NUPW presidential hopeful not in support of mandatory vaccines

Fabian Jones has vowed to fight for the preservation of workers’ civil rights, particularly in relation to the ongoing discussion about COVID-19 vaccines if elected president of the country’s largest public sector trade union.

This was one of many issues addressed on Tuesday during a press conference of Jones’ ‘Team Vision’, which identified the issue as a major point of contention as they canvassed the country’s public sector.

In light of the heated debates here on mandatory vaccination and the tough decisions taken by some Caribbean governments, Jones underscored workers’ “fundamental choice”.

“I am not for mandatory vaccines, but I am for caution and for care. I am for workers having the maximum standard of safety extended to them. As we explore the narrative, we know that the vaccine has not quite proven to be a cure, but we understand that it can prevent you from becoming sick and dying according to the science,” Jones told Barbados TODAY.

“We need to have more discussion so as to find some point of convergence, but I am not for persons losing their civil rights under a mandatory arrangement. That would be problematic and we want everyone to go forward in harmony and not at odds in relation to matters like vaccines,” he added.

Flanked by team member and the NUPW’s candidate for 1st vice president, David Denny, Jones lamented that a large portion of the union’s membership had become disconnected with the organization’s activities.

This disenchantment, in his opinion, has only increased over the last few weeks as the details of an internal dispute involving the incumbent president, Akanni McDowall spilled over into the public domain.

Nevertheless, the union leader is hopeful of a voter turnout on Thursday that surpasses the paltry 20 to 30 per cent generally expected to show up.

As part of his three-pronged plan for leadership of the trade union, Jones promised to make a clear distinction between the post of president and general secretary.

He has also promised to champion the workers’ cause on a slew of issues affecting public workers that centre on salary negotiations, contract work and the retirement and pension of public servants.

Issues surrounding affordable housing, education, transportation and the union’s relationship with the credit union movement will also be high on Jones’ agenda.

“We understand that the economy is very fragile at this moment and we wouldn’t wish to overheat the economy, but we have to hear the cries of workers, and once they are feeling the pinch we have to do something about that and ask the Government to give some consideration,” Jones declared.

“We are seeing relief being given to the business community, hotels, and Kadooment band leaders just got something. A time will come when the workers will need something as well,”  he insisted. (kareemsmith@barbadostoday.bb)