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Another Dark Day for Labour – NTSH

Submitted by Observing Labour marched with capital to bring a government to its knees. Labour accepted 18% less of a salary increase after a government changed. Labour sat with a Government to publicly criticise a sister union. Labour sat by while rights were trampled, employees went to the great beyond and disadvantageous policies continued to…

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Submitted by Observing

Labour marched with capital to bring a government to its knees.

Labour accepted 18% less of a salary increase after a government changed.

Labour sat with a Government to publicly criticise a sister union.

Labour sat by while rights were trampled, employees went to the great beyond and disadvantageous policies continued to be rammed down the throats of the masses.

Labour sits silent, while injustices are meted out even amidst the voices and cries of others.

A whole press conference with backup to save face for ANOTHER badly rolled out policy and justified concerns of nurses.

When labour, capital and the government become one and the same, the people have no choice but to suffer.

God’s blessings on the Davids, Caswells and Douglas Trotmans of this world.

Will the real leaders please stand up?

Prime Minister’s Press Conference (Dec. 15, 2021)

252 responses to “Another Dark Day for Labour – NTSH”

  1. David Avatar
    David

    Franklyn flogged

    Nurses to lose pay over strike called by his union
    by COLVILLE MOUNSEY

    colvillemounsey@nationnews.com
    LABOUR UNIONS, the private sector and Government stood united yesterday against head of the Unity Workers’ Union, Senator Caswell Franklyn, for spearheading a nurses’ strike at a time when Barbados is facing a pandemic.
    He was described as callous regarding the impact the current industrial action was having on patient care.
    The first person to take Franklyn to task was a visibly upset Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, who addressed the situation at length during a press briefing following the conclusion of the Social Partnership meeting at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex,
    Wildey, St Michael.
    She strongly condemned the strike action as a breach of industrial relations protocols and best practices.
    The Prime Minister’s condemnation was shared by the Barbados Private Sector Association, the Barbados Workers’ Union, the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), the Barbados Nurses Association and the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados, all of whom publicly distanced their organisations from the strike.
    Mottley said the actions of the Opposition Senator appeared politically motivated and argued that Franklyn was in essence calling a strike over the safe zones, when the set of measures had not yet been implemented.
    She also announced that Government had taken the decision to dock the pay of nurses who participated in the Unity Workers’ Union-led strike for the days they withheld their labour.
    Close to 50 nurses are expected to be affected by the decision, as the Prime Minister disclosed that the letters indicating the salary deduction had already been dispatched.
    “Long before I became Prime Minister of this country, the Public Service Act of Barbados was passed. The Public Service Act at the second schedule has something called the
    code of conduct and ethics, which is part of the law. There are certain basic rules in law: the word ‘may’ is discretionary and the word ‘shall’ is mandatory. At Clause 20 of the second schedule of that act, it makes it clear that a person who has withdrawn their labour for strike shall not receive that remuneration,” Mottley said.
    She added: “The director of finance will tell you that it is mandatory. Similarly, there were some persons who didn’t indicate that they were on strike, but they just didn’t turn up, they didn’t call, they didn’t give an excuse or anything. Similarly, at Clause 15, the power to be able to deal with them through remuneration is there.”
    Reading the letter dispatched by Franklyn to put Government on notice of the impending strike action on the safe zones, Mottley contended that industrial action was resorted to first instead of last, as industrial relations protocols dictate.
    The Prime Minister said she met with the Barbados Nurses’ Association, as well as NUPW, and several matters, including Unity Workers’ Union’s list of demands, were ironed out. Among these was the long-standing issue of hazard pay.
    She said her administration was fully prepared to continue to work with the nurses to ensure that they received what they needed for the job, even though it may not come all at once.
    “In my view, the Opposition Senator, along with other forces of opposition, clearly want to bring some level of disruption to this country on the eve of Christmas because they feel that we are in the silly season. Now, if this is wrong, then come out and negotiate in good faith and deal with people in good faith. What you have here is a strike taking place for the last 11 days or so, in circumstances where the event that was to cause the strike has not happened,” Mottley said.
    She added: “I have never seen such madness in my life. I ask, how does a country that is regarded as one of the most mature countries in the world finds itself facing a dilemma where families in Barbados are worried sick that their father, mother, sister or brother, might not get the appropriate nursing attention in medical facilities because there is this big divide between the Government
    of Barbados and Senator Franklyn’s union? The people we are talking about are ordinary Barbadians who have no choice.”
    CTUSAB general secretary Dennis De Peiza, who was also seated at the head table, described the strike as irresponsible.
    “We are not in the business of casting judgement on another registered trade union. However, we are very mindful of the fact that under good industrial relations, we should observe practice, procedure and process and where those are breached, we would have to raise our voice against any actions or behaviours that are not in keeping with these principles.
    “I think it is important in this particular episode to voice our dismay that we are in the middle of a global pandemic and where the lives of people are at stake and as a labour organisation we ought to show a higher sense of responsibility,” he said.
    NUPW president Kimberley Agard said her union, which represents the majority of the nurses, had not authorised any strike action and was in negotiation with the Government over the concerns of the nurses. Similar sentiments were expressed by the president of the Barbados Nurses’ Association, Valarie Francis.


    Source: Nation

  2. David Avatar
    David

    Good timing.

    More health workers to get hazard pay

    MORE HEALTH CARE WORKERS will be receiving hazard pay.
    General secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) Wayne Walrond made the announcement yesterday after meeting with officials of the Ministry of Public Service on Tuesday.
    Ancillary, administrative, technical, paramedical, physiotherapist, nursing assistants, registered nurses, doctors and consultants can qualify for the COVID-19 hazard allowance.
    “The NUPW informs that it has successfully negotiated the payment of a COVID-19 hazard allowance for workers in the public health care sector. After meeting with the Ministry of Public Service on Tuesday, December 14, this union confirms that all workers that are eligible according to the agreed criteria will be paid the COVID-19 hazard allowance,” a statement from the NUPW said.
    The statement was released just before Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Ministry of Health officials spoke at a press conference at the gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Wildey St Michael, about several issues, including the hazard allowance.
    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Queen Elizabeth Hospital staff have been receiving hazard pay, and Mottley said that since outbreaks this year at the Psychiatric Hospital and Geriatric Hospital, staff members at the latter facilities were also receiving the additional compensation.
    The announcement also came as some members of the Unity Workers Union continued industrial action over numerous issues, including training, allocation of personal protective equipment salary scales and hazard pay. (TG)

    Source: Nation

  3. David Avatar
    David

    Strike hits polyclinic
    STRIKE ACTION by nurses intensified yesterday as most of the nursing staff of the Edgar Cochrane Polyclinic in Wildey, St Michael did not show up for work.
    During a telephone interview, one nurse, who requested anonymity, said the action was in solidarity with fellow nurses as well as to protest their own conditions. She said only four nurses had stayed home but that represented the majority of nursing staff at the polyclinic.
    “We are standing in solidarity with our colleagues against the authorities trying to implement safe zones without consultation with us. We also have our own grievances at Edgar Cochrane, such as not having enough resources – gloves, blood collection bottles, gauze.
    “Enough is enough. Imagine having to tell a patient they have to buy their own catheter bag; some of our patients can barely afford the bus fare to get to us,” she said, adding she was a member of Unity Workers Union and general secretary, Opposition Senator Caswell Franklyn, had been informed.
    The nurse said it was common practice to have to ask patients to come back another day and to ask other polyclinics and the hospital for supplies.
    “We are not only standing up for ourselves, but for the patients too. If we are not heard and taken seriously, we will have to take things up a notch,” she said.
    The strike action is mainly being spearheaded by Unity Workers Union. Late yesterday, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley held a media conference in the Wildey Gymnasium, St Michael, where the issue was one of the major points of discussion.
    Mottley took a turn in Franklyn, saying he was
    behaving like a “political maverick” who was only instigating unfounded strike action because it was the perceived “silly season”.
    At the news conference, the National Union of Public Workers, the Barbados Nurses’ Association, the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners, the Barbados Private Sector Association, the Barbados Workers’ Union and the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Association of Barbados all distanced themselves from the strike action.
    (CA)

    Source: Nation

  4. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    “The Public Service Act at the second schedule has something called the
    code of conduct and ethics, which is part of the law.”

    have any of these politicians EVER OBSERVED the code of conduct and ethics IN THE PARLIAMENT,,…in the JUDICIARY….in the PUBLIC SERVICE….etc,,

  5. David Avatar
    David

    A question for the commenters before we go off on a tangent.

    Is the Senator wrong for calling out his nurses? As a labour practitioner is he bound by accepted conventions? Are the grievances he reported in the media enough to support his action to call out his nurses? His perspective seems to be one that the issues have been outstanding for a long time.

    It seems clear to the blogmaster the establishment has closed ranks against the independent Senator.

  6. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    @David

    Closed ranks indeed

    When a teacher’s union downed tools for a similar matter back in 2012 there was no hew and cry.

    When a major union threatened the same over less there was no hew and cry

    When a then Opposition Leader marched and protested and asked workers to wear white and asked bosses to give workers time off there was no hew and cry

    If Caswell is negotiating with X person and X person fails to respond then does it give the PM the right to jump in with a big stick and all the ducks in a row quacking behind her???

    Are these the same unions that have been complaining about the Social Partnership not working???

    Clearly there must be some supper being given away.

    Lord come for ya world.

  7. David Avatar
    David

    @Observing

    It seems the PM played thr P-card and what else?

  8. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    “A question for the commenters before we go off on a tangent.
    Is the Senator wrong for calling out him nurses? As a labour practitioner is he bound by accepted conventions?”

    the haves will usually win
    but occasionally the have nots will prevail

    If you plan to fly to the moon and you are out by a couple of degrees you will miss it by many miles
    the point is sometimes you make decisions to take a course of action that does not yield the desired results
    but you made your choice and should not beat yourself up about it when it goes tits up
    although winners in life are intuitive

    The senator seems to play up to the crowd posturing with an anti-government stance which is why he loses in his positions of negotiations

    unfortunately unions are becoming less powerful and relevant by the policies of the powers that be
    and socialism needs to push back against capitalism who play dirty to win using every dirty trick in book of hook and crook
    an example is the right wing propaganda on internet by racist warmongering by NWO Governments such as USA UK and allies like Australia

    Lanquidity
    Dark Myth Equation Visitation

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=396NEQGeJOU&list=OLAK5uy_nZ77G2D-O89bbE4IqEP7z2kT9n1hG86VY

  9. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Nuclear War · Sun Ra

    A Fireside Chat with Lucifer

    they talkin’ about nuclear war
    it’s a motherfucker don’t you know
    if they push that button your ass must go
    they’ll blast you so high in the sky
    you’ll kiss your ass goodbye
    radiation mutation
    hydrogen bombs atomic bombs
    what you gonna do without yo ass?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz3o__1uAFo

  10. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Other platforms are outlining ALL THE TIMES that the workers were called out to STRIKE….pre 2018 election…all the underhanded, sleight of hand anti-code of conduct and ethics MISCHIEF that were used to achieve results…

  11. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    If its Thursday someone is on strike in Bim. Strikes are a way of life in Bim, someone is always threatening to walk out or actually walking out for real or perceived wrongs. Usually, the Unions come to the strikers’ defense and a rep from the Union(s) and Management get together to hash things out before a small fire becomes a conflagration. However, this time I suspects it is different everyone with a pulse knows that Caswell has been a thorn in the Gov’ts hide way beyond the usual critics because he has a pulpit and he uses it to his advantage. One issue that comes to mind is the embarrassing faux pas of the two Deputy Commissioners of Police by the Gov’t. The Gov’t is so skittish of Caswell that they “forgot” to invite him to the swearing ceremony post Republic.

    The Gov’t is seizing the opportunity to disembowel Caswell in its reaction to the strike by the nurses, if the nurses have to eat crow and return to work because their pay has been withheld due to the strike other members of his Union will lose faith in his ability to represent them and may go back into the arms of the pro Gov’t Unions leaving Caswell as a Shepherd without a flock and what better way to show who is boss in the new Republic.

  12. khaidji Avatar
    khaidji

    Dark Day For Labour

     

    Did they ask for more like all good negotiators do,

    At least 20% above the acceptable value?

    Realizing they would need to barter to get what was required,  

    Kept resisting the contra proposals before negotiations expired?

     

    Did they acquire an amount just short of what they needed?

    Asking for more and getting this might mean they succeeded.

    You must not judge a negotiation until you investigate,

     

    For 82 cents on the dollar could be an acceptable rate.

    One who needs 100 dollars could ask for 120,

    Receiving 18% less will give you $98.4 in local currency.

     

    Less than 2% of what you realistically needed;

    At that rate, once better than where you were, may mean negotiations succeeded.   

    But with the cost of living rising to all-time highs,

    Our gas and diesel bills shooting local produce to the skies.

    Unemployment at its worse and you can’t get a cup of sugar from your neighbor,

    Receiving anything less than what you need is another Dark Day For Labour.

    By Khaidji

    http://www.BajanBooks.com 

  13. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    Nothing new here. This had to come sooner or later. Senator Franklyn has not only embarrassed the other unions by consistently showing that they were not representing their workers; he has embarrassed the government on several legal arguments and positions by exposing to the public where they had erred.
    I have seen this movie before. Back in the 70s the BUT went on strike against the then government and called on the BWU for solidarity. Sir Frank Walcott told the BUT that small fish can’t swim with sharks.
    For several weeks the CTSUB , has been complaining that they were not being invited to Social Partnership meetings but now they upfront going after Caswell,
    Furthermore why was the information of a statement purportedly made by Franklyn to somebody else brought into the public domain. When did hearsay become s leaders weapon?
    Finally why not deem Caswell’s approach outside of established norms rather than say the motive is political. That in itself is making the issue political.
    Nobody plants okra and reaps corn.

  14. de pedantic Dribbler Avatar
    de pedantic Dribbler

    @David, re “It seems clear to the blogmaster the establishment has closed ranks against the independent Senator.”

    It would be shockingly schoolboyish if the senator has not gamed out his union’s strategy to include this and stronger sanctions to his strikers and have a plan to diminish impact.

    A strike is always a slippery slope so ideally his union coffers are financially solid.

    Unity has always been an ‘outlier’ union just as Franklyn has been the outlier voice of dissent whether wayward (as some see him) or reasonable but he has prevailed this far in his career due to his skill, legal knowledge and ‘arrogance’.

    He is now atop the most impressive, visible and perilous perch of his career and battling an equally skillful, knowledgeable and very arrogant PM in the most glorious moment of her career … a bet of a winner is anyone’s guess.

    Lata.

  15. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Tapestry From An Asteroid

    In UK Government wanted to hold GP’s to account with fines and punishment for effectively working part-time with less than half their time in their surgery practice, not seeing patients for years and longer waiting lists for those who needed care, but the threat of Doctors going on strike made Government reverse their policy.

    It seems Doctors have more sway with threats of action than nurses who are ignored when they strike.
    I think there is also a rule that Doctors / Senior Doctors cannot strike with nurses.

    But, it is standard practice that strikers will not get paid for their action / time not in work.


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqCQN7AZgd0

  16. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    The Barbados Liberal Party is doing exactly what the IMF wants: privatisation, deregulation, flexibilisation.

    We live in the age of global capitalism and cannot consider rebellious trade unionists like the outspoken senator. For more than half a century, unions and lazy workers have exploited business owners in Barbados. Thank God that’s over now! The best thing would be to deprive unvaccinated employees of all rights.

  17. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    I am watching the video, and the first thing which comes to my mind, is the similarity between the labour action and the Republic. If you wish something done, you don’t ‘discuss it’, you act. Who gives a shit about convention or laws, these are abused and ignored as the situation dictates. Seems the ‘long standing issues’ will come to the surface soon. Guessing “pay” is high on that list?

  18. BAJE Avatar
    BAJE

    WELL WELL WELL.

    EARLY RUMBLINGS IN THE 2 X 3 BANANA REPUBLIC.

    NTSH

  19. David Avatar
    David

    Is this a case of the prime minister adopting a play from the Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan playbook? Never let an opportunity go begging.

  20. Lorenzo Avatar
    Lorenzo

    David bu i have often stated on here that Senator Franklyn is is a publcity hound.Just observe him .Whenever he sees the cameras he just tries to be as controversial as possible.Check his recent behaviour in the senate with now President Ms Mason.Now in the height of a health pandemic he calls out nurses to strike.How much more irresponsible can one get?I hope Senator Franklyn or none of his relatives or friends are struck down by covid as they might need the ssme nurses assistance.Whereas some of the problems spoken about have been around for some time rome was not built in a day.The old people had the fllowing sayings too far east is west and foolishness ain’ t sense.Pick sense from those sayings as i too believe this is fuelled by politics.

  21. BAJE Avatar
    BAJE

    David bu i have often stated on here that Senator Franklyn is is a publcity hound.Just observe him .Whenever he sees the cameras he just tries to be as controversial

    Xxxxxxxxxx

    SHOWING YOUR BLP ASS AS PER USUAL.

    THE MAN DID THE RIGHT THING.

    AT LEAST ONE PERSON ON THE 2X3 ISLAND THAT IS NOT A SELLOUT

  22. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Some people are wondering which is worse.

    “Prime Minister Mottley surprise and angry at Unity Workers Union Strike Actions and accused Mr Caswell Frankly of using elderly persons to acheive his objective. PM do you remember the following:- 1. The use of children in your political meetings to address party followers and condemn the DLP.
    2. Do you remember the use of children, teachers and parents and the Teachers Union headed by Mary Redman to block Collymore Rock and protest the building of the Best-dos Santos Lab that was critical to the Health Industry of Barbados. What would have happened to the people of Barbados amidst this corona virus if we did not have such a facility. Thanks to John Boyce, Dr David Estwick, the former Prime Minister Stuart and his cabinet for having the foresight to construct such a facility your charges of stealing money and corruption di with support of the BWU and NUPW at the time.
    Do you remember going to Oistins with support of the BWU and members of the BHTA and keeping meetings of raw sewage flowing in the streets supported by pictures of Barbadians and tourist alike having to walk through the sewage knowing it was false and negatively impact the tourism sector.
    3. Do you remember the strike at Portvale Sugar Factory along with sugar industry workrers at the start of the sugar crop despite the economic challenges the country was facing. In fact the number of work stoppages and late start to the industry resulted in a large number of acerage of canes left in the ground that could have been save had it not for the actions of BWU and supported by you.
    Madam PM the list can go on, so dont be angry, you plant the tree, water and seen it to maturity and now dont want to eat the fruit but want to blame Caswell for the bitter taste. Like Adam and Eve in the garden this time dont blame God, blame the Creator because you remove God and the old people always say”Be careful what you pray for.” GIMMA THE VOTE AND WATCH MA.”

  23. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    we really can’t make it up…comedy central with some empty-headed voluntary Slaves thrown in.

  24. Raw Bake Avatar
    Raw Bake

    Who The Cap Fit
    https://youtu.be/5oz-Uon0boU

  25. Raw Bake Avatar
    Raw Bake

    Doan mind Caswell, someday the people will wake up and give you a hand.

    https://youtu.be/LlUOOYINcU4

  26. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    Well, I don’t know where I stand. A strong supporter of Caswell, but wondering if now is a good time for a strike.

    This Covid thing still scared me. We need our healthcare workers on the job.

  27. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    When the same Franklyn was on BU correctly kicking the then government in the ass he was not a publicity seeker He was one of the very first on BU to correctly declare the then government the worst we have ever had and the Bees were singing his praises .
    Now they want to destroy him.
    Damn shameless hypocrites.

  28. Lorenzo Avatar
    Lorenzo

    Skinner trust to put a spin on this serious issue.Are you saying that Mr Frankly is right to call for nurses to strike at this critical time yes or no? Do not come with no red herrings about being critical of the last government.The majority of bajans were slso critical of the last government the worst in the country, s history.That is a known fact.This action by Mr Franklyn is iiresponsible period.I gone.

  29. John2 Avatar
    John2

    It’s all politicks.

    Richie would probably done the samething if he was PM and had to deal with the same situation

    Politics is politics is politics

    I don’t agree that the other organizations were need in a press conference to slap down caswell.
    But considering that he alway trying to pull down the other unions probably to get more member to cross to unity then he have to tek what he get

    Nurses should be essential services and not be allowed to strike
    And especially not in the middle of a pandemic

    Imo

  30. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ Lorenzo
    You or nobody on this blog can question what I said. Caswell is the same Caswell he was when he was correctly going after the previous administration. He is not an attention/ publicity seeker.
    And to you directly: If he was doing and supporting everything this administration wanted you would have no frigging problem with him. You never had a problem with him before.
    Saying that he is wrong or right on this issue is understood. Different people will have different opinions .But we on this blog know the man is no fly by night attention seeker. Full stop.
    Blasted shameless hypocrites.
    I done wid dis. Pure BS.

  31. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    The voluntary Slaves are shameless, maybe if governments would pay the nurses on time, there would be no shortage, if some strike they would be others to fall in until the situation is resolved…but both governments have a nasty habit of withholding pay from nurses and police…

    the government pimps/Slaves will always be an embarrassment to the island.

  32. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    Caswell will ALWAYS be believable.

    https://www.nationnews.com/2021/12/17/nurses-wont-bullied-says-franklyn/

  33. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    halfassed, vote begging leaders ALWAYS forget that it’s the TAXES derived from the salaries of these people nurses, police etc that PAY GOVERNMENT MINISTERS….they never remember until it’s time to BEG FOR VOTES AGAIN……heads probably filled with too much shit from speeding up and down the world stage..

    “An insult to the intelligence of the Barbadian people.”

    This is how Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley is responding to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s assertion that the recent strike action by nurses, spearheaded by the Senator Caswell Franklyn-led Unity Workers’ Union, was being bolstered by opposition forces.

    Atherley told the Weekend Nation that as the man who appointed Franklyn a senator to tackle Opposition matters on labour in the Senate, he felt as if he was directly in the firing line of Mottley’s comments.

    He also accused the Prime Minister of double standards, arguing that by going into details about what her administration had done for the nurses, she was guilty of the very thing of which Franklyn stood accused.

  34. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    btw…everyone should be concerned by the way these morally deficient hypocrites and frauds are grooming small children so they can copycat what they see coming from other jurisdictions…… remember they are and have always been FOLLOWERS not real leaders and don’t have and never will, an original thought or CREATION….coming from their empty skulls.

    a line should be drawn at children being used for local political and international gain..

  35. Lorenzo Avatar
    Lorenzo

    Waru the mad woman this is the same Rev Atherley thst won a sest under the Bees in 2018 but crossed when i believe he did not get a ministry speaking of double standards? You are a real jackass in truth..It is clear Rev Atherley has no control over the in my view loose canon Senator Franklyn..Where else are nurses on strike duting this pandemic? I gone.

  36. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    see…ya dumbness has no end….nurses and DOCTORS HAVE WALKED OFF THE JOB IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS…but how would you know that when ya have difficulty understanding basic things…

    i don’t get involved in politics and who got a seat under who……i leave that for goverment pimps/Slaves to figure out and GRIPE ABOUT…cause yall are capable of very little else..

  37. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    For those who were asking, i asked around, and Angela Cox is just fine, she is doing great..

  38. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Though I am concerned about the effects of the industrial action at this time, I remain somewhat buoyed by the way citizens are forcing Government to respect them and consider their positions.

    Time for a reset in attitude.

    Either citizens are equal partners in this republic endeavour or they are children, irresponsible and unable to further the cause.

    They cannot be both.

    Put away the big stick, Mia!

  39. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    last warning, before you little government imps and pimps jump out to attack people like me…EDUCATE yourselves first or ASK whoever is prompting and ENCOURAGING you to educate you…….you are an embarrassment who seem not to have the capability to feel embarrassed..

  40. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Tee hee! Rant, rant, rant! Rave, rave, rave! Spew, spew, spew!

    Answer The Cuntry Cunt’s question!

    Don’t come with some shite about my irrelevance!

    Why has it become necessary for the guillotine to be resurrected in France?

    Did they not already have their revolution?

  41. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Now… you are threatening people for expressing an opinion?

  42. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    The outspoken senator is public enemy no. 1.

    Time for our Supreme Leader to silence him … There should be an ambassadorial post that suits the senator or something else to bring him in line.

  43. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    ” “This country can’t take any more of people telling us one thing and doing a next thing. This country cannot take any more of our workers having to fight for their rights and everywhere a different set of workers are threatening to strike, because of how badly they are being treated by this government,” Mottley told the cheering crowd. (RSM) Barbados Advocate
    Mia Mottley addressing supporters on the east Coast Road prior to Elections in 2018.

  44. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Somebody Else’s World / Somebody Else’s Idea

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwcztuUN8JI

  45. Observing Avatar
    Observing

    So the letter docking the nurses pay was signed by the PS Janet Philips.

    The same Janet Philips who signed off on Maloney’s million dollar venture without the knowledge of her Minister?

    Can we confirm who directed her to dock the pay?

    Was the Minister of Health aware?

    WAs the Chief Medical Officer aware?

    Was the Chief Personnel Officer involved? The same Personnel Officer that refuses to respond to Caswell???

    Will Mary Redman’s strikers ever have their pay docked? Didn’t Pedro and his group get back their money from the government? Has NUPW under Akanni ever had their pay docked? Is BWU even recognised as an actual workers’ representative any more? Didn’t the current PM encourage advocacy and activism when unjust practices are dashed upon our heads??

    And we wonder why young workers don’t give a shit about the trade union movement anymore???

    Lord come for ya world.

    Just observing

  46. WURA-War-on-U Avatar
    WURA-War-on-U

    William…..i dont get why these politicians believe that it’s EVERYONE HAS SHORT MEMORIES…am beginning to believe what we have heard for YEARS is true about the tampering wih the water supplty….how else would they be SO CONFIDENT that no one will remember the lies they tell and the wicked actions they take along with the deceit they use to get their own way and then do the same vicious unconscionable corrupt things they accuse the other corrupt government of…how is this EVEN POSSIBLE tha they either believe that everyone is too stupid to understand…there must be a credible explanation for all of this…

    Why don’t the irrelevant ask Pacha about le guillotine and their concerns,..the comment was addressed to him..

  47. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    “Ironically, 24 hours after the PM accused Senator Franklyn of playing politics, general secretary of the Barbados Labour Party Senator The Most Honourable Dr Jerome Walcott issued a challenge to the Opposition and the DLP to state their positions on the ongoing national issue.

    He said: “The Barbados Labour Party is therefore moved to call on Bishop Atherley as we are indeed calling on the current president of the Democratic Labour Party Verla DePeiza to break their silence on this matter and let the public of Barbados understand where they stand on this most unfortunate situation.”

    This begs the question: is it politics or not? Indeed, what is in question is whether Senator Caswell followed established industrial procedures. The two sides strongly differ and hence the political lines have been drawn.

    The grievances of nurses are well known to every administration that has governed over the past 30 years. The pandemic has compounded these issues as well. Political grandstanding on either side of the aisle is not the answer. Level heads must prevail and a return to the negotiating table is in the country’s best interest.

    And therein lies the role of social partnership, rather than members lining up to distance themselves from one side in the dispute, now is the time to persuade the disputing parties to drop their axes and talk.

    Senator Franklyn, who no doubt is well versed in industrial relations, must put the interests of his members first and sit down with the Government, put all genuine issues on the table and set realistic timelines to settle these long-standing issues that cannot be resolved in one or two round of talks. This country needs its nurses at this critical time.

    Equally, the Government must recognise that its decision to dock the pay of the frontline workers, though grounded in legislation, is a harsh move for worn out nurses who have delivered yeoman service, especially over the last 20 months. The action which will only fuel tempers and further angst should therefore be withdrawn in the spirit of good negotiations. The issues need to be resolved.

    Enough then of the politics, the drama and the blame game.

    The country is watching and waiting for a speedy resolution.”

    Barbados Today Editorial (today) Friday 17th December 2021

    In times of crisis leaders move from politics to statesmanship. I have said on numerous occasions that the region lacks leaders who can inspire. I have witnessed and have been a part of many industrial disputes that the Labour ministers and others sat and discussed the issues. After a number of meetings , Prime Ministers stepped in and calmed the waters and a state of normalcy returned. We now have a situation that opposition parties are being asked to side with government and other trade unions are currying government favour. It will weakened the movement and by extension the labour relations fabric of the country; opening the door for the further exploitation of the workers.

  48. Frank Avatar
    Frank

    STRIKE while the iron is hot!!!

  49. William Skinner Avatar
    William Skinner

    @ WURA
    That’s why on this BU when I read the back and forth between the Dees and the Bees, I call it the pot calling the kettle black. Propagandists, Obstructionists, Apologists Hypocrites.
    Note that we were told that the country will get a full report on what transpired with the breakdown at the airport when a passenger went through with a loaded gun.
    Today I read that a worker with 20 years experience with the security firm has been fired and Miami has dropped charges against the gentleman. However, the public has not been given any official report as promised.

  50. David Avatar
    David

    @William

    You will have supporters of political [parties defending positions. Republicans/Democrats – Labour/Tories etc. What is your point?

    PS. The PM advised she requested a full report on the incident, does it mean it will be made public?

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