Car dealership Inchcape Barbados was struck by apparent industrial action on Monday as employees from several critical departments reported sick, Barbados TODAY has learned.
But while a spokesman for the union representing the workers denied that the union prompted the sick calls as a form of industrial action, it came immediately after an impasse between management and workers on pay talks.
The departments affected included the Mercedes Benz section, pre-delivery inspections, parts, service, the industrial department and the workshops.
At issue has been backpay dating back to the COVID-19 pandemic and a pay raise the workers have been seeking for months. Just last week, talks were held with management and the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), the workers’ bargaining agent.
BWU spokesman Cheyne Jones confirmed that the union held talks with the management on Friday but did not reach a conclusion on the issues.
He said: “The negotiations are still ongoing. It would not be best practice for me to disclose any details at this time. Now, as it relates to today, yes, we are aware that some employees have called in sick but it wouldn’t do anyone any good to speculate. Employees get sick, especially at this time of year when we’re right in the middle of the flu season.
“I want to underscore that there’s been no industrial action taken by the Barbados Workers’ Union regarding Inchcape, and what we are willing to say is that we are looking forward to a positive outcome for the workers there at the conclusion of our negotiations.”
Barbados TODAY reached out to Inchcape’s management for comment but efforts were unsuccessful.
In 2022, Simpson Motors, considered the largest retailer of new and used vehicles, was acquired by the British-based multinational Inchcape, one of the world’s leading independent automotive distributors.
(RG)
