Employers call for unified labour code

A marked shift towards more formal employment practices is under way across Barbados, according to the Barbados Employers’ Confederation (BEC), which has renewed its call for a national labour code.

The BEC has reported a noticeable move towards increased documentation, structured disciplinary procedures and more formal handling of workplace disputes.

Executive director Sheena Mayers-Granville, presenting the organisation’s 2024 highlights, said: “One of the things we’ve reflected on in 2024 is when we looked at the industrial relations climate, we noticed an increasing formalisation in the employment relationship. We are seeing an increased level of documentation, we are seeing more disciplinary hearings being held, more investigations and meetings surrounding the employment relationship.”

While this trend towards greater structure is not seen as inherently negative, Mayers-Granville emphasised that it requires employers to become more adept at navigating legal and procedural complexities.

“We responded to an increased number of queries on how to manage redundancies, how to manage discipline, how to manage performance within the workplace, and we’ve assisted employers in negotiation strategies as well,” she said.

Mayers-Granville reiterated the BEC’s longstanding position that Barbados should move towards a consolidated labour code. “One of the benefits . . . is that we have a comprehensive and cohesive body of legislation . . . Right now we have various pieces of legislation and sometimes they have differing definitions in them, they overlap, etc.”

She argued that a unified code would improve compliance, reduce confusion and make it easier for businesses and workers to understand their rights and responsibilities.

The BEC has also turned its attention to the informal labour market. Citing an estimated 25 per cent of the Barbadian workforce operating outside formal systems, Mayers-Granville raised concerns about the implications for national insurance and social protections.

“We do have a very large informal sector in Barbados,” she said. “We have been engaging on how can we, as the BEC in collaboration with key stakeholders, help in terms of transitioning persons from informality to formality.”

Despite perceptions of industrial unrest in some quarters, the BEC head insisted that Barbados continues to enjoy a relatively stable labour environment.

“To be honest, many of the issues that arise within the workplace are settled there,” she said. “There are very few issues that escalate to industrial action, that escalate to make your headlines. Many of those issues are settled either within the workplace, or we are able to negotiate with the trade union to resolve the matter in a way that makes both parties feel as though the matter has been properly addressed.”

This culture of resolution, she noted, has been instrumental in supporting national development and crisis management, allowing social partners to collectively address key challenges.

“In the Barbadian context . . . we actually do have a generally harmonious industrial relations environment,” she said. “That is critical and key to how we have been able to manage growth and development in Barbados, as well as manage the crisis.” (SZB)