CTUSAB urges national focus on safety, youth, jobs

Rising crime and weak job creation could threaten social stability, unless the government and its partners urgently reinforce worker safety, youth development and employment initiatives, the main trade union federation warned on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) President Ryan Phillips highlighted an inseparable link between worker well-being and public safety, noting the growing impact of crime and violence on workplaces.

“Worker safety, productivity and well-being are inseparable from community safety,” he said. “Addressing crime requires a holistic approach, including prevention, youth development, social intervention and workplace safety measures, developed in consultation with organised labour.”

Regarding fiscal planning for 2026/27, CTUSAB called for priority attention to protective services personnel and nurses, citing their frontline roles in national safety and health as indispensable. The congress also stressed the importance of teacher safety, improved working conditions and targeted interventions to support youth development, emphasising that secure schools and well-equipped young people are vital for the modern economy.

CTUSAB further underscored the need for job creation to remain central to national policy, advocating coordinated action among the ministries of education, labour and economic affairs. Phillips noted: “Aligning education and training with labour market needs is essential to creating sustainable, decent employment, particularly for young people.”

Reflecting on 2025, the congress observed that labour relations continued to centre on dignity at work, family security and sustainable national development.

“Despite complex challenges, CTUSAB remained steadfast in advocating for fairness, balance and social justice through engagement, advocacy and principled dialogue within the labour movement,” the statement said.

CTUSAB also acknowledged the urgent need for internal renewal to ensure the umbrella body remains modern, responsive and unified. Strengthening collaboration among affiliates, improving structures and renewing outreach, including reconciliation with unions outside the congress, were cited as critical measures.

“A unified labour movement is critical, as history has shown that division weakens worker protection and undermines national stability,” Phillips declared. (SZB)