CTUSAB calls for unity, warning divisions threaten workers’ gains

President of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) Ryan Phillips has issued a call for solidarity among the island’s trade unions, warning that continued fragmentation could erode hard-won worker rights and weaken labour’s influence in the national decision-making process.

On the eve of May Day, Phillips appealed to union leaders to rise above division and reaffirm their shared commitment to solidarity, principled advocacy, and collective action.

“Today, I make a renewed call to all trade unions and staff associations in Barbados to recommit to the principles of unity and solidarity,” Phillips said on Wednesday. “CTUSAB stands ready to facilitate dialogue, build bridges, and develop joint initiatives that will strengthen the labour movement as a whole. Let us not allow division to rob us of our collective strength.”

His comments at a press conference held at the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) headquarters in Welches, St Michael, came in the wake of a two-day sick-out staged by the BUT on April 24 and 25 to demand the reinstatement of term’s leave for teachers, a benefit removed by government in 2014. The action was supported by CTUSAB, but notably not by the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU).

“While the BSTU chose not to support the BUT in the two-day sick-out, its right to adopt a different approach in addressing this matter is to be respected,” said Phillips. “While the unions may have taken different strategic positions, the shared concern for protecting the entitlements of teachers remains evident.”

He described the removal of term’s leave as “a breach of good industrial relations practices”, and used the incident to illustrate the urgent need for collaboration in addressing the “testing and sometimes turbulent” state of industrial relations in Barbados.

“As the labour movement navigates this testing environment, it is essential that trade union leaders work together, demonstrating unity and solidarity even when employing diverse tactics,” Phillips said. “Our collective strength lies not in uniformity of methods, but in the shared commitment to principled advocacy, dialogue, consultation, and collaboration.”

The CTUSAB head warned against the dangers of public infighting among unions, stressing that ridicule and criticism only undermine the legitimacy of the labour movement and embolden those who would weaken worker protections.

“There is nothing to be gained by creating divisions… and moreover, not being prepared to support causes where the evidence supports taking a stance on a matter of principle,” he said. “This is about practising what we preach, and lest we forget, remember that the world is watching.”

Phillips painted a sobering picture of the national climate: a society grappling with inflation, job insecurity, wage negotiation delays, and deteriorating working conditions. Against this backdrop, he argued, unity among workers and their representatives is not merely desirable—it is imperative.

“Our country is currently navigating a period marked by economic uncertainty, social challenges, and industrial strain,” he said. “Now, more than ever, unity is not just a principle—it is a necessity.”

He stressed that a unified labour voice enhances negotiating power with employers and government alike. “When trade unions speak with a unified voice, our messages resonate more powerfully with policymakers and employers,” Phillips said. “Disparate or conflicting messaging only serves to undermine our collective influence.”

He also reaffirmed the role of CTUSAB as a central platform for coordinated labour advocacy, urging non-member unions and staff associations to join the umbrella body and contribute to a stronger, more effective social partnership.

“By becoming part of CTUSAB, trade unions and staff associations can contribute to and benefit from a collaborative structure that is respected in national dialogue, particularly at the level of the Social Partnership,” he noted.

Extending his message beyond organised labour, Phillips also called on young people and non-unionised workers to recognise the importance of union membership in safeguarding their rights and livelihoods.

“In today’s unpredictable job market, individual workers are often vulnerable to unfair treatment, job loss, and lack of representation,” he warned. “Worker protection is not a luxury; it is a necessity—and it is best achieved through solidarity.”

Citing the historical contributions of the labour movement to Barbados’ social and economic stability, Phillips reminded his audience of the founding principles of trade unionism: unity, independence, democratic methods, inclusiveness, equality, and international solidarity.

“The challenges facing our members today are not insurmountable,” he said, “but they demand a reinvigorated approach to collective bargaining… Together, we can speak more authoritatively, influence policy more effectively, and secure better outcomes for our members.”

As Barbados prepared to join the international labour community in observing May Day, Phillips’ message was clear: division within the labour movement benefits no one but those who stand to gain from weakening worker rights. “Let us instead rise together to meet the moment,” he urged, “with courage, with wisdom, and with unity.”

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb

Who’s in – and not – with CTUSAB

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) was officially registered as a trade union organisation in Barbados on August 4, 1995. The umbrella body was launched eight days later at the Barbados Workers’ Union’s Solidarity House.

The umbrella body was made up of nine independent representative organisations.

– Barbados Union of Teachers

– National Union of Public Workers

– Barbados Nurses Association

– Barbados Police Association

– Sugar Industries Staff Association

– Nurses Aid Assistance Association

of Barbados

– The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners

– Prison Officers Association

– Fire Officers Association

However, the Barbados Workers’ Union, Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union,  Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools, and the Association of Public Primary School Principals are no longer members of CTUSAB.