After six years of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) putting pressure on the Barbados Water Authority (BWA), employees will finally be entitled to a pension from the state-run agency.
The company this morning officially launched its pension plan, which is fully paid for by the BWA.
BWU General Secretary Toni Moore described the development as a major step for worker security.
“It is over six years that we have been trying to get a pension plan for the workers of the Barbados Water Authority. From a union perspective, this is a major part of what we see as comprising the requirements for decent work. Social protection, which includes pensions, is a big part of that, as we seek to secure workers in their work and after,” said Moore during the signing of the agreement at the BWA’s Pine, St Michael headquarters.
However, she contended that such a plan could have been implemented a long time ago, and queried the will and foresight of the previous BWA Board.
“One may wonder why it has taken as long as six years. What were the complexities involved? The answer is that there were none really, except the will to have it done. The Barbados Workers’ Union wants to take this opportunity to commend this Board for the will and the commitment that they exercised within a short space of time to ensure that our efforts have come to fruition,” the union boss said.
Moore’s point of view was supported by Chairman of the BWA, Leodean Worrell, who made it clear that dedicated staff at the state-owned water company deserved no less.
“The Barbados Water Authority has done a lot during a short time. So I see no reason why a pension plan could not have been completed. They have done a lot in terms of rallying around the communities who suffered the losses of water tanks. This entire weekend, even though the people of Barbados may not have recognized, there was a staff and a complement of over 50 people on call and working from before the Friday before Christmas Eve and all through the season,” she said.
