improve the conditions of their work through collective bargaining procedures; (c) seek to better the conditions of their lives; (d) secure their natural rights, and (e) provide an effective means of expression for the workers’ views on problems of society.”

Industrial Relations

Industrial relations has been defined as “the relationship between workers and their organisations, In pursuit of these objectives, the trade union’s managers and their organisations and governmental efforts are mainly centred on the recruitment agencies concerned with the workplace and employment and organising of workers, collective bargaining, generally” (Chris Brewster, 1984). Barbash (1993) grievance handling, the delivery of labour sees it as being about “the resolution of tension and education, and engaging in socio, political conflict among the contending interests in the employment relationship…”.

The system of industrial relations in Barbados is described as one of voluntarism, since it permits for employers and the trade unions to conduct labourmanagement affairs with the minimum of state restrictions and intervention.

Two very critical themes in industrial relations are Collective Bargaining (Negotiations) and Grievance Handling (Disputes Settlement) The system of industrial relations in Barbados is described as one of voluntarism, since it permits for employers and the trade unions to conduct labour-management affairs with the minimum of state restrictions and intervention. This minimum state intervention is in the form of legislative measures, to ensure that they are standards below which the players will not go. Within the system, the government’s “Labour Department” enforces labour legislation, provides conciliation services, assists in the resolution of disputes and conducts labour and occupational safety and health inspections. The department is governed by the Labour Department Act, Cap.23.

and economic activities such as the forging of relationships with other institutions and groupings, lobbying for desired socio, political and economic change and ensuring active participation in nationally structured arrangements for national development.

A recently (2012) added dimension to the system has been the “Employment Rights Act”, “…to make new provisions for the rights of employed persons and for related matters”. Among other things, it provides for a tribunal.

This understanding of the trade union, when A discussion of the industrial relations system in juxtaposed with an understanding of industrial Barbados will not be complete without mention relations, clearly reveals that a principal role for being made of the impact of ‘tripartism’ social the trade union is one of shaping of industrial dialogue and the creation of a formal social

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partnership. This significant development grew Impacting Labour Legislation out of the national protestations, spearheaded by the unions, against the 1991 Barbados economic Labour legislation in Barbados is never enacted structural adjustment proposals (SAP). or amended without prior consultations with the trade unions; a measure of the respect for the From this state of affairs, the trade unions union’s competence. This union competence coalesced into the Congress of Trade Unions and would primarily be as a result of labour education Staff Associations of Barbados (1995), and “The exposing it to such areas as understanding the Barbados Social Partnership”, with its six attending labour law, conflict resolution, political and protocols, being established (1993). sociological studies, grievance handling, and the workings of the International Labour Organisation Labour Education As The Builder Of Trade (ILO).

Union Capacity For Effective Performance Refocusing Collective Bargaining There is a significant nexus between industrial relations, the trade union and labour education. A nationally acknowledged view over time is that Industrial relations is the arena in which the trade Barbados, with its not so robust economy and in union acts and labour education enables the union an age of rampant globalisation, would be unable to act. The following observations will substantiate to survive the debilitating effects of the outcomes these interactions of adversarial labour- management relations.

As such, the national position was taken that in The Mobilisation And Organising Of Workers industrial relations it would be “better to engage in collaboration than in confrontation.”

In changing times when workers, particularly white collar/middle class, are least likely to ‘walk off the The trade unions (particularly the B.W.U.) began streets’ to join up with a union, it is note-worthy to focus more on such labour education themes/ that the union is still able to retain and attract issues as improving social dialogue, analysing them. Recognising that union effectiveness must financial information, collaborative conflict be buttressed by enhanced membership, they are resolution, globalisation and the changing able to get the job done through improved methods economic environment, productivity bargaining and techniques which were acquired through and gain-sharing schemes, promoting service labour education. As such, union operatives are excellence, and work ethics. This resulted in able to raise the consciousness of potential and the trade union working closely with such unmotivated members on the anti- union nature entities as the National Productivity Council, the of globalisation, the nature of the historical National Initiative for Service Excellence (NISE) class struggle and the need for eternal vigilance, and the social partnership, fostering a far less the subtle and at times not so subtle forms of confrontational industrial relations climate. This employment discrimination between the sexes, new climate saw issues like productivity, service the devastating consequences of being subjected excellence, pension and Medicare schemes, to poor occupational safety and health standards, education and training leave and work ethics being and recognising that being a member of the union discussed at the ‘bargaining table’ with the same is the best way to benefit from negotiations and fervour as wages and other conditions of work. ensuring an environment of decent work.

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CONTRIBUTOR Trade union representation on national bodies

An excellent response may be found in the statement made by Dan Cunniah (ILO ACTRAV 2007), where he notes:

This enhanced ability to perform has seen the trade union earning greater national respect. The trade union, as a consequence of this, is represented on several important bodies. These include the boards of management of Government-run secondary schools and statutory corporations, the National Insurance Tribunal, and the Employment Rights Tribunal.

“Today, trade union organisations and their training programmes have to take account of the effects of economic globalisation, the demand for decent work, the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS and against any discrimination towards HIV-positive people, climate change, migration, and the expansion of the informal economy. They have to prepare the workers’ representatives to take responsibility for complex negotiations: economic integration processes, strategic poverty reduction programmes, flexicurity, multinational company councils. Important issues such as good governance, debt reduction for the poorest countries, and the programmes of big funders such as the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank are all part of the everyday workload facing national and international trade union organistions.” 

This development positively impacts industrial relations at the direct domestic level and the national arbitration level.

In bringing this article to a conclusion, I wish to pose a question and offer an ILO perspective as a response. The question is, ‘what is the way forward for labour education?’

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by PATRICK FROST Former General Secretary of CTUSAB

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The Crisis Of 1991 And Some Of Its Long Term Positive Influences

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nniversaries for persons and institutions alike are occasions, and rightly so, for celebratory reflection. The longer the life and the greater the achievements, the more justifiable are the causes for celebration. So it is with the Barbados Workers’ Union.

employer, to reduce its expenditure by terminations and a pay cut. In addition, the parity of the dollar was threatened. The Government was in effect asking for understanding and support in a situation without parallel occurrence in Barbados.

There is a certain value, particularly for trade union organisations, to focus within the broad sweep of historical considerations to some of the major events of the more recent years. That is the period freshest in the collective memory, the period where there will have been direct membership involvement in the significance of the occasion. It is the period of latest experiences, the ones which instruct and influence action and reaction in the present. It is thus no less worthy of commendation in any exercise of sober reflection.

So may it be with the Barbados Workers’ Union.

The Prime Minister’s report resulted in the swift assembling of forces to unify and co­ordinate the respective efforts of Labour and Capital in the protection of more than just their separate interests. These bodies have evolved into the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) and the Barbados Private Sector Agency.

What has also evolved in importance has been the informal sector. What was in 1991 for many a matter of individual survival now encompasses thousands in significant economic activity.

It is possible from time to time to identify a particular incident which marks the start of a phase in the existence of an organisation or in a society. Such a moment came on the 31st July, 1991 when the Prime Minister of Barbados summoned a meeting of all the trade unions and staff associations and unburdened himself in outlining the financial predicament of the country.

The far­ reaching implications were immediately obvious, particularly those for Labour. The absence of foreign exchange for the repayment of a loan by the due date necessitated an approach to the International Monetary Fund, an exercise which, inter alia, would require the Government, as

The meeting with the Prime Minister took place when the Barbados Workers’ Union was preparing to celebrate the fiftieth year of its life. Sir Frank Walcott had for decades as General Secretary played the leading role in the union’s growth and thus shaped the scope of its bearing upon social, political and economic development in Barbados.

He could not attend the meeting because he was ill, age and the years of work having taken their toll on his health.

Comrade LeRoy Trotman led the B.W.U. delegation and at the end of the meeting he requested the use of a room at Government headquarters and invited the other leaders of workers’ organisations to join him to consider what had been divulged by the Prime Minister.

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When the leaders of the workers’ organisations met a few days later at “Solidarity House” there was not unnaturally residual anger and the desire to lay blame. Comrade Trotman had the task of balancing the outpouring of that passion with the greater need to identify concrete proposals which could meet with universal approval for submission to Government for its urgent consideration.

However, Comrade Trotman personally had to confront two distinct disadvantages of which he was acutely aware. First, any discerning of him as heir apparent to Sir Frank Walcott as General Secretary of the B.W.U. did not in Sir Frank’s absence invest him with the titular authority of his office. Secondly, his identification with the might of the B.W.U. was automatically tempered by the inescapable fact that he had been elected to Parliament as a member of the political party that formed the Government. The former carried restrictions upon action within and on behalf of a single body; the latter carried suspicions, both real and potential, across the entire country. Any decisions with which he was associated were subject to speculation as to propriety of motive.

Indeed, those who saw things tinted, or tainted, by purely party political persuasion continued to be of the same view long after Comrade Trotman had flown home from the other side of the globe in order to vote in Parliament against the Government on what he regarded as a matter of principle.

There was the immediate and tacit understanding among those officers that he and the B.W.U. were best placed to provide the leadership and direction required in what was a defence not just of individual jobs, but of the entire environment for all employment. That expectation of a maturity of judgement befitting seniority of office in seniority of organisation was tested at once, and it is to the credit of the B.W.U. that it was not found wanting.

His appreciation of these attachments forced him upon a path which would not jeopardize the imperatives of worker representation.

He offered more than once, both before and after the formation of the loose Coalition of Trade Unions and Staff Associations, and its successor the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados, to pass leadership to others. It was steadfastly, and wisely so, refused on each occasion.

In a crisis it is institutions, especially those of long and meritorious standing, and the people within them, to whom there is an instinctive turning for Sir Frank, though absent, was not so ill that he guidance. So it was with the Barbados Workers’ could not recognise what lay before the B.W.U. and Union in the second half of 1991.

Barbados. His advice was to face reality. It fell to Comrade Trotman and the B.W.U. to spearhead

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the practical responses towards that reality and, There is, perhaps no better example of that than as far as was humanly possible, to ameliorate its the decision not to challenge in the streets the 8% pay cut in the salaries of public officers, but to do effects. so in the courts. It is true the Gladwyn King case The many requirements following the events was eventually lost before the Privy Council, but of 31st July, 1991 all had to be organised and had there been the threat, let alone the actuality, accommodated more or less simultaneously. There of prolonged industrial action the Government had to be negotiations with Government at various might have found justification towards anti­trade levels, dialogue with the private sector employers union legislation. Moreover, there might have also to seek such assurances for employment as could been created the economic circumstances where be given, and there had to be the drumming up Government was forced into devaluation. The of support everywhere for the protection of the blame for this would have descended solely upon parity of value of the Barbados dollar, even if the trade unions. Instead, there were negotiations there had finally to be acceptance of other drastic following the Privy Council judgement which austerity alternatives. In addition, there had to be resulted in amendments to both the Constitution an immediate campaign of mass worker objection and the Civil Establishment Act so that no pay cut to what had happened and what was being could ever be imposed again in quite the same contemplated as a remedy. It was equally obvious way. There was also the subsequent restoration that such protests would not in themselves be of the 8% deducted from the salaries of public sufficient to alter Government’s intentions to servants.

Consensus comply with the measures proposed by the IMF as the conditions of any loan. Labour’s criticism also had to be seen as having a constructive element. It should not be thought that within Labour’s The B.W.U. and the NUPW led the process of informal arrangement there was automatic visiting places of work to explain to their members unanimity of purpose, and thus agreement on and to be counselled by them. Comrade Trotman’s the course to be pursued by all the trade unions experience on political platforms assisted in the and staff associations. The experience and levels arrangements for the holding of several public of expertise varied and the different rules of the meetings Throughout it all the B.W.U. gave of its several organisations affected the speed with time, its facilities and its officers with the utmost which decisions could be endorsed. While the group proceeded on the basis of consensus and on generosity. positions held in common, there was due respect for the executive autonomy of each organisation.

Demonstrations Some regarded the Government with hostility and The fact that huge demonstrations and public blamed the individuals in the political directorate meetings against the proposed actions of the for the parlous state of affairs. A unified call for the Government were mounted in short order and resignation of the Prime Minister, if not the entire conducted without breach of the peace is Government, was felt by some to be the least of testimony to much. Of equal importance is the what was demanded of the representatives of fact that there was no resorting by Government Labour. There was no unanimity, however, on the to the involvement and use of the military and point. paramilitary personnel to prevent the protests.

It is enough to conclude that what took place Persons in the Labour Movement knew of one exemplified the reasonable and responsible another more so than knowing one another. This inevitably affected trust, something that was reactions of Labour.

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CONTRIBUTOR painfully evident in one incident after a meeting with Government at which some senior members of the Anglican clergy had provided conciliation services.

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to the policies of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank with their one­-noose-­ fit­all approach to the resolving of problems in any economy. The prescriptions were generic – devaluation and a reduction in the size of A convention had established itself whereby at government through terminations, privatisation the conclusion of meetings with Government, and the removal of subsidies. The fact that the total and because not all members of the respective sum Barbados sought in the loan arrangement Executives could be accommodated at the table, amounted to no more than petty cash in the there was always a post mortem at “Solidarity overall IMF scheme of things was immaterial to House”. The meeting in question was much longer the policy. Fortunately, the international lending than usual, and its completion was delayed because agencies had begun to register that there was it was agreed that to avoid any misinterpretation wisdom in varying their remedies depending upon by the public there should be a joint press release. the circumstances of each country. Barbados The drafting of that press statement took longer offered such an opportunity. than anticipated. Notwithstanding telephone calls to those at “Solidarity House” to explain the cause Capital was led by Sir John Stanley Goddard who of the delay, the absence of confidence among brought not merely his personal knowledge and many of those not at the meeting caused them to experience of successful corporate ownership, but drive to Government headquarters, and to do so the integrity and human perspective needed as an not entirely out of mere curiosity. example to his peers. Sir John, like the other major figures, concentrated attention and energy on the There followed some verbal engagement with their fundamental elements that were held in common. colleagues as soon as they spied them descending the stairs after the meeting. Comrade Trotman was The close relationship he enjoyed with Comrade among the last group to leave the meeting and on Trotman as a result of their working association arrival at the bottom of the steps he found before within the tripartite Foreign Exchange Committee his eyes a situation which had by then degenerated reduced the potential for disruptive disputes. into less than perfect fraternal discourse.

Parity Of The Dollar Misunderstandings and wrong accusations may have been corrected within the hour at “Solidarity Labour’s united stand to protect the parity of House”, but the obvious lack of fundamental trust the dollar was further advanced by the contact within the group brought an immediate end to any which Comrade Trotman was able to establish consideration of his championing of a call initiated with Michel Camdessus, Managing Director of the by the trade unions for a Government of national IMF. That and other persuasiveness was in turn unity for a limited period of time with both Capital extended by him to Dr. Lelde Schmitz, head of the and Labour being invited to some cabinet service. mission in Barbados. IMF officials did not normally The idea of achieving a restoration of confidence meet with persons outside the Government, but in governance by such a measure had already that was changed in Barbados and has remained been committed to paper in a draft document I as a part of their routine consultations. was privileged to read.

It was the local IMF desk officer, Dr. Bernhard On the other hand, there was no division among Fritz­K rockow, who broached to the leaders of the the workers’ organisations in their opposition trade unions the virtues of a move by Barbados

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towards a formal social partnership. He shared the benefit of his experience in Mexico at the time of that country’s economic crisis and suggested a similar arrangement for Barbados where each social partner committed itself to sacrifices in the interest of the national good.

jobs for the unemployed. Provision was made for the monitoring of prices where increases were to be limited to legitimate cost increases, and also for the creation of a tax regime to support the objectives of the protocol. That was the context in which the Barbados Workers’ Union and the other trade unions and the staff associations accepted a The Barbados Workers’ Union had long standing freeze on wages. It was Labour’s blueprint for the bilateral relations with both the administrations of saving of Barbados, and it was made to work.

Government, irrespective of political party, and The document was signed at Government the various private sector bodies. Moreover, its Headquarters on 24th August, 1993 and, like all long familiarity with tripartism within the ILO its successors, was presented for Parliamentary meant it was a short step to the formalising of approval by way of resolution. The tripartite forum tripartite relationships within the concept of a was conceived as one which would transcend Social Partnership in Barbados. parochial interests. In the years that followed it produced agreement on the crafting of responses The success of the tripartite Foreign Exchange at the macro level on a range of economic matters Committee was one of the propitious such as the competitiveness of Barbadian goods circumstances converging for the establishment and services, the reform of the tax system, the of a formal Social Partnership, something which influences of globalisation, the adjustments the IMF regarded as an important element in the following the attack on the World Trade Centre attempt at successful recovery. in 2001, and those implemented to combat the economic crisis of 2008.

Government presented the draft of the first document towards a prices and incomes Workers’ Rights policy. It was promptly rejected by Labour.

Comrade Trotman spent a weekend writing Labour can point to the influence of the initial what was accepted as the first Protocol for the Protocols in the prevention of increases either Implementation of a Prices and Incomes Policy. Its in the rents charged for Government housing or preamble affirmed the commitment of the Social in bus fares or in the costs of bottles of LPG. Partners to the principles laid down by the ILO In addition, workers were given greater voice by for the just development of Labour and Capital, their representation on boards, committees and particularly the right to freedom of association national commissions. Labour can also point and the right to bargain collectively. Its major to the fact that the addendum to Protocol II led objectives were the safeguarding of the parity of in time to debate on the further protection of the rate of exchange, the promotion of a national workers’ rights in law. There was a revisiting of the commitment to productivity, and the restructuring draft provisions of the Employment and Related and expansion of the economy to advance the Provisions Bill, which had been circulated as security and well­being of the society. It included, long ago as 1978. After extensive dialogue and inter alia, agreement on the establishing of a amendment within the Social Partnership the framework to protect workers’ security of tenure Employment Rights Act was passed by Parliament. and a clause that Labour should not be required to vary benefits and conditions currently enjoyed Tangible and intangible results resonate within unless it was either for immediate or long term the Barbados Workers’ Union from the period of improvement in conditions and the creation of IMF adjustment. UCAL stands out on both counts.

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CONTRIBUTOR The establishment of the company was a most progressive act and it remains as an example of the on­going endeavour by workers and their trade union, in spite of every undermining difficulty, to create a viable commercial entity. However, UCAL has done far more than just salvage jobs. Its existence is a symbol of the vision of direct worker participation in enterprise ownership.

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For the Barbados Workers’ Union there is also the specific memory of the recognition issue with Offshore Keyboarding Corporation. On 4th February, 1998 in their first ever joint statement the Social Partners referred to the public dissociation by the employers’ organisations from the company’s actions and deprecated its attempts to frustrate the B.W.U. in its pursuit of the constitutional rights and interests of its members.

The company closed its doors. Those of us who have read what was submitted on its behalf to Government on the details of the industrial relations environment in which it wished to operate recognise that its proposals, if allowed to be implemented, would have wiped out the customs, practices and results of decades of voluntarism.

The second Protocol, 1995 ­1997 had, as a result of domestic experiences, to be amended to cater for the ordering of the manner in which redundancies were engineered. That amendment stated that termination should be consistent with the principles enunciated by the ILO, and there was a borrowing of clauses from an existing arrangement between the Barbados Workers’ Union and the Barbados Hotel Association to cover the details of implementation, particularly the requirement for prior union consultation.

From this consultative aspect came the reporting by employers direct to the Social Partners of their intentions to undertake restructuring which would necessitate significant job terminations with their wider social implications.

the exercise of good office to assist on termination issues affecting the Barbados Workers’ Union.

The bulk of the drafting of each Protocol has fallen to Labour, and from 1998 onwards the limitations of a purely prices and incomes policy gave way to an embrace of the wider concept of a social compact. Ideas have been borrowed from the Irish experience and additional areas have been included for tripartite action as dictated by altered circumstances. The Social Partners now function against the backdrop of the advantages of a more settled existence. The passing years have brought, for example, the maturing of the Productivity Council and the National Initiative for Service Excellence, the adoption of the policy on HIV/ AIDS and Other Life Threatening Diseases in the Work Place, and the annual marking of the Week of Excellence.

While Barbados has enjoyed international acclaim, and some envy, for the operation of its Social Partnership, Labour is conscious that there has been a falling short in the keeping of some important obligations made under the Protocols.

For example, there has been a growing reliance on the work of the Subcommittee rather than on full and regular meetings under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. More visible perhaps have been those other failings of employers, both Government and private sector, and none more so than terminations of employment.

While the Social Partners cannot usurp or assume the conciliation and other roles of the Chief Labour Officer, the Protocols have been used for

The wording of successive Protocols has included the principle that workers should have the right not to be unfairly dismissed or be unfairly prevented from continued employment. Furthermore, there has been a long standing commitment from Government in the Protocols that its agents will “conduct themselves in labour management relations in accordance with the best practice expected of Government as the model employer” (10.7 of Protocol VI). This would have to include consultation with the appropriate trade union prior to terminations. A recent decision of the Employment Rights Tribunal points to the extent

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to which that obligation has not been honoured, and is a salutary reminder that some aspects of industrial relations will, despite the lessons of decades and the passing of law, remain a work in progress.

shield Barbados from the irreparable harm that might have befallen it. Others in the future will place that particular period in its wider historical perspective, and assess its special contribution to the continuum of the union’s rich legacy of social and economic advancement for the people The records of the Social Partnership will show of Barbados. So shall it be with the Barbados that the B.W.U. has remained faithful to the Workers’ Union.  underlying philosophical principles expressed in the Protocols ­the belief in the rightness of social dialogue and the fitness of a tripartite presence in all the corridors of governance. The May Day Declaration of 2004 remains as relevant today as it was when it was penned.

There is no doubt that the Barbados Workers’ Union has had in the last quarter of a century, what may be termed the “Trotman years”, to tackle a unique set of circumstances which in more ways than one threatened to destroy the social gains of the previous half a century. Those of us who have lived through the past few decades understand, and are grateful for, the B.W.U.’s stewardship and the varied deployment of its protective forces to

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by PAT S.R CALLENDER JP, SCM. Air Traffic Controller

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Reflections On Early Trade Union Education

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commenced work as an air traffic cadet at Seawell Airport in 1962 and as I qualified as a licensed air traffic control officer it was apparent that the hand-me-down military style aircraft, which were replacing ocean cruise liners supporting the fledgling tourist industry at that time, were themselves being supplanted by a fleet of long range aircraft which no longer required refueling at intermediate points en-route to the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, our main visitor source markets.

With the arrival of the noisy first generation jet aircraft, the Boeing 707, operated by British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and DC-8 aircraft, by Pan American and Air Canada, modernisation of airfield facilities such as runway lighting and ground-based navigation aids, upgrading of air traffic control systems and equipment was inevitable for safe operations.

Government’s tardiness in providing reliable communication equipment, a soundproof properly air conditioned control tower, an adequate staff complement and in addition limited training opportunities and poor remuneration led in 1965 to the young men of the Air TrafficControl Service (ATC) joining the Barbados Workers Union (B.W.U.).

The following year, 1966, I was selected to participate in a training course sponsored by the B.W.U. at Codrington College and emerged as the top student from a class which included Mr. Claude Skeete, who, in latter years, became

President of the B.W.U. The training at Codrington College was under the direction of Mr. Basil Blackman from the Caribbean Congress of Labour based in British Guiana or Demerara as it was so designated by the Barbadian public.

Mr. Blackman was one of the most eloquent and impressive speakers I have encountered. He was assisted

by Mr. Henry DeBoulay Forde, now Sir Henry Forde and others in delivering lectures and supervising working group sessions.

The course content included: • History of trade unionism in the British West Indies; • The evolution of political parties from the trade union movement; • Labour legislation; • The role of shop stewards; and • Trade union management

The General Secretary Mr. Frank Walcott, now Rt. Excellent Sir Frank, was very keen on trade union education and the success of this and other courses held at Codrington College, led to the establishment of the Labour College at Mangrove.

If any of Mr. Basil Blackman’s contemporaries are still alive they may recall his role in the trade union movement when a virtual race war erupted

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CONTRIBUTOR A few months later in the year, General Secretary Frank Walcott arranged for my participation in a labour leadership training course held by the Canadian Labour Congress at its headquarters in Ottawa. The Government of Canada was coincidentally hosting the Canada West Indies Conference at the nearby Chateau Laurier Hotel at which Premier Errol Barrow and other Caribbean leaders were present. 1966 was to evolve as a most eventful year for on the November 30, Barbados became independent with the full support of the B.W.U. and the General Secretary Mr. Walcott was appointed as non-resident Ambassador to the United Nations. Mr. Burnham also took the colony of British Guiana into independence.

In Ottawa I was privileged to meet Mr. Claude Jodoin, the first President of the Canadian Labour

between the Afro-Caribbean and Indo-Caribbean population in British Guiana. Mr. Blackman described the most horrific cutlass attacks on the Afro-Caribbean villages and retaliation against the Indians with bicycle chains and firearms leading to the intervention of the colonialists, the British. A contingent from the Black Watch Regiment was flown to Atkinson Airfield in British Guiana with the Royal Air Force Comet jets transiting from the United Kingdom with a refueling stop at Kindley Air Base in Bermuda then onward to Guiana overflying Seawell in the process.

The insurrection was soon put down and a prominent Georgetown lawyer, Mr. Forbes Burnham was installed as Head of Government in preference to his opponent Dr. Cheddi Jagan, of East Indian descent, who was alleged to be sympathetic to the doctrine of communism.

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CONTRIBUTOR Congress who was famously quoted as saying: “a labour movement that is without interest in political matters is a labour movement that is evading one of the most fundamental responsibilities”. Mr. Jodoin spoke very highly of the contributions of Comrade Frank Walcott at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and other international meetings. As so did Mr. Max Swerdlow, the labour organiser, researcher and renowned labour educator.

Max Swerdlow was later selected by the ILO to preside at the Cipriani College of Labour, no doubt, through the influence of the veteran trade unionist Mr. Selwyn John, my friend and former roommate, who was also a student at the CLC headquarters in Ottawa. Mr. John has left an indelible mark on the conduct of labour relations in Trinidad and Tobago. On completion of his assignment in Trinidad Mr. Max Swerdlow retired to Barbados and lived atAtlantic Shores until his death.

In 1970 the members of the ATC Unit went on a three-day wildcat strike. Within the first hour of the commencement of the strike, Prime Minister Errol Barrow sent his Permanent Secretary, Mr. A. N. ‘Freddy’ Forde, to my home. Mr. Forde indicated that he had specific instructions to find out what had triggered the strike and if there were any legitimate problems the Prime Minister wanted them resolved; no one was to be fired or punished. Mr. Barrow had been a serviceman with the Royal Air Force during the World War 11 and aviation was special to him. As a result, the airport benefited from the erection of a new soundproof control tower, an ATC radar installation at Charnocks, Christ Church and a new terminal building. These installations are still in place but have all been upgraded over the years.

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Canadian university returning in 1976 to assume duties of Airport Manager in 1977. Fortuitously, the ATC division was able to survive in my absence but became a division of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), under the leadership of Mr. Cedric Murrell who also served as President of the NUPW and is currently the President of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB).

Comrade Frank Walcott received the accolade of knighthood and must be given credit along with Prime Minister Errol Barrow for contributing to the growth of aviation. In this fiftieth year of Independence, I offer my congratulations and best wishes to the General Secretary, Executive Council, Staff and members of the B.W.U. and my thanks for the assistance I received in my working career. 

When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there.

Zig Ziglar

The following year, 1971, while discussions were still ongoing I left to pursue Management Studies at a

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HEALTH

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Towards A National Wellness Policy For Labour – Supporting The Worker And His Family In NCD Prevention And Control.

C

hronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs); heart disease and stroke, diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease, have for the past several years been recognised as a major threat to the health and development of the people of Barbados and the Region. These diseases need to be addressed as a national health and development priority in Barbados in order to maintain and advance the gains in human development achieved since Independence. NCDs account in Barbados for 7-8 of every 10 deaths and at least 60% of expenditure

by Ministry of Health.

Heads of Government of CARICOM countries met in 2007 at the first of its kind Summit to discuss NCDs, at the conclusion of which the Port-ofSpain Declaration; Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic Diseases was issued. The Declaration recognised, inter alia, that factors that contributed to the NCDs were lifestyle in origin, unhealthy eating, exposure to tobacco smoke, abuse of alcohol and physical inactivity, which in turn contributed to elevated blood pressure and blood sugar, obesity and abnormal fats in the blood, and ultimately NCDs. Furthermore the Declaration acknowledged that the effective prevention and control of NCDs needed a multi-sector approach with active engagement and partnership of

by SIR TREVOR HASSELL Chairman, National NCD Commission President, Healthy Caribbean Coalition.

government and policy makers, private sector and civil society, all playing their respective roles.

The Heads of Government of CARICOM Summit was seminal in many respects, not the least of which was that it indicated that prevention and control of NCDs was viewed at the highest political level in the Region as one of considerable importance meriting the greatest priority. The Summit contributed at the international level to a heightened awareness of NCDs with resulting increased activity by the UN, WHO and member states in NCD prevention and control. It gave support in Barbados and other Caribbean countries to efforts of NCD prevention and control undertaken by government, civil society - including the Barbados Workers Union (B.W.U.), and the private business sector. Additionally, the Summit and Declaration gave backing to the recently established Barbados National NCD Commission, a multi-sector platform established to advise the Minister of Health on all matters related to NCDs, while functioning as an umbrella body, a national resource, facilitator, an advocacy body, and an instrument for positive change aimed at slowing and delaying the onset of the epidemic of NCDs. It is an important matter of record that

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On the 1st September 2007, the B.W.U. at the 66th Annual Delegates” Conference unanimously passed Resolution 41 on Wellness, the first such resolution of its kind. the B.W.U. was represented on the first National NCD Commission established in 2007 and has maintained that representation uninterrupted.

Prior to 2007, efforts at NCD prevention and control in Barbados, mostly with a specific disease focus, were conducted by health nongovernmental organisations, including the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Cancer Society, Diabetes Association, and a limited number of non-health non-governmental organisations, particularly the B.W.U.. The ministry of health addressed NCDs by establishing treatment programmes, and addressing the modifiable risk factors and in its Barbados Strategic Plan for Health, 20022010 identified Tackling of the Chronic Non Communicable Diseases as a national priority.

passed Resolution 41 on Wellness, the first such resolution of its kind. The author, in his role as Chairman of the NCD Commission in a presentation made to delegates, titled: Tackling the Chronic Non Communicable Diseases – a national imperative, made the observation that it was especially appropriate that the first major address delivered by the Chairman of the National NCD Commission was to the leading representative organisation of the workers of the country. The view was expressed that the effective implementation of many of the ideas and plans for tackling the scourge of the NCDs will be aimed at the broad mass of people and workers, and their families. The objectives of the NCD Commission opined the Chairman could not be successfully achieved without the fullest participation and support of the Barbados Workers’ Union. The passage of Resolution 41 on Wellness represented in many ways a first indication of the B.W.U.’s commitment to prioritise prevention and control of NCDs at the organisational level.

In the following year, the B.W.U. gave practical expression to its commitment to address NCD prevention and control by the presentation of a paper to the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), titled A Wellness and Enhanced Lifestyle Programme for Employees in the Tourism Sector. This submission was significant in that it was made at and around the time of the introduction of legislation banning These several initiatives and others at the national smoking in public places and provided the BHTA and regional level notwithstanding, the year with an understanding of the views of the largest 2007 with the holding Heads of Government workers’ representative organisation, the B.W.U., NCD Summit might reasonably be considered as of the need for attention to be paid to workplace the year in which efforts at NCD prevention and wellness and signalled support of the B.W.U. for control advanced significantly both nationally and the planned legislation to ban smoking in public regionally with the B.W.U. playing an important places. role in Barbados, and it is a review of that role that The paper pointed out that broad national and will now be highlighted. country-wide approaches should be adopted On the 1st September 2007, the B.W.U. at the aimed at enhancing lifestyle and promoting 66th Annual Delegates’ Conference unanimously wellness thereby resulting in reduction of the chronic lifestyle-related diseases which should

HEALTH include: a commitment at the highest level politically to raise awareness for prevention and control; establishment and strengthening of national policies and plans for the prevention of chronic diseases; promotion of specific measures and interventions to reduce the risk factors of, and conditions predisposing to, chronic diseases; promotion of partnerships; establishment of systems for monitoring and tracking chronic disease, and promotion of research for the prevention and control. The paper concluded by making specific programmatic proposals that included: education of all employees concerning the benefits of, and how to, follow wellness and enhanced lifestyle programmes; banning of tobacco use in all indoor workplaces and the making of resources available to those who do smoke to assist them in stopping smoking; offering of healthy foods in vending machines, company canteens, and itinerant/mobile canteens; establishment of specific training programmes for middle managers and supervisors; fostering of a culture of wholesomeness, wellness, and enhanced lifestyle at the workplace and among employees by the support and implementation of initiatives.

Major Initiative

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programmes aimed at improving employees’ health should include tobacco cessation and prevention, regular physical activity, stress management/reduction, early detection/screening for NCDs, nutrition education and promotion, weight management, disease management, NCD education, and changes in the work environment to encourage healthy behaviours and promote occupational safety and health.

Organisational Structure

The proposal went further and recommended that; programmes be integrated into the organisational structure of the workplace; employers should administer health risk appraisals and employees health risks must be addressed within comprehensive worksite programmes; the social and physical environment of the workplace should be designed to be conducive to recommended behaviours; environmental modifications should promote healthy behaviours while at the same time minimising the physical, organisational and occupational risk in the work environment; the regulatory environment should allow for increased opportunity for employers to reach a greater majority of the employee population and produce health benefits; employers who choose to offer Perhaps the next major initiative, on this occasion healthy lifestyle behaviour incentives in the at the international level, occurred in 2009 when workplace, such as wellness credits and financial the B.W.U., represented by Mr Orlando “Gabby” incentives, should provide these directly to the Scott, made a substantive proposal for inclusion employee; wellness programmes must address in the “Annotated draft code of practice on safety the needs of all employees, should be culturally and health in agriculture” (ILO Sectoral Activities sensitive and all-inclusive, and should help working Programme, Geneva 2009). This was a major families balance work and family commitments intervention by the B.W.U. and was an approach and incorporate policies around child care, elder/ that gained wide support in the following years. dependent care and flexible work schedules.

The proposal, inter alia, made the point that the worksite provides an outstanding opportunity Ban Smoking for people at the workplace, both employers and employees, to practice healthy lifestyle. Finally, the submission recommended that It recommended and proposed that Worksite Workplace Wellness programmes should Wellness Programmes, aimed at slowing the specifically aim to ban smoking in the workplace pandemic of chronic diseases, be established at as has been agreed to by most countries of the all worksites. It detailed that Worksite Wellness world when they signed the Framework Convention

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Treaty on Tobacco Control (FCTC); offer healthier cafeteria and vending machine options, that is, less salt and highly sugared beverages and foods, less saturated fats and trans fats, and more fruit and vegetables; be undertaken by employees whenever practical and possible during the normal working hours and not as an “add-on” voluntary activity, since in this latter situation the highest risk employees seldom participate; provide conditions at the worksite for employees to take part in physical activities; include a review of the extent to which employees use non-motorized means of personal transport and seek to increase use of this means of transport by employees.

Perhaps one of the most significant contributions at the national level by the B.W.U., supported by the Private Sector and the NCD Commission was the inclusion of NCD prevention and control in Protocol VI, of the Social Partnership, 2011-2013.

In the Protocol in a newly included section titled Health, Chronic Disease and Human Development, the critical role of health in the production, preservation and effective use of human capital and in the economic and social development of the people of Barbados was recognised.

Agreement with the Nassau Declaration, 2001, of the Heads of Government of CARICOM, that “the health of the region is the wealth of the region”, was affirmed. An unequivocal statement was made that the major illnesses of the people of Barbados are chronic non-communicable diseases (heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some chronic lung conditions and preventable cancers), HIV and AIDS and sequelae of injuries and violence, and support given for the statement of the Heads of Government of CARICOM that chronic diseases represent the greatest health and economic burden of the people of the region, including Barbados; a situation that is likely to worsen unless appropriate action to effect lifestyle improvement, identification and remediation of risk factors and enhanced disease treatment are taken.

The Social Partners in Protocol V1 indicated support and commitment both individually and within their respective spheres of influence and collectively at the national level to take action to slow the pandemic of chronic diseases by; encouraging and facilitating Barbadians to take greater individual responsibility for their health and well-being by being more physically active, avoiding exposure to tobacco, eating healthily and optimizing medical care; supporting the enactment of policies and legislation that create an enabling environment that assists Barbadians in their individual efforts to combat chronic disease; encouraging and supporting efforts of community groups, civil society and the private sector as they seek to educate, inform, and facilitate and implement programmes aimed at combatting chronic diseases, and actively contributing in any way feasible and relevant to ensure the provision of systems of health care aimed at best practice treatment of persons suffering from chronic diseases.

Statement Of Commitment Finally, in this review of substantive initiatives taken by the B.W.U. over the past decade it is appropriate to conclude with the most recently passed resolution of the B.W.U. titled “Barbados Workers’ Union Statement of Commitment to Prevent and Control of NCDs”, which, in its preamble, stated that “We, the Barbados Workers Union; 1, Appreciate that the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) , including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, cancer, mental illness and chronic lung disease, are occurring in epidemic proportions in all countries of the Caribbean and are major causes of premature death, suffering, disability and excessive financial burden; 2, Realise that certain common factors: physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol, increase the risk of NCDs and that reduction of these risk factors, early detection of disease and provision of effective and affordable treatment, are required to prevent and control

HEALTH NCDs; 3, Accept that the onset of NCDS can be delayed by promotion of appropriate individual health choices and that these choices should be made in enabling environments that promote physical activity, promote choices of foods low in salt, refined sugars and unhealthy fats; avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and limit intake of alcohol; 4, Recognise that NCDs are a threat to the economies of the Caribbean and that through premature loss of the productive work force and burgeoning healthcare costs, they can cause a decline or reversal of the region’s developmental and economic gains; 5, Recognise that a “whole of government and whole of civil society response” is needed to address the NCD risk factors and that this can only occur through engagement and effective collaboration between all sectors of society; 6, Agree that the Barbados Workers Union through collaborative efforts with government, the business sector and civil society, can and should play a key role in both national and regional efforts to combat NCDs through ensuring that health and safety in the workplace and wellness of employees is given paramount importance among all workers in Barbados, and this be achieved not only within companies but in the wider community through health advocacy, networking, coalition building, service delivery programmes, mobilization of resources, provision of technical assistance and expertise, and empowerment of local communities and special groups.

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2, advocate for, and collaborate with private and public sector businesses to ensure that dedicated staff and/or interdepartmental teams are trained and developed, where these do not already exist, for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of health and wellness policies and specific programmes at the workplace and their impact on the corporate environment and employee morale; 3, advocate for and participate in partnerships with the other sectors of society with a view to development and implementation of multi-sectoral strategies for the prevention and management of NCDs at the national level; 4, support national policies on health education and promotion particularly among youth, women and other population groups at high risk for the development of NCDs; 5, advocate and provide support for development of national policies on tobacco, diet and nutrition, physical activity and use of alcohol. Including reformulation by reducing the salt, refined sugars and unhealthy fats in the foods and beverages that we produce; improving nutritional labelling of our food products; reducing the marketing and promotion of unhealthy foods to children; and conforming to known national and international standards for salt, sugar and fat content in foods and beverages, where these exist; 6, advocate and provide support for national policies on water, air and land pollution and engage in: recycling non-biodegradable materials; composting biodegradable materials; reducing harmful factory emissions and ensuring Corporate Wellness Policy safe disposal of industrial waste; 7, leverage our influence to encourage the government to The resolution then further declared the Barbados continue collaboration with international health Workers’ Union’s commitment to assist in agencies and groups and to implement accepted the prevention and control of NCDs with the international standards for the promotion of taking of specific actions: 1, adopt a corporate Public Health and prevention of NCDs such as wellness policy within the B.W.U. that aims to the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control implement or increase sustainable worksite (FCTC) and the WHO Global NCD Targets. wellness programmes offered to our employees by promoting healthy lifestyles; creating supportive Barbados as it celebrates 50 years of independence environments for physical activity and healthy and the B.W.U. 75 years since it was founded nutrition; providing continuing health education, are in many ways both at a crossroads with the promoting disease screening, and much more; country on the one hand challenged in its further

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The B.W.U. is in an excellent position to build on its longstanding and proud tradition of improvement of the life of the Barbadian worker.

The development of a National Wellness Policy for Labour is an initiative that would allow the B.W.U. The B.W.U. is well placed to contribute both at the to place prevention and control of NCDs which institutional and the national level in addressing has been recognised as the single most important the health and economic challenges posed by threat to further human development in Barbados NCDs. Many of the actions needed by the B.W.U. as the cornerstone of its national programme to prevent and control NCDs are highlighted in in the coming years. The proposed National this paper, and reflect the content of resolutions Wellness Policy for Labour, with an associated passed and adopted over the past decade by the Action/Work Plan, could include a commitment to B.W.U. The B.W.U. has contributed to, and assisted development of Workplace wellness programmes in, crafting the national agenda and discourse in at all businesses in Barbados, including schools NCD prevention and control resulting in major and other educational institutions where there is national actions, that include include legislation a need to protect the rights of the child against banning smoking in public places, banning of the marketing and promotion of unhealthy foods and sale of cigarettes to minors, and the imposition of beverages; advocacy in support of policies and legislation to create an enabling environment tax on sugar sweetened beverages. development by NCDs, and the workers and their families specifically challenged and constrained with ever increasing sickness and death and resulting economic challenges.

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HEALTH to facilitate healthy living, and the articulation of a commitment of the B.W.U. to contribute to Barbados meeting the sustainable development goals.

NCDs are the most important issue adversely affecting the workers of Barbados. A coherent, targeted and focused major organisational approach to NCD prevention and control by the B.W.U. for its members, their families and workers of Barbados, is well aligned with the Vision Statement of the B.W.U. to, Through team work to enhance the organisation’s performance, and improve the quality of life for workers and other vulnerable groups through organising, education, collective bargaining, tripartite social dialogue, lobbying for policies which defend their rights and interests and promoting diversity. Prevention and control of NCDs by the B.W.U. in partnership with the government and the private business sector is the most important and relevant action that can be taken by the B.W.U. to improve health and well-being and quality of life for workers and other vulnerable groups and their families. ď Ž

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Workers’ Demonstration in Bridgetown during the Clarke and Tucker strike in the early 1970s.

Sir William Douglas (r) Chief Justice and Lady Douglas leaving “Unity House” following a May Day Service. At left is B.W.U. General Secretary, Comrade Frank Walcott and B.W.U. Chaplain Canon Harold Tudor.

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Sir Frank Walcott and Sir Hugh Springer are leaving the B.W.U. auditorium at “Solidarity House” led by President General David Giles.

Her Excellency the Govenor General Dame Nita Barrow (and from left) in attendance at a May Day Service.

Others in picture form left to right President General David Giles, Sir Roy Trotman, B.W.U. General Secretary, Robert Morris, Deputy General Secretary and the Governor General’s ADC, Atheline Branch.