Employers have defended the use of zero-hour contracts amid sharp criticism from the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), which has condemned the practice as exploitative.
Speaking at the BWU’s 81st Annual Delegates’ Conference at Solidarity House over the weekend, general secretary Toni Moore strongly criticised the use of precarious employment arrangements, particularly targeting the hospitality industry. She singled out Sandals Resorts, accusing the hotel chain of taking advantage of workers despite benefiting from significant government concessions.
“What makes it obscene is that Sandals is one of the hotel establishments that gets some of the most concessions in this country, and you can’t be delivering and treating our people so casually,” Moore charged.
She further explained that zero-hour contracts, which do not guarantee workers any hours or income, leave employees vulnerable.
“A zero-hour contract gives you more hours. On a particular day, a manager might tell you to come in at 12 o’clock, and we ain’t tell you when you ain’t come. So it really is a contract that guarantees you no hours and no pay, therefore,” she said.
The Barbados Employers’ Confederation (BEC) pushed back against Moore’s position. President Gail-Ann King acknowledged that while there is no data on the current prevalence of zero-hour contracts in Barbados, the practice is not new and is typically used in casual or on-call work situations.
President of the Barbados Employers’ Confederation
Gail-Ann King.
“Historically, it has been used for jobs where work is not constant or required on an ‘as and when needed’ basis, such as delivery drivers, care workers, or professionals like plumbers who choose to be on call,” King told Barbados TODAY.
King argued that zero-hour contracts offer flexibility for both employers and employees, particularly in industries where workloads fluctuate throughout the year.
“ZHCs offer a flexible option for both employers and employees who may have varying workloads at different times of the year and for some types of work in an organisation that is not constant – such as delivery, hence it allows for a flexible workforce.”
The arrangement can be beneficial to workers who need flexibility in their schedules, such as students and caregivers, or those seeking additional income, King added.
“It also gives them the freedom to have multiple jobs and/or employers as suits them.”
The BEC president also noted that individuals who provide high levels of service could potentially benefit from zero-hour contracts by charging a premium for their skills.
“For persons who might otherwise be unemployed or persons choosing to be a stay-at-home mum, or prefer to run their own businesses, it provides a temporary source of income, allows persons to gain valuable work experience or to take on work if and when they choose,” King suggested.
While acknowledging the potential downsides of unpredictable work hours and income, the employers’ spokeswoman pointed out that many use these contracts to supplement their income as part of a “side hustle”.
“In an economy that is fast changing and with a growth in the gig economy – where persons want to freelance – it provides earning potential, so it does add to employment options and our economy. This is not a new form of work and it often provides income or supplemental income for persons,” King argued.
She also noted that all workers, including those on zero-hour contracts, have the right to unionise and are protected by laws such as the minimum wage.
As the debate continues over changing employment terms, Moore has reiterated the importance of collective action in combatting exploitative practices and called on workers to unite by joining the BWU.
“What they can do with one, they can’t do with many. United we stand, divided we fall,” she said, urging workers to use the power of collective bargaining to safeguard their
rights.
emmanueljoseph@barbadostoday.bb
