Independence message – NUPW

It is my honour and privilege in my capacity as general secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) to address you on the anniversary of Barbados’ 58th year of Independence on behalf of the membership, Executive Committee, National Council and Secretariat of this proud trade union.

This is the time to reflect on the gains we have made over the past six decades as a labour movement. We live in a land of pride and industry where there is generally industrial peace and harmony, but a land not devoid of its challenges. This union supports the principles of voluntarism and tripartism which have been pillars of our sophisticated society and resilient economy.

We further reflect on the contribution of our diverse membership to the health and wellness of our citizens, residents and guests, in the healthcare and protective services and in education and training. From the ancillary to the judiciary, the members of the NUPW continue to strengthen governance and the provision of quality public services and public goods for the good of the public.

It is our fervent wish that the enthusiasm and manifestations of nationalistic pride so evident in the month of November will continue to inspire us, to take part in meaningful and productive activities every day, which can only serve positively to promote nation building.

We call on our government to provide the necessary resources and environment so that the public service can continue to be the first choice and model employer. National and individual productivity improvement will underpin improvement in the Bajan way of life. It is proven that a strong and productive public sector is effective in the implementation of sound social and economic policies that result in societal fairness, equality and equity. The NUPW looks forward to productivity and performance incentive plans for the public service in the near future.

There are issues that have stubbornly tested the resolve of this union – none more so than the restructuring of the state-owned enterprises by the government, which is yet to fully disclose its hand. The NUPW only seeks to ensure that its members are given the best possible options available and that they cannot be marginalised or disadvantaged by this move. The NUPW demands clear timeframes and clarity on the potential fallout for the workers.

Rest assured that the NUPW will continue to endeavour every day to balance the national interest with our first obligation, which is to effectively and efficiently represent the interest of our membership.

Therefore, so as not to lose sight of the NUPW’s mission, we re-state that this union is fully committed to the consultative process. We will not yield or waver in our undertaking to ensure that we secure the rights and entitlements of our members.

We promise not to be distracted by those who seek to undermine the organisation of workers, collective bargaining and the right to withhold labour as a last resort to settle disputes.

This year, the NUPW celebrates 80 years as a union. In the midst of our celebrations, we have lost two of our titans, former general secretaries, Brother Dennis Clarke and Brother Joseph Goddard. Both of them dedicated their lives to trade unionism in Barbados. We also lost our third vice-president, Bro O’Brien Smith. Their contributions to labour and nation-building are written on history’s page. The NUPW acknowledges their contributions and thanks their families for sharing them with us.

The NUPW welcome the news that the Employment Rights Tribunal will have a fixed home and strengthened

institutional capacity. We recognise the role that the Employments Rights Tribunal plays in protecting workers from being treated unfairly in the workplace and its counterbalancing effect on industrial relations.

The NUPW reaffirms its commitment to lend its competence to the discussions on the appropriate age of retirement for nurses, police and other protective services, teachers, sanitation services and ambulance and emergency services. The NUPW also lends its support to the ongoing job evaluation exercise in the public sector.

Today, we encourage all Barbadians to go outside and engage in wholesome activities in their communities, remembering to involve those that are physically or otherwise challenged in the celebration of our great nation.

Again, on behalf of the NUPW, on the occasion of Barbados’ 58th Anniversary of Independence and the third year as a republic, we extend a happy birthday to our nation and wish for continued success, growth and renewal.

Richard Green, General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers