NUPW launches search for new general secretary

The island’s largest public sector trade union has started the search for a new General Secretary.

Recently-elected President of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) Kimberly Agard has disclosed that internal advertising has just been launched to fill the post left vacant by Roslyn Smith, who was retired by the National Council on March 31, 2019 after 47 years of service to the movement.

“It is being advertised [internally]. It only recently opened, so I have not received the applications as yet. There are still some things within the process that are being ironed out, We want it to be as smooth as possible,” Agard told Barbados TODAY.

She pointed out that all candidates would have to go through the process. This would include the acting General Secretary Wayne Walrond, if he intends to apply.

When contacted, Walrond declined to say whether he will apply.

Back in mid-December 2020, two weeks before then acting General Secretary Delcia Burke would retire, Walrond told Barbados TODAY he had applied for the job.

But now Walrond declares: “When that process is engaged and completed, you know the media houses will get their information. Just be patient.”

However, the post of General Secretary remains a contentious issue because Smith, who is in her late 60s, is alleging unfair dismissal and is claiming close to half a million dollars in compensation.

Her case, which is being handled by Industrial Relations Consultant and Head of the Unity Trade Union (UTU), Senator Caswell Franklyn is being placed before the Employment Rights Tribunal for adjudication. (EJ)