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Barbados Workers Union Has Become Irrelevant

Submitted by Philip Skeete I should be grateful if you [BU]  would get in touch with Sir Roy and tell him that a strike by the members of the BWU will not cripple LIME operations in 2013. All Sir Roy will be doing is crippling the Barbados economy. LIME’s survival depends on people using cell…

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Submitted by Philip Skeete
Sir Roy Trotman
Sir Roy Trotman

I should be grateful if you [BU]  would get in touch with Sir Roy and tell him that a strike by the members of the BWU will not cripple LIME operations in 2013. All Sir Roy will be doing is crippling the Barbados economy. LIME’s survival depends on people using cell phones. While the workers  are on strike, their idle fingers will be sending text messages to friends and family. Tops-up will be the order of the day.

Pointless boasting that the Union successfully took strike action for 3 weeks against the Telephone Company 31 years ago. Those were the days when radio telephone operators connected people  worldwide.Now every home in Barbados has a MagicJack [Skype] and while they are on strike, they will be giving their friends and family a blow by blow commentary on what is going on.

Those were the days when newspapers had to wait hours for Reuters and Associated Press stories. Today, MCTV, Direct TV and Satellite receivers mounted on top of  news media houses provide them with data before Reuters or Associated Press can get  it right. Remember the 9/11 attacks? FOX News and CNN brought the news into the homes of Barbadians. They didn’t have to wait till the following day like back in 1981 (Bartel strike) to get the news. Every day youngsters watch European football on MCTV or on satellite TV at bars all over Barbados. LIME doesn’t provide these services. Nobody is waiting for an operator to answer the phone at LIME to send a telegram to friends and family overseas, Sir Roy. MagicJack is there for that purpose.

Karib Cable, TeleBarbados and Digicel are there to provide back-up communications for cellphone contacts overseas. Nobody is waiting for the Transport Board to transport their children to and from school. The ZR and Minibus operators will clap their hands. They wouldn’t have to break the laws of Barbados to get a load for the days on which he calls out the Transport Board workers. It is time that Mr. Trotman ponders on these things and don’t make the silly mistakes which he made during the past decade of threatening Sandy Lane, Royal Shoppe, Almond Beach and others with strikes. Has he closed down these operations?

Ask Mr. Trotman if he remembers the days when the Trades Union Congress of England threatened to shut down Ford Motors, the Fleet Street newspapers, bus and railway transportation weekly? Gone are those days. Trade Unions worldwide are redefining themselves. Read the overseas paper Sir Roy. The largest  Trade Union ‘UNITE’ in the U.K has started a community membership programme which allows people, not necessarily union members , access to UNITE’s legal help-line, debt counselling  and assistance in claiming benefits. Volunteers are asked to contribute 50p per week to help with the programme. This came about because of the massive redundancies in Britain.

Mr. Trotman, you and your policies have become irrelevant  in the 21st century. Ask for help from the young IR experts who are frustrating you sitting opposite you at the negotiations tables

139 responses to “Barbados Workers Union Has Become Irrelevant”

  1. Well Well Avatar
    Well Well

    More laughs!!!

  2. PLANTATION DEEDS FROM 1926-2013 AND SEE MASSIVE FRAUD ,LAND TAX BILLS AND NO DEEDS Avatar
    PLANTATION DEEDS FROM 1926-2013 AND SEE MASSIVE FRAUD ,LAND TAX BILLS AND NO DEEDS

    Sir ?? Who he paid for that title?, Unions at some point get in bed with the workers masters and then back stab the slaves.
    Women and children first , as they say.
    In this case Children first.
    Adults can take their own time talking things over,
    Replace the teachers until they come back to work, let them play hooky like little children.
    Teacher need to know its better to fight from the inside than out side.

  3. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    All Sir Roy has to do now is to announce the strike date.

  4. Cheryl Avatar
    Cheryl

    Mr Trotman, I mean ‘Sir Trotman’. With all due respect, you’ve lost touch with reality. You’re views and policies are dated. The world has moved forward, sadly, you have not. The world is not as it was 30 or so years ago. You need to review and amend your policies. To be totally honest, I think it’s time to go! You are no longer a young man and it may be time to think about retiring and handing the banton someone who is more in tune with current affairs and not stuck in the past!

  5. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    From what I have been hearing privately, the Duke of York agreed to the layoffs during the talks. The two parties were to meet early in January to finalise the deal. But it seems as if LIME who thought that the deal was done, went ahead and issued the letters before the meeting.

    What this action by LIME seemingly did was to expose the Duke and the Duke was infuriated! Does this merit putting the economy of Barbados at risk? We have noticed though that the government’s chief advisor on this blog has been spurring on the Duke. The DLP wants this strike, it would seem. Do they really care about this country or only power? Does the Duke really think that LIME’s big bosses in the UK will back down? I think not!

    We will have to wait and see if the Duke indeed calls a strike, how many folks he will get coming out as people are now afraid for their jobs I think now the Duke has gone too far with his threats to back down now, his EGO will take a beating. It is really time for the Duke to hang up his boots. His time and tactics are long gone.

    miller,

    Is it true that the PM’s not a leper friend is now one of the franchise holders???

  6. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    Carson C. Cadogan | January 13, 2013 at 5:29 PM |

    All Sir Roy has to do now is to announce the strike date…………….

    Why dont you advise another person to announce the date everyone wants? This strike suits your ends, doesn’t it? The Duke better be careful that this strike call dont end his career ………..in shambles!

  7. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    In other words LIME has made 97 BLACK BAJANS workers redundant based on LIES.

    TIMELINE:-

    Dec. 2012

    Fantastic workers

    1st Jan. 2013

    Poor workers

  8. ac Avatar
    ac

    god rule the day when Unions become irrelevant. those who have arrived at the top like Phillip owes a debt of gratitude to people like Sir Roy and other Union leaders who head the front of the line and fought for the rights of the working class and which many have benifitted.

  9. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    ac,

    I do not think for the most part that any of us on BU want to get rid of the unions and do not think that unions have a role to play. No one disputes the role that unions played in the days of yore but times have changed and all we are saying is that Sir Leroy’s strong arm tactics of 30 years ago CANNOT work in 2013!

  10. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    ccc,
    You and this race talk have become boring. How do you know that all 97 persons are black? Get off the race baiting!

  11. David Avatar
    David

    It was interesting to hear former HR practitioner Elsworth Young on the talk show today make mention that only 30% of the workforce is unionized in Barbados. The numbers seem to be dwindling also. What story does it tell?

  12. David Avatar
    David

    Can anyone confirm that of the 97 severed more than 60% have gotten jobs in the reconstituted LIME stores?

  13. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    prodigal son

    “how many folks he will get coming out as people are now afraid for their jobs ”

    …..”the BEC has sent off a notice to is members………..to brace themselves for the action.

    “Ensure that your staff understands that you are not part of any dispute with the BWU and you fully intend to be compliant with the legislation and will not penalize them for being part of industrial action once they are a member of a recognized division,” it said, noting that pay should not be withheld for days workers participate in action sanctioned by their union.

    ……….the confederation reminded its members that they COULD FIND THEMSELVES ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE LAW if they seek to discipline employees who excercise their right to strike.”

    Barbados Employers Confederation

    Sunday Sun
    13 Jan. 2013
    Page 5a

    You were saying PRODIGAL SON?

  14. DR. THE HONOURABLE Avatar
    DR. THE HONOURABLE

    Sir Leroy’s strong arm tactics of 30 years ago CANNOT work in 2013!

    The tactics can and will work
    Unions are relevant and its only idiots who do not know their history that would argue otherwise. Instead of sending people back to the canefields , we should be setting up adult education classes for the masses to teach them their history

  15. ac Avatar
    ac

    prodigal @ ac

    I do not think for the most part that any of us on BU want to get rid of the unions and do not think that unions have a role to play. No one disputes the role that unions played in the days of yore but times have changed and all we are saying is that Sir Leroy’s strong arm tactics of 30 years ago CANNOT work in 2013!

    prodigal so what are saying. ? and what tactics would you prefer to be use when all other avenues have been exhausted. ,Times indeed have changed which explains the need for unions to be more vigilant in the defending the rights of the worker.

  16. ac Avatar
    ac

    prodigal can you imagine ac “going up” against an employer like Bush Tea without union representation. Bush TEA underscore the meaning of “strong arm tactics ” and the only response would be one with full force and firing power the kind Bush Tea would have to respect.

  17. David Avatar
    David

    LIME cannot operate in the same way it did before deregulation. Digicel currently outsources its Stores, LIME is doing the same. One gets the impression this is not about 97 workers.

  18. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    ac,
    You can always call on you buddy old onion bags for help and I am sure Caswell would not forsake you in your hour of need! LOL!

  19. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    Agreed, David!

  20. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    What a stupid headline, there is always a place for a Trade Union perhaps the leadership has become irrelevant and stale just like the politicians in Barbados they become an “Army of Occupation”. Both of these groups think that they are the ‘gift that continues giving” while to these eyes they continue to take and take and…..

    Sir Roy has been part of the union leadership for “donkey years” ,organisations just like countries need new blood; new ideas, new faces , some of these people ain’t leaving unless you carry them out feet first.

  21. ac Avatar
    ac

    the writer has a short or convient memory . bajans who work in the canefields can relate to unfair treatment .low wages. inconsiderate and unconscienable working conditions with no representation ,. only today the airconditioned working elite tells you that unions are irrelavant cause most of them have never had to work in similar conditions as there fore parents and are privilege to enjoy many rewards and benefits because of unions. how quickly we forget.

  22. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    The Barbados Labour Party is stragely silent.

    I wonder why the cat has their tongue?

  23. Observing(...) Avatar
    Observing(…)

    Interesting post. The world has indeed become an interconnected place where wid knowledge on many areas and an appreciation for their intertwining is critical for general success far less representation. Always had “doubts” about Sir Roy but he represents his workers. Sandy Lane, Royal Shop and the most recent Jew exposed his rear. Now LIME has prepared for full a battery. Will make for an interesting case.

    Point taken though…unions, like religion, politicians, leaders and our educational system has not evolved to meet the current and emerging realities. We’re suffering as a result.

    Just observing

  24. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    Lets hear your voice, MIA.

    You had plenty to say on Alexander School.

  25. ac Avatar
    ac

    to say that UNions have become irrelavant is ludicrious because the same problems which plagued workers of yore still exist although might not be so widespread, case and point Lime !

  26. David Avatar
    David

    @ac

    Can’t you read and comprehend? The topic is whether the BWU has become irrelevant NOT if unions are irrelevant.

  27. ac Avatar
    ac

    no the BWU has not become irrelevant!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.one might have problems with the tactics but the message is still the same , today the BWU tomorrow Caswell unity and so on. what difference does it make i believe the article only reflects what is happening and the messenger but it reflects a growing trend among barbadians that Unions are irrelevant. hence my previous responses

  28. David Avatar
    David

    Mission Statement“To be the most efficient provider of CreditUnion services and products which develop and sustain the socio-economic standards of all members, based on Co-operative principles.”

    The above is the mission statement of the BWU. What has it doneof late  for its members to try to improve their ‘socio-economic’ and wellbeing? Yes they own the credit union but a quick glance at the financials show their has been slow balancesheet growth in the last 10 years. For example 2008 over 2007 shows the balancesheet grew by about 7 million when compared to 2012 over 2008 where the growth was about 10 million.
    These unions feel that the only way to help workers is to negotiate wage increases and a few conditions of employment.

  29. ac Avatar
    ac

    david

    These unions feel that the only way to help workers is to negotiate wage increases and a view conditions of employment.

    is that an opinion or a fact? .

  30. David Avatar
    David

    @ac

    Do any of the trade unions in Barbados own a buyers club? A bank? Any alliance to help their members combat the challenges of life?

  31. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    Sorry about that.

    I don’t see why all of you are directing your rage at Sir Leroy. It should be directed at the union members who are too lazy to remove him which has allowed him to behave as he likes. The union is a democracy, so figure out why he is allowed to behave as though nobody else matters.

  32. HAMILTON HILL Avatar
    HAMILTON HILL

    A national strike at this time is not an option.This however has nothing to do with the reasons given by Mr.Skeete,and right thinking bajans certainly know that to suggest that trade unions are irrelevant is nothing more than a notion rooted in retrogression.@Prodigal Son…Surely you know that if CCC is whom everyone claims him to be,his every stance is taken not based on reason but driven by a deep seated hatred for your BLP,and rightfully so.

  33. David Avatar
    David

    In would be interesting to know if the 12 million in 2012 shown as investments represent deposits in commercial banks. in is interesting to not investments is listed as 9 million.

  34. Nostradamus Avatar
    Nostradamus

    @ Carson C. Cadogan

    “……it said, noting that pay should not be withheld for days workers participate in action sanctioned by their union.”

    The above quote from the dimwits at The Nation is not what the Barbados Employers Confederation sent out to members and is actually the opposite. What the BEC said was firtsly“ Your organization is under no obligation to compensate them for time away from work, unless that time is legitimately covered under another policy within the organization.” And to emphahsise under a heading DON’Ts – “Agree to pay employees for periods away from work due to participation in industrial action.”

    Below is the full text of the memo sent to members by the BEC

    Dear Member:

    Given the current state of Industrial unrest, the following recommendations are being made to all employers.

    DOs

    1. Communicate to your employees the following, in times such as these, having open, frank communication is critical to ensure that matters do not escalate unnecessarily. Be sure that you impress on staff the damage which such action can have on the sustainability of not only the company, but the economy of Barbados. Ensure that your staff understands that:
    • You are not part of any dispute with the BWU
    • You fully intend to be compliant with the legislation and will not penalize them for being part of industrial action once they are a member of a recognized division,
    • Your organization is under no obligation to compensate them for time away from work, unless that time is legitimately covered under another policy within the organization.
    2. Develop a contingency plan for the organization to minimize the impact of your employee’s joining the proposed industrial action, ensure that the plan looks not only at staffing and ensuring the business is able to be adequately covered, but also bearing in mind the potential impact on critical areas, e.g. Transport Board, Barbados Port Inc. as it relates to inadequate coverage.

    DON’Ts

    1. Seek to discipline any employee, who as a member of a RegisteredTrade Union, participates in any Industrial Action called and sanctioned by that Union. Sections 8, 8A, and 40A of the Trade Unions Act Cap 361clearly outlines that any employer who seeks to take action against employee for taking part in a strike is guilty of an offence and may be prosecuted and if found guilty, may be fined up to $1,000.00, imprisoned for up to 6 months or both.

    2. Agree to pay employees for periods away from work due to participation in industrial action

    The BEC and the Barbados Public Sector Association continue to do all within their capacity to keep you informed and provide guidance during this uncertain period.

  35. ac Avatar
    ac

    david
    Do any of the trade unions in Barbados own a buyers club? A bank? Any alliance to help their members combat the challenges of life?

    the 25thousands members might have a good enough reason/s for remaining in the membership. given all what you mentioned lets say the first two does not apply. can you not see the real importance in having a team comprised of lawyers to bat on behalf of an individual. can you not understand that if individually a person had to fight to retain their job how much more so it would cost them so yes as far as i am concerned without all of the above mentioned the emplyoee still have more to benefit .

  36. Bdos Underground Talkshop Avatar
    Bdos Underground Talkshop

    ..

  37. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    HH

    “but driven by a deep seated hatred for your BLP,and rightfully so.”

    I wonder what gives you that impression?

  38. David Avatar
    David

    It was interesting to listen to Dr. Belle refer to the BWU as a sophisticated union. Is this a true position when one considers the BWU continues to struggle with succession planning?

  39. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    CCC, Your very words!Haven’t I told you that hatred is a wasted emotion!

  40. Prodigal Son Avatar
    Prodigal Son

    David,
    For the longest while I was hearing of this Julian Hunte being groomed to take over from the Duke, bearing in mind that the Ambassador was forced out for reasons best left unsaid.

    Low and behold, Julian Hunte leaves the union, the Duke now claims that he never said that JH was being groomed to take over from him and he also said that in fact he is grooming many people for leadership. This man is incredible!

    It is time for change!

  41. lawson Avatar
    lawson

    For the good of the country maybe Lime could throw Mr Trotman a bone, when he announces a general strike date they could lockout their employees the day before allowing him to file a grievance with the tibunal save face,and cancel the general stike before he cripples Barbados.

  42. Carson C. Cadogan Avatar
    Carson C. Cadogan

    99.9% of all the posters on this blog, and you can throw in the blog owner as well, carry a pro BLP and anti DLP bias.

    I am one of the tiny number who offer the alternate view.

    Now tell me is that so bad?

    No one on this blog must represent the DLP, is that it?

  43. de hood Avatar
    de hood

    Maybe if we had a bajan “Margaret Thatcher” or a bajan “Ronald Reagan” we would be hearing a different tune tonight!

  44. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    @David
    Is this a true position when one considers the BWU continues to struggle with succession planning?
    ***********************
    Take a good look around, are there any Bajan institutions that have “succession planning”? Arthur pulled the plug on his successor and Freundel hasn’t named a deputy, perhaps the name “Little England” is well deserved, Lilibet has kept Charles waiting for so long that he has been giving to sounding off in public.

    For many of these organisations there are no obvious leaders waiting in the wings so leadership is acquired by default, if you show any inclination of assuming leadership the word would come down from the leader “off with his head”.

  45. David Avatar
    David

    @prodigal Son

    A short term strategy is to allow Mayers, Scott or Richards to act and give Toni Moore some more tome to step up.

  46. Clone Avatar
    Clone

    Why do you take anything Dr.Belle says with any seriousness?
    He seems to be stuck in the time period when socialism was the buzzword.

  47. St George's Dragon Avatar
    St George’s Dragon

    While it is obvious that Trade Unions have played a leading role in Barbados’ development, times change and the role of unions must change accordingly. Strikes are a serious weapon which can damage other businesses and the national economy. The Trade Unions Act should be amended so:
    1. Unions have to hold a secret ballot of their members before a stike is called. The threshold for action should be such that a significant proportion of the members have to vote in favour before a strike can be called.
    2. Strikes should be limited to action against the particular employer in any dispute.
    This would leave trade unions with access to the strike weapon so long as they can persuade their members to support it. It would also stop the country being held to ransom because of the actions of individual employers – something which is plain wrong.

  48. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    Carson C. Cadogan | January 13, 2013 at 6:17 PM |
    The Barbados Labour Party is stragely silent.

    PERHAPS The Barbados Labour Party is STRATEGICALLY silent.

  49. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ Carson C. Cadogan | January 13, 2013 at 6:17 PM |

    Let those who accused the BLP of wanting to fire 10,000 workers show their solidarity with the BWU and the LIME workers.

    A strange silence has enveloped both Sinliar and Pornville except for his usual annual threats to prosecute irresponsible and careless land owners. We want action not annual empty toothless threats. The first in line to receive a summons would be the Minister of Housing & Lands.

    BTW, since you are the ‘blue-eye boy’ (sarcasm intended) of the Dems, i.e. chief pimp and messenger when is the Governor going to give his report on the performance of the economy or has he been given a gag order too?

  50. David (not BU) Avatar
    David (not BU)

    i would like to ask a really stupid question, when does the PM plan to step in and try to stop this madness.

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