Unite, unions urged, as CTUSAB warns of weakened labour voice

A more unified labour movement is urgently needed to protect workers’ interests and strengthen Barbados’ response to mounting economic pressures, the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) said on Wednesday, warning that continued fragmentation risks undermining national development and wage negotiations.

As the labour umbrella held a press conference at CTUSAB headquarters at the Garrison, St Michael, president Ryan Phillips stressed that cohesion remains critical at a time of mounting economic and industrial challenges.

“If we are representing labour as one, it has to be one voice,” Phillips said. “You’ve heard us repeatedly issuing a call… to sit down because we believe at a time like now… there are some issues of national interest… that unions, despite whatever differences exist, should be able to have a conversation for the best interests of workers.”

He warned that fragmentation within the labour movement risks weakening its influence, particularly on key matters such as salary negotiations and broader economic policy.

“We ought to sit together to have one voice to ensure that no labourer, no worker, should be disadvantaged in any process, especially that of salary negotiations, and that is just one issue.”

CTUSAB acknowledged that several major unions remain outside its membership, a situation it said continues to undermine the goal of a unified national labour voice:

“CTUSAB laments the fact that the Barbados Workers Union, the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union and the Association of Principals of Public Primary Schools, which once enjoyed membership of the national trade union centre, are currently out of the fold of membership.”

At the same time, the congress signalled its willingness to rebuild that unity.

“The congress welcomes on board these and any other recognised trade unions and staff associations into its membership, provided that they meet the criteria for the same.”

Phillips argued that the principle of unity aligns with international labour standards and remains essential for small states navigating complex economic realities.

“The formation of an umbrella body… bringing together people in a unification, solidarity to speak with one voice… makes good sense,” he said, noting that such structures are recognised within the framework of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

“As a small country it makes good sense that we try to do the things that will help us to grow and develop in a way where all of us are speaking with one voice.”

He added that while differences among unions are inevitable, they should not result in division.

“Differences will come in any organisation… but it does not mean that there has to be division. It does not mean that we have to trample on anybody’s rights.”

CTUSAB maintained that a unified labour movement strengthens not only worker representation but also national governance, particularly through engagement in policy discussions.

“It is reasonable to conclude that workers do not only focus on promoting, protecting and preserving their rights and entitlements, but have a vested interest in national development matters.”With Labour Day approaching, CTUSAB said the call for unity reflects both historical lessons and current realities, as workers face evolving economic pressures and structural changes in the labour market.

 

(SZB)