The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) is prepared to challenge anyone who believes workers in Barbados are afforded too many holidays.
This was made clear today by the union’s general secretary Toni Moore during a press conference to announce the BWU’s plans for its upcoming May Day celebrations.
Moore said there had been talk around the country that the number of holidays needed to be reduced.
However, she promised that the BWU would represent workers at all costs.
“There is a discussion ongoing that in Barbados there are too many bank holidays, too many occasions that workers aren’t working or that if they work they get premium pay. And when you hear discussions like that coming you know what is likely to follow – a consideration that you need to repeal some of them,” Moore said.
“Now the BWU has fought very hard over the years to ensure that outside of the Christian festivals and celebrations like Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter, that Independence Day and May Day are [among] those special holidays. So we want to send a message to the powers that be on May Day, that we will celebrate our day, not working and slaving away behind any counter, but we will celebrate our day as workers.”
The BWU leader also urged Barbadians to come out and celebrate May Day, as it was a holiday specifically for workers.
“May Day is we day and we will continue to push for it as a secretariat,” Moore said while encouraging workers to support the union in the May Day celebrations.
“It is a day not only to stay at home…but come out with the collective and recognize the value that we add and make sure people have the opportunity to pause and consider the contributions we make,” Moore said.
During the press conference Moore detailed the BWU’s revamped May Day celebrations.
She revealed this year’s event would be held at the union’s Solidarity House headquarters, as opposed to its usual location at Browne’s Beach and will be held under the theme ‘Revive, Re-energise’.
Moore said this year’s activities would be family-oriented and would feature ‘plenty giveaways’ as well as a karaoke competition, flea market, a cook-off and mixology competition and a fun zone for children.
Popular deejays Lil Rick and Alvin ‘Soca Superman’ Toppin will also be in attendance.
The day’s activities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a wreath-laying ceremony at the BWU and admission is free and parking will be provided at Weymouth and ICBL.
Additional activities include a thanksgiving service on April 28, as well as a celebrity cricket match on May 3 at the Friendship Playing Field.
