Key talks between NUPW and SSA could end dispute

Sanitation workers are hoping for concrete commitments from management, as a crucial meeting between the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) and the chairman of the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) takes place this afternoon to determine the way forward on the contentious issues of incentive payments and poor working conditions.

The meeting is expected to be a turning point in resolving months of industrial tension. It follows last week’s two-day strike that brought garbage collection across the island to a halt.

On Monday, workers expressed cautious optimism that the long-standing dispute could be meaningfully addressed. For the first time, union representatives will meet directly with SSA chairman Ramon Alleyne, who was off-island during the recent unrest.

“We want something in writing stating that there is a commitment from management that we would be paid what is due,” one SSA worker told Barbados TODAY, after employees resumed their duties in the afternoon. “We don’t want any empty promises; we are not working with that.”

Workers downed tools last Thursday over what they described as unsatisfactory working conditions and a disorganised rollout of the government-backed performance incentive scheme. Some workers reported receiving as little as $100 to $400, while others received up to $700—far below expectations.

SSA Public Relations Officer Carl Padmore later confirmed that the strike was triggered by the disbursement of the incentive allowance, which had been introduced “as a motivational measure” and was “contingent upon the achievement of clearly defined operational targets—specifically, tipping targets agreed upon 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,” Padmore explained.

However, workers and their union argue that the tipping measurement—which refers to the number of times bins are lifted and emptied—does not accurately reflect the volume or complexity of work being done, especially in areas with bulk or uncontained waste. As such, they believe the system grossly undervalues their contribution.

“Our workers discovered that the incentive pay they were hearing about for three months — April, May and June — was just over $700. Sixty-one dollars per week is what was allowed to come to the workers, and in their estimation, this cannot be good enough,” Deputy General Secretary of the NUPW, Wayne Walrond, adding that the tipping-based measurement system is flawed.

“The job is done 100 per cent across the island, but much of that isn’t reflected in the tipping data. There are areas where garbage isn’t just in bins — it’s on the ground, in bulk, and still has to be cleared.”

More than 700 SSA employees—including drivers, loaders and clerical staff—are covered under the incentive scheme, which has faced repeated delays and revisions since mid-2024. A wildcat strike last year, led by the Unity Workers’ Union, forced a review of the original plan. The NUPW later negotiated further changes, and SSA chairman Alleyne confirmed earlier this year that a revised proposal had been submitted.

Since then, the union requested additional amendments—a request to which the SSA agreed—but unrest resurfaced last week amid frustration over slow progress and inconsistent payments.

Walrond is confident that today’s talks will result in progress.

“We are confident that there is justification for reviewing it and to look at a favourable consideration of having an improved offer. We are confident of that…. We are confident that we can find support for review and improvement,” he said, highlighting that there were other long-standing issues, such as health and safety, to be discussed.

“Sanitation workers deserve better. They work hard, they’re dedicated, and they are exposed to waste and chemicals that compromise their health and shorten their lifespans.”

He revealed that more than 50 SSA workers had died in the last two to three years, many before reaching retirement.

“I understand that over a period of two to three years, there would have been 56 deaths. They are concerned that their lifespans can be impacted and compromised because of the hazardous impact of garbage collection on their health, their body, even their skin. That is alarming,” Walrond said. “The nature of their job is hazardous — skin conditions, chemical exposure, injuries — and yet their earnings do not reflect the seriousness of what they do.”

Despite the frustration, Walrond said the union had acted responsibly throughout the dispute.

This afternoon’s meeting, to be held at the union’s Dalkeith Road, St Michael headquarters, is expected to address both the adequacy of the first-quarter incentive payments and the structure of the scheme going forward.

“We’re negotiating in good faith, but the outcome must reflect the workers’ realities — their health risks, their dedication, and their need for fairness,” Walrond said.

“The workers are saying they can’t go back to business as usual. The chairman has given a commitment to meet, and we respect the process, but it must be taken seriously. We expect a review of the $61-per-week incentive and a better offer that reflects the risk and value of their labour.”

In addition to the incentive dispute, workers have raised several other grievances, including the safety of SSA vehicles, the lack of proper compensation for injuries sustained on the job, and issues with National Insurance Scheme payments while on sick leave.