Power, politics and trade union influence

Barbados’ trade union movement stands as a testament to unwavering advocacy and determined militancy, shaping the nation’s labour landscape and securing fair and decent working conditions for generations of workers.

Through their relentless efforts, unions have empowered employees across various industries, fostering economic stability and social progress.

Unions representing both private enterprises and public institutions have played a pivotal role in enhancing workplace environments, setting standards that compel employers to uphold principles of fairness, equity, and integrity. Their contributions extend well beyond labour negotiations and are deeply intertwined with the nation’s political history.

From the earliest mobilisation of workers, trade unions were inextricably linked to political movements—a natural alignment, given their shared goals. Both sought to wrest control from colonial powers and the privileged class. Emerging Black political leaders found in the labour movement a formidable ally, united in their push for equity and systemic change.

Any conversation with Barbadians in their 70s, 80s, and 90s unveils a stark picture of early, woeful labour conditions—poor working environments, starvation wages, and widespread poverty. In response to the labour unrest of the 1930s, the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) was established in 1941, and it quickly became a fierce advocate for workers’ rights across agriculture, tourism, transport, and manufacturing.

The ties between Barbados’ trade unions and the political establishment are deeply entrenched. A glance at the BWU’s leadership illustrates this connection, with key figures such as former Governor General Sir Hugh Springer and Sir Frank Walcott, its long-standing general secretary, playing influential roles.

The current head, Toni Moore, alongside past Democratic Labour Party (DLP) members Robert ‘Bobby’ Morris and Evelyn Greaves, demonstrates how union leadership has influenced the island’s governance.

The BWU initially aligned itself with the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) but later shifted its support to the DLP—a strategic move that has been shown to influence electoral outcomes. Some might argue that the BWU’s allegiance has since tilted back towards the BLP.

This pattern of shifting alliances is not unique to the BWU; the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) has also seen its leadership tied closely to both the BLP and the DLP.

A 2021 editorial in this publication highlighted the NUPW’s legacy, stating: “Since its formation in 1944 as the Civil Service Association and its registration as a trade union on October 15, 1964, the NUPW has produced some formidable leaders who garnered the respect, and sometimes fear, of political and governmental actors.”

Similar connections exist within the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT), where leaders such as Undene Whittaker and former Education Minister Ronald Jones, among others, transitioned from union activism to political prominence.

These deep ties between trade unions and politicians have yielded significant benefits for Barbadian workers, some might argue. One landmark achievement was the Representation of the People Act (1950), which expanded voting rights and ensured that workers had a stronger voice in shaping labour policies.

The relevance of these connections is underscored by recent political developments. Senator Chad Blackman, the newly appointed Minister of Educational Transformation, has entered the political fray as a BLP candidate.
In addressing an ongoing dispute between the Government and the BUT—a battle spanning over a decade—he sought to link the union’s industrial action to pending election dynamics, questioning the timing of the teachers’ protest.

His statement raised eyebrows: “Is it a coincidence that on the day that we’ve had a Member of Parliament indicating that he’s going to resign, which, of course, triggers a by-election, that literally, mere hours after, we get this notice being circulated by the BUT of . . . pending sickout for teachers across the sector?”

While his concerns may be valid, history has shown that unions have always leveraged their influence at strategic moments. This pattern is neither new nor unique; it has been a hallmark of trade union activism since their legalisation in Barbados.

Politicians cannot have it both ways—trade unions will align with political movements when it suits their interests, and political parties will do the same. These interactions have long shaped national policies and electoral outcomes, reinforcing the enduring power of the trade union movement in Barbados.