Staff shortage at Licensing Authority

The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) is closely monitoring a staff shortage situation at the Barbados Licensing Authority, says Deputy General Secretary Wayne Walrond.

On Thursday, several people who went to take their driving exams had to have their tests rescheduled as there were only two testing officers on duty, Barbados TODAY has learned.

It was reported in another section of the media that there was industrial action; however, Walrond explained that there was no such action but most of the testing officers were on leave and the amount of work required of the two workers on duty left them overwhelmed.

“The NUPW visited the licensing authority to investigate a situation relating to testing officers. We spoke to the head of licensing and the officers were able to confirm that there was not a situation of industrial action, rather there was a staff shortage where three out of five officers were absent. Given the overwhelming situation on the two remaining officers, a decision was taken that appointments would be rescheduled,” Walrond said.

“We were also informed that three additional positions for testing officers will be filled and that is being processed by the Ministry of Public Service. When these posts are filled, it would alleviate the workload.”

In a press statement, the Ministry of Transport and Works confirmed that the Pine, St Michael department was rescheduling driving tests.

“Driving tests will be conducted tomorrow Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA). Persons who have tests scheduled for this date are advised to report to the BLA’s Pine Headquarters at their assigned test times. New test dates were assigned to persons who were unable to take their driving tests today, Thursday, April 4, due to the absence of testing officers,” it said. (SZB)