Airport G4S guards walk out over ‘extreme heat’

More than a dozen private security guards contracted by the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) briefly walked off the job on Monday afternoon complaining of unbearable working conditions caused by soaring temperatures, the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) has confirmed.

Fifteen G4S workers temporarily stopped work “in the best interest of their health” as temperatures reached hazardous levels, according to BWU Communications and Information manager Cheyne Jones.

“These workers, who have been contending with this issue for well over a year, could no longer endure the hazardous conditions. Their decision to temporarily cease work was not a reckless act, but a necessary response to the extreme heat that jeopardised their health,” Jones said.

The incident occurred during a shift change, involving workers from two separate shifts. While technicians were called to address the malfunctioning air conditioning, airport security personnel stepped in to ensure operations were not disrupted.

Airport management introduced an additional fan and provided their own security team with water – actions that Jones said “reflect a stark contrast to the conditions endured by the G4S workers”.

In a statement, GAIA acknowledged reports of disruption but reassured passengers that “all airport operations are continuing without delay and that access to your scheduled flights will proceed as planned”.

G4S has now agreed to provide water for their staff, a move the BWU considers long overdue. “It is deeply troubling that this basic provision, which is essential for workers’ well-being, was not implemented earlier,” Jones remarked.

BWU Communications and Information Manager Cheyne Jones.

The G4S staff resumed their duties once the area was sufficiently cooled. However, the BWU expressed concern that the extra fan provided by GAIA was subsequently removed, raising questions about long-term solutions to the ongoing cooling issues.

Jones called on management to take “immediate and decisive action” to permanently fix the air conditioning system. He highlighted that while reduced traffic has temporarily alleviated the heat, there are justified fears that the problem will resurface as warmer months approach and airport activity potentially increases.

The union also pointed out that G4S security officers are barred from bringing their own water into the checkpoints owing to security protocols, emphasising the need for the airport to ensure adequate cooling and hydration measures.

“It is unacceptable that G4S security personnel are unable to bring their water into the area due to security protocols, making it even more critical that GAIA ensures adequate cooling and hydration measures are in place,” Jones asserted.

“These workers have shown unwavering commitment despite the challenging conditions they face daily. They deserve a safe and comfortable working environment.” He noted that similar heat-related complaints have been received from unionised Customs officers and Duty-Free Caribbean store staff. (BT)