Talks collapse in Community College staff dispute

The dispute over a key job vacancy at the Barbados Community College deepened Friday after union negotiations collapsed, prompting fresh uncertainty for staff amid concerns over management’s hiring practices.

Talks with the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), which took place over several weeks, were described by the college as conducted in a spirit of “mutual respect and cooperation”.

Despite notable progress, a final agreement could not be reached, according to a statement released on Friday evening.

Principal Annette Alleyne acknowledged the efforts made: “We acknowledge the constructive engagement of the NUPW throughout this process. While it is regrettable that we were not able to reach a final agreement, the college remains committed to maintaining open lines of communication and to continuing efforts towards a fair and sustainable resolution.”

NUPW General Secretary Richard Green said the union was dissatisfied with the outcome and “will be seeking further steps that it deems necessary to bring fairness and equity to the affected officer”.

Asked whether those steps would include taking the matter to the Labour Department, Green reiterated that the NUPW would pursue any actions it considers necessary.

The unresolved dispute follows a staff strike on September 30, which highlighted continuing tensions over recruitment processes.

Staff have accused management of bypassing long-serving employees in a recruitment procedure that prompted urgent talks with the union.

Since the strike, the most recent meeting between the parties took place earlier on Friday.

(SZB)