Public workers can count on NUPW - by Emmanuel Joseph January 2, 2019

The country’s largest public sector trade union is promising to be a more accountable representative body for workers and people in general in the coming year.

In his New Year’s message, President of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) Akanni McDowall said the people require that Barbados be a land where leaders are responsible and accountable to the people.

“Against that backdrop, the NUPW is committed to working to strengthen its own accountability mechanism and ensuring that those in the vanguard of the organization understand their commitment. We also must ensure that as we continue to strengthen and participate in the rebuilding of Barbados’ economy, that we are frank with workers,” McDowall stated.

He said the union leadership should explain to workers, that in the same way accountable and responsible political leadership was key, so too is worker productivity and commitment.

“The NUPW will remain committed to ensuring that workers’ rights are protected and difficult decisions are made with sensitivity and transparency. Times are challenging and yet a new year signals hope and a new beginning – if not for ourselves, for the younger generations looking to us – we will rise to the occasion and forward on,” the union president suggested.

He noted that public workers and the country in general, have made it through another year of “twists and turns, exciting highs and worry-causing lows”.

McDowall said that through it all, the spirit of Barbados has prevailed.  “For that, we are, and must be grateful,” he added.