‘UNITY’S’ CALL

Union ups ante in pension-age battle

By Sheria Brathwaite

The Unity Workers’ Union (UWU) is intensifying its efforts to oppose the Government’s plans to raise the retirement age and the required contributions to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). On Wednesday, several workers participated in a sick-out as a form of protest, while General Secretary Caswell Franklyn announced plans for a march to take place on Saturday.

The union leader claimed a victory on Wednesday as the Senate delayed debate on the National Insurance and Social Security Amendment Bill.

Franklyn said: “The response for the sick-out was not what I would have liked but we did get some traction and it caused people to pause. I got a good set of Whatsapp messages telling me that they [workers] had called in [sick].  If we did not have the sick-out or that threat of taking action, by now the bill would have been passed.”

In an interview with Barbados TODAY, Franklyn revealed that the sick-out was a crucial initial step to draw attention to the workers’ concerns. He emphasized the urgency of their actions, stating, “We had to do something before this morning; otherwise, [the proposed National Insurance and Social Security Amendment Bill] would have passed. You couldn’t organize a march during the weekend when the police offices were closed. So we had to act with what was available to us.”

“What troubles me most is that they then brought the Senators in a session after the Senate was adjourned to explain the bill to them. So they were going to pass the bill just like that, they don’t care about anybody. I have no doubt that our action had an impact on the Senate cause’ they had to explain the bill to the Senators. They only discussed the bill with them after the fact, that is the kind of arrogance we have in Government.”

Yet, as the workers’ opposition continues to mount and amid growing public outcry that has been fanned by social media, it remains to be seen how the Government will address their concerns and engage in dialogue. The planned march on Saturday holds the potential to amplify the workers’ demands and further highlight their call for an inclusive decision-making process concerning the proposed amendments to the 56-year-old public pension system.

The planned march on Saturday, organized in collaboration with the UWU and other interested parties, depends on approval from the police, Franklyn said a march was always on the cards but the back-to-back bank holidays caused disruptions in the planning process. He expressed optimism about the impact of the planned march, as it would enable them to express their grievances more prominently.

The proposed amendments to the National Insurance Scheme were announced by Minister of Labour Colin Jordan and later passed by the House of Assembly last Friday.  Under the proposed changes, the pensionable age will be raised from 67 to 68, and the number of required contributions to receive pension benefits will increase from 500 to 750. Jordan sought to justify these measures as essential to prevent the depletion of the National Insurance Fund, given the projected challenges posed by the island’s ageing population, with the fund projected to “dry up” by 2041.

Responding to Jordan’s announcement, Franklyn voiced his strong opposition and frustration. He declared: “I had met with hundreds of upset union members and consumer advocates, and we collectively decided to take action.”

During Wednesday’s Senate sitting, the Leader of Government Business, Senator Lisa Cummins, moved that the session be postponed until the following week due to several considerations. The National Insurance and Social Security Amendment Bill 2023, which was initially scheduled for debate, was then tabled until next Wednesday morning.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb