SSA defends incentive payouts after disgruntled workers walk off job

Disgruntled Sanitation Service Authority workers walked off the job on Thursday over poor working conditions and unsatisfactory incentives — an action management has branded a wildcat strike.

When Barbados TODAY visited the depot, all garbage collection trucks were parked on the compound while staff congregated in some groups on the inside and outside of the compound. 

Speaking on condition of anonymity, some workers shared that they received incentive payments of $700, some $400, some only $100, for money that was promised to them.

Following the strike action, management, staff, and union representatives convened a meeting to discuss the concerns. 

A statement subsequently released by Public Relations Officer Carl Padmore confirmed that the industrial action, initiated by a group of employees, which had “taken the form of a wildcat strike”, was in response to the recent disbursement of the performance incentive allowance. 

“The workers have expressed dissatisfaction with the amount paid under the allowance scheme,” he said.

Padmore explained that the performance incentive allowance “was introduced as a motivational measure and it’s contingent upon the achievement of clearly defined operational targets — specifically, tipping targets agreed on between management, staff, and worker representatives.”

“Unfortunately, these targets were not met, with performance reaching only 34 per cent of the established benchmark. Despite this shortfall, and as a gesture of good faith aimed at promoting continued improvement in productivity and morale, management approved discretionary payment,” he explained.

SSA Chairman Ramon Alleyne defended management’s position, saying the incentive programme was fully agreed after “numerous meetings and consultations with the NUPW [National Union of Public Workers] and worker delegates.” 

He said the way it was calculated and implemented had been settled and that “this is the first increment that would have been payable.”

According to Alleyne, the workers did not meet the base criteria to receive the full incentive but, “in recognition and appreciation” of their efforts, management made a goodwill payment anyway.

“It is very unfortunate that in a situation where management has chosen to show some degree of gratitude and offer a payment that was not payable under the terms settled with the workers, they would choose to implement a wildcat strike,” he said, adding there was no notice or communication from the union about the action.

Alleyne stressed that the NUPW accepted the agreed terms of the incentive programme and there could be no negotiations while a wildcat strike was in effect. 

“The authority is quite willing to have any discussions with the representatives of the workers, but they need to follow the protocols settled in our industrial relations practice,” he said.

But on the grounds outside SSA headquarters, several workers — speaking on condition of anonymity — claimed they have endured years of poor treatment, unsafe conditions and stagnant pay while their pleas for improvements go ignored. 

Some workers claimed they were among the lowest-paid sanitation workers in the region despite playing a crucial role in keeping Barbados clean and preventing disease. 

Workers also complained about a lack of basic protective gear and unsafe working conditions. They allege they have “no medical kits, no fire extinguishers, no hazard pay — just $13 a day extra”.

One worker described long hours and decades of service without pay progression: “A man working 31 years at sanitation, and a man come today and get the same pay. A man works for $100 a day — that’s before tax.” 

Others said they have to wait two years for new uniforms, are taxed on small washing allowances, and struggle to get by on what remains of their salaries.

Deputy General Secretary of the NUPW Wayne Walrond confirmed that, alongside the incentive pay dispute, staff have raised issues about safety equipment and inadequate benefits.

Walrond said the union intends “to get back round the table to see how best we can improve on this situation”, but some workers voiced frustration, claiming they feel the NUPW has not adequately represented them and are calling for stronger union support.

In the meantime, workers say they want a direct audience with Prime Minister Mia Mottley and many insist they will not back down until their conditions improve.

louriannegraham@barbadostoday.bb