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Are Public Workers Being Sold Out?

Submitted by GoWEB Caribbean – Writer Caswell Franklyn   In an ideal world there would be no place for trade unions. Employers would observe the golden rule, and treat their workers as they would like to be treated if they were in the employee’s place. Also, there would be no need for labour legislation. But…

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Submitted by GoWEB Caribbean – Writer Caswell Franklyn

 

Caswell Franklyn – Head of Unity Workers Union

In an ideal world there would be no place for trade unions. Employers would observe the golden rule, and treat their workers as they would like to be treated if they were in the employee’s place. Also, there would be no need for labour legislation.

But this is not an ideal world and even with trade unions and labour laws, workers in this country continue to suffer under the domination of tyrannical bosses. Very often, even though the worker has right on his side, he is denied proper representation by the unions and the Labour Department. The following might help to explain how things work in this country.

Last year, the General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers, Dennis Clarke, while on vacation, went into the office and unknown to the acting General Secretary, Roslyn Smith, wrote a letter to Government offering to forgo a salary increase for public servants if Government gave the union a building at Newton, Christ Church to be used for a buyers’ club. When I saw a copy of the letter, I immediately brought it to the attention of Mrs. Smith who retrieved it from Government and notified the President, Walter Maloney.

My information is that even though Mrs. Smith was able to retrieve the letter: the union has acquired the property rent free for eighteen months, and we all know the level of increase that has been achieved on behalf public servants.

If that were all it would be bad enough, but there is more. Under the Customs Tariff (Amendment)(No9) Order, 2009 the NUPW is exempt from the payment of customs duties on:

“Educational materials and articles, including paper, furniture, equipment, office machinery, films, books, pamphlets, audio-visual aids and charts imported by or on behalf of the National Union of Public Workers for use exclusively by that Union for the promotion of education of its members in matters relating to trade union affairs, on the certificate to that effect of the General Secretary of the Trade Union subject to such conditions as to the keeping or rendering of accounts in respect of the use or disposal of the goods as the Comptroller requires”.

Notwithstanding the foregoing the union has acquired an Audi motor car duty free for the exclusive use of the General Secretary. These are the facts: readers will have to form their own conclusions.

81 responses to “Are Public Workers Being Sold Out?”

  1. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    Magnum P-eye
    Personal vendetta my foot! If it appears so, I am sorry. I am only seeking to expose the corruption in the trade union movement. Like you, I know more than I can state in a blog especially since I use my name. I have proof of all that I have written on this blog.

    Your first question made a false assumption. Clarke did not bring me back anywhere. He was given instructions to re-employ me and he did all in his power to prevent it. As a matter of fact, it was Derek Alleyne, as Deputy General Secretary, who acted upon those instructions. Clarke was satisfied to increasingly use my services on an ad hoc basis, and where possible present my work as his, for example, I did all the work required by the NUPW on the QEH contract and Clarke passed it on as his work. To date I have not seen his promised payment for that work.

    Why was I re-employed? The simple answer is that I am good at what I do. Below is an exerpt from a report on me to the Executive, written by Clarke, in December 2009, after two years on the job:

    There is no doubt that Mr. Franklyn has brought considerable value to this organization on his employment. He is second to none in the industrial relations arena in Barbados in relation to the legal rights of workers in the public service and the private sector. His vast knowledge of employment law and its application has caused him to be sought after for advice by many an attorney on an almost daily basis.
    To date, the quality and thoroughness of his work has placed him head and shoulders above the industrial relations officers at this institution. He is always ready and willing to give advice and to assist them in their work.

    Even after that I was fired because I would not play ball. I would not back off when politely asked to do so.

    You asked, “What is the membership of Unity Workers Union?” I can answer that with two questions: What is the membership of BWU? What is the membership of NUPW?

    I can answer other questions but I usually stick to what I can prove. Over to You Magnum P-eye.

  2. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    Enuff (March 4, 2011)
    You asked, “What happened to the Shop Steward?”
    Her name was not on the original list of persons to be terminated. As a matter of fact, she had only recently been appointed to act in a senior position. Rather than revert her to the old job, the Urban Development Commission dismissed her for acting as a shop steward.
    I suggested to the General Secretary that the union should institute criminal proceedings against the Board of the UDC since it had breached Section 40A of the Trade Union Act by terminating a shop steward under these circumstances. Instead, the union took the path of least resistance: they hired her.

  3. enuff Avatar
    enuff

    @ Caswell
    Thank you, BU would more believe you than me.

    @ Magnum
    Can be interpreted? What was his post at the NHC prior to January 15, 2008 and what is it now?

  4. ruth arnetta Avatar
    ruth arnetta

    bro cas- there is a saying that what you sow is what you reap’ was it not mr clarke who facilitated your return to the precincts of the union by indicating to a general conference that you were a member in good standing? moreover, i am still awaiting your response to my query as to how public workers were sold out by the gen sec writing a letter to govt which was later retrieved promising to forego salary negotiations in return for a building to house a building club for the same workers ?

  5. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    Bro. Ruth
    You got it all wrong, Mr. Clarke never facilitated my return to the Union. I was offered a job by the then Treasurer Charles (Buddy) Skeete. I will repeat for your benefit Clarke tried everything to keep me out. He preferred me to do his work for him and not let the rest of the secretariat know that I was making him look good.

    If you don’t understand how the offer, to forego a salary increase in exchange for the building, was a betrayal of public workers then I can’t help you. I am an industrial relations person, I have no skills in remedial education.

  6. ruth arnetta Avatar
    ruth arnetta

    bro cas- i know that these are funny days with men winning the right to marry men and women thr right to marry women and so on but i would be grateful if you refer to me as sisruth and not elevate me to male status just yet. however, i just came back from remedial classes and i learned that a null and void act has no locus standi in the eyes of the court and the most mr clarke could be guilty of is ignorance or incompetence.

  7. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    Sis Ruth
    I will try one last time.
    The employer is liable for the wrongful acts of an employee that were committted in the course of his employment. The employer is said to be vicariously liable, and as far as I am aware, is liable in respect of:
    1. “A wrongful act or omission expressly or inpliedly authorized by the employer”; or
    2. “A wrongful act or omission which is an unauthorized manner of doing something authorized by the employer”

    The Government can therefore rely on the General Secretary’s letter especially since the employer did not repudiate the General Secretary’s action.

  8. Magnum Avatar
    Magnum

    Hi Caswell. A few days have passed but we need to get back to our exercise in question and answer. I like to pick your brain!
    1. Are you still a member of the NUPW?
    2. If yes to ? 1, will you be attending the Annual General Conference at the NUPW?
    3. Will you be contesting a seat on the NUPW’s Executive in the coming elections?
    4. What do you think about the proposed Buying Club and Medical Centre?

    Lets go Caz!!

  9. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    Magnum
    I am entitled to associate membership of NUPW, since I am no longer employed in the Public Service or by any of the other entities where NUPW has membership. I am therefore not entitled to hold office in the union.
    As an associate member, I am entitled to attend and participate in the conference. However, I will not be doing so since I would only be a distraction. NUPW has too many problems that they need to sorted out. Unfortunately, I know what is likely to happen. The meeting will be delayed dealing with the minutes and other peripheral nonsense for the best part of the day: they will lose a quorum and nothing substantial would happen.

    The buyers’ club is a good idea. But like all other money making ventures the crooks will take over. Already, the Treasurer is fighting against run away expenditure on this project, some of which have not been properly incurred. Word is that there is a faction in the union that is hell bent on removing the Treasurer since he is reported to be too tight fisted with the union’s money. Apparently, he insists on too much paper work and “would not let anybody get a cent”. One example, the President incurred cell phone charges in excess of $6,000 over two months. The Treasurer is insisting that the union be reimbursed. That is one reason why they are seeking to remove the Treasurer, Ken Dash.

  10. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    Magnum
    By the way I have copies of the bills if you care to see them.

  11. ruth arnetta Avatar
    ruth arnetta

    bro cas just for my education- if what you say is true- then am i to understand the persons outside of the public service can be associate members of the nupw; if this is so-then the name “national union of public workers” is a misnomer and should be changed to reflect reality. i think the bdos public workers co-operative credit union is in a similar state since it caters to all segments of the society.

  12. ruth arnetta Avatar
    ruth arnetta

    bro cas- i smell a red herring but my understanding is that last year the treasurer refused to sign cheques which he felt were not in the interest of the union. very noble indeed. the matter was referred to the inept council who to the best of my knowledge referred some payments for further investigation and instucted the treasurer to sign those free of bias. along the way, the treasurer was suspended by the inept council of the union and later reinstated. elections are around the corner and nomination papers are out. there is no limit to the length of time paid up public servants can run for office; so according to the rules the treasurer is free to run again as long as he is bonafide member. no faction hellbent on removing the treasurer can stop the treasurer from seeking office and holding office if he wins the election. i think the whole executive ought to have resigned every since there were bickering among themselves and install an interim executive until elections were held because there is nothing except for the increase in their allowances that this current executive has done to move the union forward in the six years they were elected.

  13. ruth arnetta Avatar
    ruth arnetta

    bro cas- for my information and the benefit of the public since i do not have a rule book to hand- how does one attain associate membership which would allow one to participate in the union’s activities through associate membership. i assume you are paying dues or you are exempted from paying dues as an associate member. clarify for me because this associate membership thing seems rather complicated.

  14. ac Avatar
    ac

    @ruth arnette
    are you at odds with term ‘associate member’ ? are you not privy to sucha term being used by past members of NUPW. B TW carswell also said that he was “entitled” to be an associate member.

  15. Magnum Avatar
    Magnum

    Bro Caswell you do a good job of answering my questions eventhough I believe that you are holding back on me. Caz for the benefit of all members of the NUPW repeat for me the value of the telephone bill incurred by the President of the NUPW (Walter Maloney). Who he was calling to get that kind of phone-bill? Do you realise that theat kind of money a month puts a fella in the S-Scales

    It is said, “absolute power corrupts absolutely”. The brother seems to be acting like he is a ‘big maguffy”. I blame the many competent public officers who selfishly and sheepishly shy away from giving service to the Unions. Maloney is a bluffer! Caz maybe you can tell me what is Maloney’s record of achievement before becoming president of the NUPW. I can hear him now spouting about the buying club!! IT CANNOT HAPPEN IN BRABADOS!! its easier to milk a mouse in boxing gloves!!

    I want ppl to know that since Maloney talked of a buying club about 4 years ago nothing has happened. the only thing that the NUPW has to show is the burnt-out building at Newton supposed to be on lease.

    Maloney really is a political operative. Remember he said the nupw supports the constituency councils, the nupw agreed to a wage freeze even before it was tabled in negotiations. Tell Dennis clarke he needs to restrain him until April when the members of the Union will allow him to run free.

  16. ruth arnetta Avatar
    ruth arnetta

    to magnum- are you sure that maloney will be booted from office? i doubt. his competition in the elections are all has beens like himself. his advantage is that he is known. i wish that an entire new slate without anty baggage could be elected to on the executive to provide able and genuine leadership to the organisation. the last executive hasd nothing to show except a hefty increase in stipend and blackberry phones at the union expense.

  17. robert Avatar
    robert

    Has maloney paid back any of the$6000 cell phone bill as yet and has Dennis Clarke declared the car benefits on his tax returns ?

  18. robert Avatar
    robert

    Grant funding what will it cost the NUPW which only has about $1.5million in subs per year ? what is the catch ?and has this God Father been check out to ensure that all is above board and when was the agreement signed -will the General Secretary be in charge of these funds or maloney —Members becareful of loosing your Organisation –remember the Treasurer was indicating about not having Documents yet Dennis ,Walter and a Council with no Financial knowledge wanted him to sign cheques -he must stand stand up for good Governance . I am told there are more cheques that he has noy signed –what about the wed site ?

  19. roy Avatar
    roy

    Cas-you very quiet on these did he repay any of the money ?its union members funds and should have been repaid ,we have a big expensive car and the non repayment of cell phone calls by d Maloney -did the depty treasure paid her excess phone bill ?

  20. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    Roy
    You must agree that I can’t be seen to be naking noise on every issue. I know that there is rampant corruption at NUPW, but that is for their members to deal with. I know about the big expensive car and I don’t envy anyone who drives one. My only concern is that the Inland Revenue Department refuses to collect the $23,000 tax on the vehicle while they are hounding down some very small defenceless people for taxes.

    What do you want me to say about the $6000 dollar phone bill that was incurred by the President. If you want I can give you copies and let you say something. Incidentally, the President was never authorised by the National Council of the union to have a cell phone at the union’s expence, But he has connections that insulate and protect him. In any event, those matters are for the NUPW’s membership and the Inland Revenue.

    One thing that continues to trouble me however, is Maloney’s promotion at the National Housing Corporation. I remember a former employee of NHC (I think his name is Coppin, but I could be wrong) who went to NUPW for representation after he was dismissed for no apparent when the DLP to office in 2008. I understand that the matter was resolved by changing the job title and promoting Maloney to it. You should be concerned too.

  21. robert Avatar
    robert

    mr.cas -where r the proof of thses cell phone bills you said that u had it lets see the proof and was d Maloney on NUPW BUSINESS when this bill was incured . (2) how come that Dennis and Walter are so closed now (3) why is Dennis and Walter so opposed to d Treasurer now . A year ago Walter AND Dennis were crying that there wanted back they money how come that they donot want to get back d unions money from d cell phone bills .

    Well i hope that the voters dont allow this corrupt Maloney to win again .

  22. Magnum Avatar
    Magnum

    Maloney and Clkarke are ‘brothers” they are bound to be close. Regardless of what the believe they will reach an accommodation that will suit both of them. Wunna get on as though maloney is the first political stouge, and he will not be the last. Clarke appears to have reached a point where the nupw is not his main interest and could not care less about the staff (except for his chosen few), the progresss of the organisation.

    What will be his legacy? another building? the vision continues!! who is sharing in that vision? how and when will the nupw be able to repay the loan on such a hefty investment??

    people mad! which organisation during these economic times can be involved in two major projects. where is the funding coming?

  23. Magnum Avatar
    Magnum

    I feel that better things are to come! hold ya hat, the seas going to be ruff.. Caz its time to exposed the truth about Maloney’s phone bill. I hope you can show what kinds of call he made and to who. I am interested!
    I agree with the past comments about the quality of persons standing foir office? We need quality persons!

    Clarke and inland revenue will have their day soon, from what I hear he has about half of the outstanding debt to the IRD compliments one of his children.
    hold ya hat!!

  24. robert Avatar
    robert

    how did d conference pass a motion to pay $10,000. to clarke son ? i was very ashame to see that Maloney refuse to allow the Treasure’s demand that the letters of exchange between lawyers (haynes and Jonnie )be read to the conference and s president refuse —-it was only after the meeting that i over herd d president saying that to allow d request would have destroy he and dennis –so u see what is happening to that organisation

    lies and more lies —a family connection( clarke,maloney)and clarke ,mitchy Beckles who move the motion ) maloney have to paid back d money as yet —-i see why maloney ,clarke and Beckles need to see d back of the Treasure ,he stands in their way and he is protecting the FUNDS – i was maloney friend and also clarke but i will tell all my friends to VOTE against Maloney and his TEAM all lies .

  25. Giselle Avatar
    Giselle

    And what’s this now about the Nation newspaper terminating 9 persons? That company is not making a loss, it is simply down on PROFIT. Last year they wanted to forego a negotiated pay increase due to staff but were pushed back by the union. That was only because the union found out that the amount they were looking to “save” (about 5% of labour costs) was actually going to be paid to 4 new managers they were bringing in. That too was pushed back; for a while.
    Unfortunately when some women get into powerful positions they have to prove that their balls are bigger than anybody elses.
    I am fed up with how things are going in Barbados. Corruption all around. I don’t know Caswell to be dishonest & frankly I believe what he says about NUPW. I shudder to think of the possibility of BWU also being anything remotely like the guys by the Garrison, behind the walls.
    Who is going to stand up for Barbados’ workers & give them hope?

  26. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    All public workers woke up to the welcome news, on the front page of the Nation (May 19, 2011) that NUPW’s wages proposal was before Government.
    However, they should take time out to thank Barbados Underground for exposing the secret proposal where the union was trying to get a building, for the buyer’s club, in exchange for a wage freeze. I say that they should thank BU because no one else had the courage to publish the story. Here is the relevant exerpt that appeared on February 28, 2011:

    Last year, the General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers, Dennis Clarke, while on vacation, went into the office and unknown to the acting General Secretary, Roslyn Smith, wrote a letter to Government offering to forgo a salary increase for public servants if Government gave the union a building at Newton, Christ Church to be used for a buyers’ club. When I saw a copy of the letter, I immediately brought it to the attention of Mrs. Smith who retrieved it from Government and notified the President, Walter Maloney.

    My information is that even though Mrs. Smith was able to retrieve the letter: the union has acquired the property rent free for eighteen months, and we all know the level of increase that has been achieved on behalf public servants.

    The members of the union should still be concerned because this proposal is also secret. There should have been a meeting of the membership so that they could have instructed the Executive on what to seek in the proposals. The tail is wagging the dog!

  27. David Avatar
    David

    Reblogged this on Barbados Underground and commented:

    Can our trade unions be trusted? We hearing that both NUPW and BWU bosses are leaving their unions at a crucial juncture. What can we make of it?

  28. JUST ASKING Avatar
    JUST ASKING

    Man wunna like it so
    Talkers and not do-ers
    Caswell is a do-er
    You too David is a do-er
    But the two of you need to go further

  29. PLANTATION DEEDS FROM 1926 TO 2014 , MASSIVE FRAUD ,LAND TAX BILLS AND NO DEEDS OF BARBADOS, BLPand DLP=Massive Fruad Avatar
    PLANTATION DEEDS FROM 1926 TO 2014 , MASSIVE FRAUD ,LAND TAX BILLS AND NO DEEDS OF BARBADOS, BLPand DLP=Massive Fruad

    The Union sell out the people and the DBLP sell out the people , Nothing more to buy , but good bye.
    Monkey in the Middle are the people , Once you have a Sir at the head of any thing in Barbados you have to know they are the inside MAN for them.”SPY”.
    Let them go home in shame , but on the other side they will say JOB well done My Sir,
    dont forget the land fraud of Barbados , next step

    http://barbadosfreepress.wordpress.com/2014/01/25/uks-serious-fraud-squad-investigating-harlequin-any-information-welcome/

  30. Konkieman Avatar
    Konkieman

    I don’t know why we waste time, typing, or effort on this topic. Unions are some of the most corrupt entities today. We know this. They do not represent the people, their leaders are crusing through life like corporate CEOs while selling out their members. The Bdos unions need to feel the reality like the US ones have, with a declining base of maybe 1/3 of membership from 20 years ago. Maybe they will then wake up, but it is wishful thinking.

  31. Bajan in NY Avatar
    Bajan in NY

    @Konkieman, you are 100% correct. union membership sat back and allowed union presidents/general secretaries and their executives to function in a manner similar to CEOs and managements in the private sector businesses. The unions in the U.S.A. are now basically nothing more than a campaign financing arm of the Democratic Party. Bajans will be well advised to light a fire under the backsides of the incoming inexperience leadership of the BWU and NUPW in an effort to safeguard their pensions from potential cuts in a manner similar to the folks in Detroit.

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