BWU urges action against workplace violence

Barbados Workers Union general secretary Toni Moore has called on employers and workers to take an active role in combating crime and violence across the nation.

In a press statement released on Thursday, Moore emphasised that workplaces are not immune to the impact of crime and violence plaguing Barbados. “As it relates to workplaces, we cannot think that crime and violence is something that is out there. Victims and perpetrators are our work colleagues, their children, relatives, friends, and it impacts on all of us in one form or the other,” she said.

Moore highlighted the far-reaching consequences of these issues on the work environment: “It impacts on our productivity, our mental wellness and overall on the work environment. The attitudes and behaviour in the home are often brought into the workplace and vice versa.”

The BWU leader urged both employers and employees to take action. “We must all take a stand. We must all step up, employers and workers alike. We must commit to fostering a culture of transparency and understanding as we work to reduce the anxiety that is plaguing our nation,” Moore said.

She called on employers to engage with their staff “openly and respectfully”, while also urging workers to address interpersonal issues before they escalate. “We must address issues at the interpersonal level before they reach boiling point and escalate to formal grievances.”

The statement also touched on the importance of unity in the face of these challenges. “Our unity continues to provide us with hope and, empowers us and strengthens us to stand tall against threats within our movement and those threats on the outside that can impact our movement,” Moore said.

Moore ended by stressing that this call to action should not be a temporary measure but a long-term commitment. “As we move forward, let us remember that stepping up is not just a directive. It’s not just a thing that we should preoccupy ourselves with for the next few days. Stepping up must be a shared responsibility,” she said.