Labour Minister raises concerns over Berger Paints closure

Minister of Labour, Social Security and the Third Sector Colin Jordan has expressed concern over the planned closure of Berger Paints in Barbados, warning of the impact on the 44 employees.

Jordan said the development was troubling beyond legal considerations.

While acknowledging that viability and profitability are important for any business, he said he had not seen any information suggesting the company was unprofitable.

He stressed that good corporate citizenship demands that significant consideration be given to the people who work in these establishments building value for the owners.

“Sending home workers or shutting down operations should not be the first or preferred course of action in small economies and small countries like ours. It is not the Bajan way!”

The minister said the Chief Labour Officer was informed by letter on February 24 that Berger Paints would cease operations on April 24, with consultations scheduled to begin on March 3. Additionally, he noted that the company had indicated its commitment to honour all obligations to workers under Barbados’ laws.

However, Jordan questioned whether the consultation process could be meaningful if a final decision had already been made.

“The law requires six weeks of consultation. Good practice and legal rulings suggest and mandate that the consultation must be meaningful. I am not sure how meaningful consultation can be if a decision has already been made and if it appears to be written in stone. On the legal side, therefore, my concern is that the announcement may tarnish the ability of the company and the trade union representing the workers to have meaningful consultations.”

He also stressed that Barbados recognises trade unions as legitimate representatives of workers and said employers must respect that role.

“Trade unions must be allowed to do their work of representing workers. We will accept no less from any employer in this country. We expect Berger Paints and all other employers in Barbados to do right by our country and to do right by the workers who build and maintain their establishments. My ministry will continue to monitor this situation very closely,” the minister added.