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General Secretary Caswell Franklyn of Unity Workers Union Accuses BWU of Being Irresponsible in the CBC Strike Matter

VETERAN TRADE UNIONIST CRITICISES BWU FOR ITS HANDLING OF THE CBC MATTER Veteran trade unionist and General Secretary of the Unity Workers’ Union, Caswell Franklyn says the Barbados Workers Union only wants to show its might rather than being right. Mr. Franklyn says there should be no dispute over the increments issue which was negotiated.…

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VETERAN TRADE UNIONIST CRITICISES BWU FOR ITS HANDLING OF THE CBC MATTER

Veteran trade unionist and General Secretary of the Unity Workers’ Union, Caswell Franklyn says the Barbados Workers Union only wants to show its might rather than being right.

Mr. Franklyn says there should be no dispute over the increments issue which was negotiated.

He adds that the actions like those being taken by the BWU have hurt the union movement’s image over time, and resulted in some unions continuing to lose members

90 responses to “General Secretary Caswell Franklyn of Unity Workers Union Accuses BWU of Being Irresponsible in the CBC Strike Matter”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    @John

    Yours is a narrow/myopic view. What the worsening financial position will do is force changes to be made to staff complement. Isn’t this what Doug Hoyte and Chairman Earle have been saying until yesterday? The change will come AFTER the next general election. We continue to play the ass with managing the country.

  2. john Avatar
    john

    @ David

    I put out what I think is the responsibility of the union.

    As I said before, the worsening financial position will either force CBC to restructure one way or the other and that is what they need to do as a business entity.

    Managing CBC and the country the correct way means some of the workers need to be layoff.

    If you were one of the workers at CBC that didn’t not get the increment like the others you would have wanted it and probably fight for it with the union.

    And if you were one of the leader of BWU and felt you had made the agreement for the increments to be paid across the board then you would have no choice but to side/fight for it for you members.

    What are the changes that will be coming after the next election?
    The needed layoffs?

    The from the union perspective it has done well for its members.

    You have to learn to separate the responsibilities of the two, union and government.

  3. john Avatar
    john

    @ David

    At one point you are saying the increment will FORCE change. Make it seem like you are against this change.

    Then you are saying the change will come after the next election. Makes it seem like you are agreeing that changes must and will be made.

    Then you are complaining the we continue to play the ass with the economy who are the “WE”?

    From the Barbados economy point of view I am all for making the necessary changes ASAP not just after the elections.

    But when it comes to the union matter I am for the union doing what is best for its members.

    The union is not the government and must do what it has to for the good of its members.
    The government is not the union and need to manage the country.

    When Government member voted to restore their 10% they open up themselves to the scenario that has just played out at CBC.

  4. David Avatar
    David

    On queue we read in today’s press the NUPW will be pushing for increases for public servants based on Sinckler’s boast that the NSLR raked in 50 million dollars. Bare in mind we have a social partnership that was meant to lead at times like now where the national interest should trump the singular. What a Greek like mess we find ourselves, no longer can the social partnership model be held up as a beacon.

  5. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    john October 5, 2017 at 9:31 PM #

    “When Government members voted to restore their 10% they open up themselves to the scenario that has just played out at CBC.”

    @ John

    You made some very interesting points in your contribution.

    You must also take the NSRL and its intended purpose into consideration. According to Sinckler, the original intent of the NSRL was a means of financing health care and waste management. The levy was increased to 10% from July 1, 2017 and was projected to generate an additional $218M in tax revenue by the end of the 2017-2018 FY.

    When the unions and private sector asked government to reduce the NSRL by 50%, Stuart said revenue earned from the levy was used to pay public sector employees and its reduction may result in layoffs. Here we saw the purpose of the levy conveniently shifting from financing health care and waste management to financing the payment of government’s salaries and wages.

    In what I would describe as a “convenient reaction” to the latest S&P credit rating downgrade, Sinckler said that for the period July 1 to September 30, 2017, the NSRL generated $50M in additional tax revenue. However, Sinckler said because of the levy, the QEH is now in a position to pay its debt and the SSA will soon get a new fleet of trucks.

    It seems as though the purpose of the NSRL keeps shifting according to the scenario. So……. who are we to believe…………. Stuart or Sinckler?

    If we believe Stuart, then any salary increases demanded by the unions will be justified.

  6. john Avatar
    john

    @ David

    We HAD a social partnership under Owen BLP administration.
    That was destroyed when the current administration came into power. I would even go as far as saying and they try to destroy the labour movement.

    @ artax
    These politician will do and say what is best for themselves and their party first
    Yet people want the unions put the country first and their paying membership interest after. their do not see the union as a business entity also.

  7. Vincent Haynes Avatar
    Vincent Haynes

    You swore, PM | Barbados Today
    You swore, PM
    The island’s most powerful public sector labour union is holding Prime Minister Freundel Stuart to his word on the controversial National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL) in view of the performance…
    barbadostoday.bb
    https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.barbadostoday.bb%2F2017%2F10%2F05%2Fyou-swore-pm%2F&h=ATOJUYHEmerTLDLvn5I3QSruqsw3fYGAqxW_t5FDZgbG3Ul08SgnXpTQtGxd8bkdwhvngZriHDB22r9fJ9Ep1FhsDdSSQt45_IsglmHCR9DL1K5VeHEqGlxgHUBGhkQ5t0UlhnF53BPwQV7rpqJMWow2TIUo-9pwkZs75kcPzCrdC-ncn2MT__7Ox8IkvvzVMEd8YCa40syCnrqpeQ_PCbUlfq0wRZfNMzXslJFT-8UJmILgLenB4uSxql80K-4j1h95p9mJVTDFQfugOwjqOMTHzWUrvwZW

  8. angela Skeete Avatar
    angela Skeete

    The Unions never cease to amaze what inappropriate behaviour and distasteful and disgusting attitude coming from Annakani first on line ready to draw blood . Bro it would take more than one serving of 50million to bring this economy to an enviroment where all needs are met. Bro you need to learn your table manners and look across the table and see how many mouths need to be fed our of that one serving
    Yes the govt unlike the Unions would suffice those demands in a timely and orderly fashion. If u do not like the process u cant always march again

  9. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    Angela, Who said those words regarding using NSRL to pay workers. To whom was it made and the occasion it was made. When you find out, go in a corner and think before spewing nonsense.

  10. David Avatar
    David

    A valid point was made today, NSRL is a recurrent expenditure. Where is the logic to use NSRL to support wage increase.

    On another note Dennis Johnson is wrong to suggest people questioning the general secretaries of the NUPW and BWU accepting duty free concessions as petty. Wrong!

    These people must be always seen/perceived as impartial.

  11. angela Skeete Avatar
    angela Skeete

    Sir the govt specifically stated by use of wording. Review! Possiblity!with a spacing of small pay hike.
    Sir before you jump on your high horse look again and review the govt language with an understanding to see if it means a committiment to a promise without certain regards first met
    I am certain the govt would try it best to give something in regards to pay but already Annakani is behaving like a bull in a China shop beligerant and out of control

  12. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    @ DAVID you said….

    “On another note Dennis Johnson is wrong to suggest people questioning the general secretaries of the NUPW and BWU accepting duty free concessions as petty. Wrong!”

    Is this the first time that a Union leader get Duty Free Status on a vehicle? What about Sandals getting Duty Free for management. That is not petty but simply ridiculous and an insult to we the tax payers.

  13. David Avatar
    David

    @Tell me Why

    It was wrong then too.

    Steuspe.

  14. Caswell Franklyn Avatar
    Caswell Franklyn

    David

    Both NUPW and BWU are entitled to receive EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL duty free in accordance with part 2 of the Customs Tariff. I have never heard of an educational car. In order to get a car duty free, the Minister of Finance must do the union a favour and use his power under the Duties, Taxes and other Payments (Exemption) Act to waive the duty.

    The Minister must then lay the order in parliament for 40 days during which time either house can nullify the order. The order must also be published in the Official Gazette. This has never been done simply because you do not publish BRIBES.

    I well remember when I worked at NUPW, Roslyn Smith complained bitterly when Dennis Clarke got his AUDI duty free. She complained bitterly that it looked bad and made NUPW look like it was selling out. Mind you, when she became General Secretary, her first order of business, believe it or not, was a duty free car.

    I will not go any further since I have addressed this matter in my column for Sunday.

    Sent from my iPad

  15. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Tell me Why October 6, 2017 at 11:06 AM #

    “Angela, Who said those words regarding using NSRL to pay workers. To whom was it made and the occasion it was made. When you find out, go in a corner and think before spewing nonsense.”

    @ Tell me Why

    It’s the job of Angela Skeete, Fcuktured BLP, Carson C. Cadogan and Observing (Waiting or whatever name he/she chose to use at the time), to represent the inept DLP administration on BU. And their activity and that of other operatives/yard-fowls will obviously increase in this forum when the 2018 election campaign officially commences.

    Stuart responded to the unions and private sector’s plead to decrease the NSRL by 50% by saying revenue generated from the levy will be used to pay civil servants and any reduction would ultimately lead to layoffs in the service.

    Sinckler said the levy generated $50M during the past three months and is projected to realize $200M by the end on the 2017-2018 FY. Therefore, any request by the unions for an increase in salaries and wages is justified.

    Today’s Weekend Nation has reported President of the BCCI, Eddy Abed has saying as a result of the NSRL, “businesses were being forced to reduce their workforce in an effort to reduce the expenses associated with the NSRL.”

    Abed also stated the levy “created another layer of cost causing Barbados to become ridiculously expensive compared to other islands in the Caribbean and North America.”

    Obviously, the NSRL will result in an increase of import costs for local businesses, which most likely is passed on to the consumer………., hence, an increase in prices.

    But, remember, VAT is charged on the price of goods inclusive of NSRL……… therefore, the increase will be compounded by the addition of VAT.

    For example, if an item costs $200
    Add: NSRL (10%) = $200 + $20 = $220
    Add: VAT (17.5%) x $220 = $38.50
    New price = $258.50

    Sinckler projected the NSRL to generate $200M in a financial year.

    But, consumers usually react to price increases by reducing consumption, which results in a decrease in businesses’ income and government’s tax revenue.

    Perhaps Sinckler did not take such changes in consumer behavior into consideration.

    And this is where I have a problem with the $200M projection.

  16. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    We will get no more than $120M over twelve months. Economy is just collapsing – as expected.

    EVERY new or higher tax since 2008 failed to create higher revenue. Why should it be different now?

    The very problem with Barbados is simple: The whole elite is UNABLE to learn from their mistakes. They think they are some black master race of the Caribbean, but in fact, they are the laughing stock of America.

  17. Vincent Haynes Avatar
    Vincent Haynes

    All that is required between now and elections is paved roads,no garbage,debushing,pay CBC,pay NUPW,get some projects started and some war chest money.

    Bimmers have short memories………….Dems win again…………………they hope.

  18. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    VINCENT

    NO WAY
    WE WILL RESIST

    WE WILL STAND ON THE SWING BRIDGE AND SEE SARGE, DAVID, HANTS, BUSH TEA, JOHN K, PLT, ARTAX ETC ETC WEARING VAGINA HANTS AND CHANTING TO DO A GUY FAWKES IN PARLIAMENT BUILDING……….MURDAH WUH LOSS

  19. Vincent Haynes Avatar
    Vincent Haynes

    Georgie Porgie October 6, 2017 at 5:41 PM

    Hahahahaha………..

  20. angela skeete Avatar
    angela skeete

    https://www.facebook.com/DLPBB/videos/1511621528900647/

  21. angela Skeete Avatar
    angela Skeete

    Video contains the entire speech from PM Stuart in which he adresses the Unions and Private sector concern regarding NSRL and public workers pay increase

  22. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    vincent
    if they not wearing vagina hats we not gwine let dem pass through the square

  23. millertheanunnaki Avatar
    millertheanunnaki

    @ Artax October 6, 2017 at 2:56 PM

    Obviously, the NSRL will result in an increase of import costs for local businesses, which most likely is passed on to the consumer………., hence, an increase in prices.
    But, remember, VAT is charged on the price of goods inclusive of NSRL……… therefore, the increase will be compounded by the addition of VAT.
    For example, if an item costs $200
    Add: NSRL (10%) = $200 + $20 = $220
    Add: VAT (17.5%) x $220 = $38.50
    New price = $258.50

    Artax, a good analysis on the negative multiplier effects that massive increase in the ‘snarling’ NSRL would have on the wider economy based primarily on a chain of imported goods (and services) feeding into an extensive network of wholesale distribution, retailing and even on the local production in the fledgling sectors of the semi-indigenous aspects of the economy like food and beverages, vegetables and poultry.

    Why stifle demand in the local production sectors when forex is already at a supply premium?

    What you have inadvertently omitted are the ‘cascading’ effects the same NSRL increase will be having on the sellers’ mark-ups on the same goods and services at every point of the supply chain resulting in higher VAT and an unnecessary, unjustified and burdensomely unfair increase in the final prices to the consumers; and nothing to do with the underpinning trading relationships of supply and demand or vice versa.

    This is just a recipe for further economic contraction which will express itself in the inevitable dampening in demand for goods and services the very bedrock of the Bajan tax revenues regime dependant on the demand for and sale of those very goods and services.

    Something must give.

    A simple upward adjustment of the VAT rate along with a justified contraction of the basket of zero-rated and exempt goods and services would have been more efficient in its application and definitely more effective in its revenue generating efforts without the falloff in economic activity.

    Stop fiddling with the tax regime which is, on the Legislative pages, one of the most efficient and effective systems available to meet the country’s social requirements.

    Its main drawback rests with its less than stellar enforcement and collection efforts due primarily to political interference in a socially incestuous environment and glaring lack of top managerial commitment, supervision and support for those at the coalface of enforcement.

    Stop making the already complex system more complicated.

    Let “KISS” be the motto of the BRA in its overriding goal of achieving “Efficiency, Economy and Effectivenes”.

  24. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Part of the new deal for a service commission for teachers should be a no-strike deal as part of the occupation’s professionalisation.

  25. David Avatar
    David

    Interesting comment from Eddie Abed today to the effect we are fighting for public workers increase, we are running a deficit, there is talk about funding salary increases; a recurrent expenditure from NSRL, the government has floated the idea of reprofiling debt, the CBB has been printing money _we likemum.

  26. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    There is a management crisis at CBC. When is this going to be reported by our fearless media?

  27. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Why are we ignoring the management crisis at CBC?

  28. Georgie Porgie Avatar
    Georgie Porgie

    Q Why are we ignoring the management crisis at CBC?

    A HARD TO OBSERVE THE MISMANAGEMENT. IT SEEMS NORMAL AS THERE IS MISMANAGEMENT ALL AROUND IN BIMSHIRE

    IT IS INDEED A FAILED STATE

    AS WE POINTED OUT LAST WEEK EVEN IN OUR BEST DECADES WE WERE CONSTRUCTING OUR VERY DEMISE

    IT IS INDEED TRUE AS TAUGHT IN Proverbs 29:18 WHERE THERE IS NO VISION THE PEOPLE PERISH

  29. Crusoe Avatar
    Crusoe

    @Hal, that is not the question. The real question is why does the government still own CBC? BLP should have sold it right after election.

  30. David Avatar
    David

    @Crusoe

    What is there to buy?

  31. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @ Crusoe,

    It is an open secret that the Trinidadian owners of the Nation want to own CBC. Imagine our two leading media organisations being owned by foreigners? Isn’t the more important issue political interference in the daily running of CBC by some pompous buffoon?

  32. David Avatar
    David

    How is it an open secret and the blogmaster has not heard about it?

  33. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Get a hearing aid.

  34. David Avatar
    David

    Will buy one from the UK, they seem to work better.

  35. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    There is a management crisis at CBC; when is this going to become news?

  36. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    When are we going to discuss the crisis in management at CBC? Is the president preparing CBC for sale?

  37. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    There is a management crisis at CBC; when are we going to debate this?

  38. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    There is a management crisis at CBC; is this news?

  39. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Why are we not talking about the management crisis at CBC? Is it political interference?

  40. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Is anyone going to discuss government plans for CBC? Will CBC now become part of the government information service? Will that awful, aggressive Moe woman now tell reporters how to report and what to report? Or will middle class Bajans take the easy way out and watch CNN and BBC World and be happy?

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