Trade unionists gear up to train future leaders for changing workplace

Amid rapid changes in the labour landscape, the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) launched an intensive two-day workshop on Wednesday, focused on preparing a new generation of trade unionists to lead with confidence and competence.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY at the workshop, held in the Ministry of Labour conference room in Warrens under the theme Building Strong Workplace Representation, CTUSAB president Ryan Phillips said participants are receiving training in grievance handling, employment law and tribunal processes.

The sessions are designed to provide unions with practical tools to better represent workers and respond to the demands of today’s workforce, he said.

“What we’ve found over the years was that many of our trade union leaders have passed and gone, and the new trade union leaders that are coming forward have limited and more knowledge of how to function within a trade union setting….there is also a need to bring young people within the movement.”

The workshop is focusing on effective advocacy, governance and social responsibility, with a strong emphasis on preparing young workers for leadership roles.

Phillips said: “Young workers must be exposed to governance principles, financial oversight, labour law fundamentals, and board-level decision-making. They must understand not only how to advocate, but how to lead responsibly within statutory boards, committees, and national institutions.”

He said that proper training is essential if union representatives are to play a meaningful role at decision-making levels.

“Representation at the board level influences policy direction, financial accountability, and strategic planning,” he said. “If trade union representatives are not properly trained, they cannot effectively safeguard workers’ interests or contribute meaningfully to national development. We must therefore equip young leaders with the competence and confidence required to sit at decision-making tables with credibility.”

The CTUSAB president also pointed to increased engagement within the union movement in recent years.

“Now we have seen greater participation. We are seeing greater participation and inclusion of these three services (police, fire and prison),” he said.

Phillips stressed the importance of strengthening alliances and financial sustainability.

“CTUSAB must continue to build strategic partnerships, locally, regionally, and internationally while strengthening its own financial footing.”

Interest from other social organisations signals growing confidence in the movement, he suggested.

“We are now looking at partnerships with other social organisations within Barbados, and they’re coming to us. And this is a good thing. That’s a good sign. And this is the direction that seed recognises.”

Phillips also revealed plans to expand the union’s outreach to young people through schools and targeted programmes.

“We’re looking at the world of work programme, what we did before, revamping that. We also will submit a proposal to government with regards to youth and what we are seeing happening among young people, a programme that we believe, based on our membership base, that we can make tremendous impact to the lives of young people and help to sway them from a life of negativity and crime.”