CTUSAB calls for closer scrutiny of work permits

The umbrella body for Barbados’ trade unions has urged government to tighten oversight of work permits after reports that some employers are hiring foreign workers for routine jobs that qualified Barbadians could fill.

 

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) said it has observed a growing trend in which employers claim there are no suitable Barbadians available to fill vacancies after only brief advertising periods.  

 

Speaking at CTUSAB headquarters on Wednesday, president Ryan Phillips said the issue has been repeatedly brought to the organisation by concerned workers seeking assistance.  

 

“Such as warehouse clerks, and in many instances made a claim that there is no suitable Barbadian available who has the requirements for the job, and thereafter move to seek permission to hire a non-national,” he said.  

 

He argued that this practice raises serious questions about how work permits are being approved in Barbados, noting that the system was intended to address genuine skill shortages.  

 

“And not to replace or deny any Barbadian access to jobs they are fully capable of doing,” he said. “Their positions are briefly advertised in this country, and shortly thereafter, declared that there is no suitable candidate found to fill such positions. This leaves many workers wondering whether they are being given a real opportunity, a real chance to be employed in this country.” 

 

Phillips warned that such practices are eroding confidence in the labour market.  

 

He said: “Barbadians who are willing and able to work have been overlooked in this country for suitable employment, and this is done under the guise that they do not have the requisite work experience, notwithstanding the fact that they have the required qualifications in this country.”

 

He also criticised what he described as shortcomings within the education and training system, arguing that workers are not being adequately prepared for jobs that employers later seek to fill with foreign labour.  

 

“We emerge out of an education system that provides them with poor certification skills and competencies, competencies and skills that are required to access jobs available to them within this local market,” Phillips said.  

 

He added that when Barbadians do find work, it is often in low-paying jobs with poor working conditions and little opportunity for advancement.  

 

Phillips said: “It is rather unfortunate today that workers are being denied the opportunity to access jobs that afford them mobility and to advance from a state of low wages that are being paid and having to be exposed to substandard working conditions. It would appear that employers are even unwilling to invest in minimal training so that persons can elevate themselves to the next level.”  

 

These practices reinforce the perception of a labour shortage while deepening frustration among local workers, he said. 

 

“It affects the confidence in the job market, it increases frustration amongst workers, and it creates the perception that Barbadians are being sidelined in their own economy.”

 

The CTUSAB president warned that if left unchecked, the issue could have lasting consequences for industrial relations and national development.  

 

“This is not healthy, especially not for the industrial relations or for long, long-term development as a nation,” Phillips said, as he called on employers to engage in fair and genuine recruitment practices.  

 

He also urged government to “carefully examine the work permit applications for jobs that Barbadians can do,” adding: “There’s a need for the proper monitoring and a review of the work permit application system … to eliminate the potential abuse that we see by the employers to the detriment of the Barbados labour and the CARICOM nationals.”  

 

Phillips said greater collaboration is needed among key stakeholders.  

 

“There is room for better collaboration between employers, unions, and training institutions in this country, so that local workers are prepared and given an equal and fair opportunity across the board,” he said.  

 

He concluded that protecting jobs for Barbadians is a matter of fairness, not exclusion.  

 

“Our labour market must work for the people who live and work here. That principle should and must remain at the centre of our development.”