BWU General Secretary: Stop the union infighting

The infighting and controversy that have plagued the trade union movement over the last several weeks must be put to rest with haste, if workers’ rights and protections are to be maintained during this tough economic period.

This was the advice from Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) General Secretary Toni Moore, as she delivered closing remarks at a leadership seminar for members of the Royal Barbados Police Force, at the Hilton Hotel on Friday.

According to Moore, the recent infighting should not continue to take centre stage in the public eye.

“Today, there is evidence of increasing divisiveness, including within and between trade unions, that have emerged, and hopefully that would correct itself and would not become entrenched as part of the new normal. The BWU has had to accept that if collectivism across unions could not be relied on to advance the mission of worker enfranchisement, then the union had to examine other avenues to bolster relevance through its leadership at other levels and through other mechanisms.

“At all times, the movement must act to further the interest of members and workers generally, even when immediately, members and workers generally might not even see it,” said the St George North MP.

Noting that the criticism of her union and others who are often accused of being involved in partisan politics has not gone unnoticed, Moore stressed that unity within and around the modern labour movement is required now more than ever.

“Notwithstanding the slurs and attacks, the Barbados Workers’ Union continues to be an independent organization that maintains its focus on the upliftment of workers within our country. We recognize and maintain our civic duty, and the wider responsibility that is ours to develop the larger society.

“I am not going to shy away from the very glaring reality that the effectiveness of the labour movement will not reach the extent of historical impact and success, unless the trade union harmony and solidarity is restored. Fighting within and between unions undermines the legacy of our collective contributions, and current efforts to ensure that people and social justice are kept at the centre of everything that we do. Indeed, it undermines the struggle and victories of the past 80 plus years,” Moore added.

She stressed that the progress of labour is not dependent on the BWU leadership alone or, for that matter, on the leadership within the trade union movement. “The successes of the labour movement have never been standalone successes. Our progress over time has been the direct result of resolute effort by ordinary men and women – ordinary workers and their families who were prepared, and who are prepared, and who must be prepared, to keep the objectives of trade unionism alive.” (SB)