Uphold ethical labour practices, says BEC amid worker exploitation charges

​The Barbados Employers’ Confederation (BEC) has urged employers to uphold national labour laws following allegations of migrant worker exploitation.

​In a statement, the island’s primary employer representative body expressed deep concern over the reports but declined to address the specifics of the ongoing investigation.

But the BEC stressed that the country’s economic reputation hinges on the fair treatment of its entire workforce.

​Executive director Sheena Mayers-Granville said the protection of labour rights must extend to every individual operating within the jurisdiction, without exception.

​”Every worker deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness, regardless of their nationality or country of origin,” Mayers-Granville said. “As the voice of employers in Barbados, the BEC remains committed to working collaboratively with government, trade unions, civil society, and other stakeholders to strengthen labour standards, promote compliance and foster workplaces that are fair, safe, productive and respectful of human dignity.”

​The allegations have cast a spotlight on the vulnerabilities faced by foreign workers in the construction trade. In response, the BEC reiterated that Barbadian labour standards are designed to be blind to a worker’s origin, gender, or employment status.

The confederation noted that the nation has spent decades building a workplace culture grounded in mutual respect, equity, and strict adherence to both domestic legislation and international benchmarks.

​To prevent future lapses in workplace ethics, the BEC is urging businesses across both the public and private sectors to aggressively implement the 2025–2030 Barbados Decent Work Country Programme. Launched last year, the programme was built through a collaboration between the social partners and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

​According to the BEC, the five-year framework was specifically engineered to ensure that national economic expansion does not come at the cost of human rights or social justice. Labour advocates believe that full compliance with the programme will eliminate the regulatory gaps that sometimes leave migrant workers exposed to substandard conditions or unfair compensation.

​”We stand ready to support initiatives that reinforce Barbados’ global reputation as a country committed to ethical employment practices and decent work for all,” Mayers-Granville said.

​The BEC is also pushing for a proactive approach to corporate governance, urging business owners to audit their internal management practices before regulators intervene. 

The association offers extensive support systems, training, and resources designed to help companies align their operations with modern labour expectations and responsible employment standards, she said.

​The controversy serves as a test for the business community, which relies heavily on regional and international labour to fill specialised skill gaps. Industry analysts warned that unchecked exploitation could damage the island’s standing as a safe, compliant, and attractive destination for foreign direct investment.

​Reflecting on the collaborative effort needed to protect the island’s economic brand, Mayers-Granville emphasised that building a compliant corporate landscape is not a task that employers can achieve in isolation.

​“Fostering a culture of ethical leadership and continuous improvement requires a collaborative approach,” she said. “Collective efforts by employers, workers, and labour institutions are key to maintaining Barbados’ reputation as a fair, inclusive, and globally respected place to work and invest.”

(RR)