The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) is prepared to negotiate a performance incentive scheme for Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) workers, General Secretary Richard Greene has revealed.
The NUPW had internally agreed on its position ahead of upcoming talks with SSA management, Greene said on Thursday. The authority’s chairman and general manager, who were overseas last week, have agreed to meet with the union to discuss the incentive plan upon their return.
The absence of such a scheme was among the grievances that sparked a two-day wildcat strike last month by workers affiliated with the Unity Workers Union (UWU), which is not recognised by the SSA.
During the protest, the NUPW instructed its members to return to work, while UWU leader Caswell Franklyn insisted his members would continue striking until their demands were met. All protesting employees eventually returned to work without their demands being addressed.
With the UWU still unable to negotiate directly with management, the NUPW has been given the opportunity to present its case.
“Already our committee of management, which includes shop stewards, has met, and the NUPW is armed with its position on the performance incentive plan,” Greene told Barbados TODAY.
UWU workers have demanded better compensation and working conditions. One spokesperson said: “It’s really unfair to many of us, and we need more respect and better conditions.”
Workers claim the incentive scheme has been delayed for months despite government funding being provided in February.
During the work stoppage, Franklyn criticised SSA management, stating: “The money has been paid into sanitation, and there’s no excuse for a four-month delay. We want the money now.”
He accused the SSA of attempting to withhold incentive money intended for workers and alleged that the NUPW was complicit in exploiting workers due to political ties.
Greene denied these accusations, asserting that his union had consistently improved workers’ terms and represented their interests through established negotiating processes. (EJ)
