Ministers: Protection of Wages Bill will shield workers from unpaid wages

Workers will receive stronger protection when employers fail to pay wages, ministers Sandra Husbands and Dr Romel Springer said as they backed the Protection of Wages Bill in the House of Assembly on Tuesday.

The legislation, first introduced on June 29, seeks to reform the law governing the protection of wages, strengthen the powers of the Chief Labour Officer to deal with claims for unpaid wages, repeal the existing Protection of Wages Act, and update provisions to reflect modern employment practices.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Transport and Works Dr Romel Springer said the bill continues Barbados’ long struggle to secure fair treatment for workers.

“Every generation… would have fought to ensure that workers’ rights were protected. What we are doing here is just a continuation of what other generations would have done before.”

He said the legislation modernises how wages are paid while ensuring workers have legal protection against employers who withhold or misuse their earnings.

“There are some unscrupulous employers out there… who will let a man work for a whole week… expecting the money… and tell you, ‘you may have to hold on until I get something.’ Those things are wrong. Those things are unfair. Those things are immoral.”

Springer said the bill makes clear that failing to pay workers is not only unethical but unlawful:

“We are saying that that is illegal. It’s not only wrong, immoral, but it’s also illegal. And persons who do that… will face the consequences.”

He noted that employers who unlawfully deduct wages, fail to remit money deducted from employees or breach other provisions of the legislation could face fines and imprisonment.

The minister also welcomed measures requiring employers to give workers notice before changing their method of payment and provisions preventing wages from being paid in locations such as bars or gambling establishments.

“This bill understands that there are certain groups within our community… that need to be protected. There must be justice. People cannot continue to unfair workers in this country.”

For Sandra Husbands, the technological and vocational training minister wages represent far more than a salary:

“A wage is more than a payment for work performed. A wage represents dignity. It represents security. It represents hope for the worker and their families.”

She described the bill as a major step in protecting workers from abuse, particularly when companies become insolvent.

“Throughout the history of this country, we’ve seen time and time again when there has been insolvency that workers are left holding the bag… This marks today the end of an era that will introduce for the people of Barbados… true protection.”

Husbands said protecting wages must also be accompanied by stronger businesses and a more productive workforce.

“We can legislate protection for workers, but if we do not create the conditions for growing enterprises, expanding productivity and increasing profitability, then there are going to be fewer wages to protect.”

She argued that workers and employers should see each other as partners rather than opponents:

“Workers must be protected from exploitation… but employers must be protected from unproductive practices.”

According to Husbands, improving productivity, encouraging continuous learning and strengthening workplace cooperation would ultimately lead to higher wages and greater opportunities for workers.

She also called for greater emphasis on financial literacy, saying earning more money alone was not enough.

“It does not matter how much you increase a wage. If people are not able to manage it to the best benefit of themselves or their families, then it is in vain.”

The minister urged government agencies, financial institutions, employers and labour unions to work together to teach workers how to manage their earnings, save, invest and build wealth.

“A protected wage that is wisely managed can become a pathway to home ownership, to owning your own business, to improving your education and to building intergenerational wealth.”

She said labour advocacy must continue evolving beyond negotiating wages alone:

“It is not only to seek a larger share of the existing profits, but it must also help create the conditions for greater profits to exist.”

Husbands said stronger labour protections, responsible employers and productive workers were all essential to Barbados’ future.

(LE)