BWU to hear from members before speaking on planned pension reforms

Members of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) will have two opportunities to share their opinion on the Government’s plans for pension reform, including its intention to raise the pensionable age to 68.

Communications Specialist and Information Officer Cheyne Jones said considering the gravity of the proposal, the potential implications, and the anxiety it is causing among Barbadians, union members will gather on Tuesday at Solidarity House to air their concerns and provide feedback on the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pension reform plan.

Responding to observations that the BWU has not yet responded to the proposals announced by Minister of Labour Colin Jordan more than two weeks ago, Jones insisted that the union was engaging in “the principle of informed action, over hasty reaction”.

He said the matter of the increase in pensionable age is also among six motions scheduled for discussion at the annual delegates’ conference scheduled for month end.

“We anticipate hundreds of our members will share their views. Now, after these extensive consultations where we explain the intricacies of the proposal, and then listen to our members’ perspectives, the BWU will then make a public statement that embodies the collective view of our membership,” he said.

“The Barbados Workers Union takes its role as a representative body of Barbadian workers very seriously. We approach our responsibilities with the utmost care, ensuring that we always act in our members’ best interests. We remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency, inclusivity and diligent action.”

The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), the island’s largest public sector trade union, queried whether there was any room for the Government to “withdraw” the plan to move the age at which a full pension from the NIS is paid, from 67 years to 67 ½ years in 2028 and then to 68 in 2034.

(JB)