CTUSAB urges family-friendly workplaces, better support for women

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) is urging the government and private employers to overhaul workplace policies to make them more family friendly and responsive to women’s health and mental well-being.

“Women are central to Barbados’ economic and social development, yet many continue to face workplace challenges associated with reproductive health conditions, pregnancy, motherhood, caregiving responsibility, and mental health,” CTUSAB President Ryan Phillips told reporters at its monthly press conference on Tuesday,

Highlighting common reproductive health conditions, Phillips pointed out that these issues directly affect a person’s quality of life and work performance. He stressed that recognising these challenges is essential for building a modern, supportive work environment.

“Conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS [polycystic ovary syndrome], heavy menstrual bleeding, and severe menstrual pain can significantly impact or affect a worker’s health and quality of life. This organisation believes that these should not be viewed simply as private health matters. They are workplace issues that require greater understanding, awareness, and appropriate support.”

A key idea proposed by the union leader is a clear national breastfeeding policy to ensure proper facilities and fair support for nursing mothers who are returning to work.

Phillips said: “This should include reasonable breaks, appropriate private and hygienic spaces for expressing breast milk, flexible arrangements where feasible, and greater workplace education on maternal health and family-friendly employment practices.”

Along with workplace changes, Phillips asked government day nurseries to review their policy on breast milk storage, and “to encourage and promote the breast milk delivery for children under the age of six months in particular.”

Moving to safety at work, the CTUSAB president argued that mental health must be treated with the same importance as physical health.

“Workplace pressures, chronic pain, caregiving responsibilities, and financial stress can all affect psychological well-being. Employers, therefore, should promote psychologically safe workplaces, reduce stigma, and provide appropriate support where possible.”

Turning to healthcare systems, Phillips called on financial regulators, leaders, and insurance providers to fix systematic rules that make it hard for women with long-term health conditions to get fair coverage.

“Health insurance policies should be fair, transparent, and informed by current medical evidence while promoting early diagnosis, preventative care, and effective treatment.”

“A modern workplace must support the whole person,” Phillips said. “If we are serious about building a modern and resilient Barbados, our workplaces must reflect compassion, dignity, equality, and respect. Healthy workers build healthy workplaces, and healthy workplaces build a stronger Barbados.”

(RR)