CTUSAB: Budget failing to address rising costs

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has lambasted the government’s 2025 Budget for failing to tackle rampant price gouging and soaring living costs, leaving Barbadian households struggling to make ends meet. 

Despite some tax relief measures, CTUSAB argues that these efforts fall woefully short of addressing the economic pressures crippling families.

At  a news conference, general secretary Dennis DePeiza highlighted the alarming inconsistencies in retail pricing, calling for immediate regulatory intervention.

“Something has to be wrong when you walk into a supermarket today and see an item priced at $6, return tomorrow and it’s $6.50, then visit another store and find it at $7.50 or even $10,” DePeiza said. “This level of indiscriminate pricing shows that our control systems are not working. Whether it’s post-voting or price manipulation, there is a clear need for stronger consumer protection laws.”

CTUSAB said it was deeply concerned that while the government has reduced duties on certain fruits and vegetables, this did not go far enough to address the affordability of basic necessities.

“It is disheartening that in a country where we are promoting healthier lifestyles, four oranges cost $10, and a single banana is priced at over $2,” DePeiza lamented. “If we are serious about fighting non-communicable diseases like diabetes, the government must not only remove VAT and import duties on fresh produce but also implement local price controls to protect consumers.”

He continued: “The government cannot continue to speak of economic growth while ignoring the reality of price gouging, stagnant wages, and high taxation. Workers expected relief, but instead, they have received symbolic gestures and a continued struggle to make ends meet.”

DePeiza urged the current administration to take decisive action by introducing subsidies for vulnerable groups, including the elderly, and expanding public transportation subsidies to lower commuting costs. However, these proposals were largely ignored.

Despite acknowledging the government’s decision to raise the personal income tax threshold, CTUSAB asserted that broader tax relief measures were necessary.

“Workers needed meaningful relief in this budget,” DePeiza said. “We recommended tax incentives for essential workers, tax credits for continuous professional development, and deductions for work-related expenses like transportation and childcare. Instead, we got piecemeal measures that do little to relieve the cost-of-living burden.”

The trade union congress also criticised the lack of attention to pension reform, particularly the ongoing delays in pension payments. “With the complaints from pensioners about late payments, the government should have announced measures to ensure the sustainability and timeliness of National Insurance Service benefits,” DePeiza added. “Yet, there was no mention of enhancing pension security or stopping the taxation of pensions.” 

(SZB)