BWU accuses KFC of pulling employee benefits after signing deal

General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), Toni Moore, has accused KFC of violating the terms of its recently signed collective agreement with employees, just weeks after a landmark deal was reached.

Speaking on Thursday during the BWU’s May Day Family Fun Day at Pool Woods, St John, Moore revealed that the fast-food company had pulled two “fundamental provisions” — a monthly meal allowance and six days of paid uncertified leave — in what she described as an effort to undermine the union’s hard-won gains.

“Even as we celebrated the wins, the BWU understood that a leopard never changes its spots,” Moore told the crowd.

“So even as we negotiated, and even as we were signing on the dotted line, we expected KFC to undermine the agreement. And less than four weeks after we had those wins, the first thing KFC did was pull away the monthly meal allowance from the workers.”

Back in February, the BWU announced that KFC workers had secured a nine per cent wage increase, new job descriptions, six days of paid uncertified leave, and an agreement to implement workplace training and promotion systems. The deal, seen as a breakthrough for fast-food employees, followed tense negotiations and months of advocacy by the union.

The meal allowance, Moore said, allowed employees to purchase meals at a 50 per cent discount. She said the company also eliminated the six days of paid uncertified leave — both of which were enshrined in the signed agreement.

The trade unionist said BWU initially chose not to raise the alarm publicly, but after the second breach, it was compelled to act.

“That’s when we decided we had to do something. That’s serious, because these are fundamental provisions,” she said.

She revealed that on April 7, the union formally wrote to KFC demanding that the breaches be corrected and copied the Labour Department. However, nearly a month later, the issues remain unresolved.

“The Barbados Workers’ Union has no right, in a situation where there is clear violation of a collective agreement, having to run behind or wait for it to be resolved,” Moore said.

She further used the opportunity to highlight systemic weaknesses, pointing to the need for a better-resourced Labour Department to enforce existing laws.

“This is not an indictment on the Labour Department, but the Labour Department needs to be effectively resourced. Because if we go around the place making law after law after law, and there is no enforcement of the laws we make, nobody is better for it,” she said.

Moore moved to close her address on a more celebratory note, highlighting a number of victories for workers across various sectors, including hotel staff, retail employees, and BICO workers who staged industrial action a few months ago.

“To the hotel workers who suffered during protracted negotiations… and who stood up in the face of conditions that were held up for over 60 years — we salute you,” she said, noting that the BWU’s work was expanding and uniting staff and executive leadership in advocacy.

She further praised the strong, relentless advocacy of her team and also the support of the government for the local workforce. 

Meanwhile, hundreds of residents flocked to Pool Woods for the historic staging of the May Day celebrations, which doubled as the opening event for We Gatherin’ in St John. 

The month of May is dedicated to the eastern parish under the national initiative, which celebrates communities across the island.

Locals praised the transformation of the area, with a lifelong resident of the area, John Luke,  expressing astonishment that he had never visited Pool Woods before.

“I love what’s happening here in St John man. The vibe is great. I’ve lived here all my life and never been over here,” he said. “Now I see it as a place I can bring my family.”

Families enjoyed picnics, music, and entertainment throughout the day, with many praising the initiative and expressing eagerness for the rest of the We Gatherin’ activities planned for the parish. (SM)