PM gets AG’s way out of G4S-BWU row

Prime Minister Mia Mottley has in hand a legal opinion outlining options on how to treat to future relations with G4S Security Solutions’ in light of its bitter pay dispute with the Barbados Workers Union, sources have told Barbados TODAY.

The opinion, prepared by Attorney General Dale Marshall is to receive the full attention of Cabinet at its weekly meeting tomorrow before the PM resumes talks with the disputing parties.

The Toni-Moore led union has demanded that the London-based security firm improve working conditions, hiring and promotion practices and raise the pay of workers, most of whom have not received any increases since 2014.

A major sticking point has been the company’s refusal to deviate from the practice of hiring security stewards at a rate of $7.42 per hour to perform the same duties as security officers at $8.79 per hour.

Mottley who said the company admitted to its discriminatory structure, signalled that Government would have to review its own business with G4S  since it would not under any circumstances contribute to a situation where workers’ rights are being undermined or where there are discriminatory practices.

Earlier on Wednesday, Barbados TODAY pressed the BWU for its next move.

The union would only say that Prime Minister Mottley has asked for more time and it was looking forward to settling the matter on the workers’ behalf.

“The BWU has accepted Prime Minister, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley’s call for additional time and is looking forward to meeting with the parties tomorrow,” it said.

G4S issued a statement Wednesday evening signalling its “commitment to finding a positive resolution to the current industrial relations situation, that will benefit our conscientious, hard-working employees and strengthen our local operations”.

The company expressed its deep disappointment at the breakdown of talks with the BWU and then proceeded to clear the air on “accusations” levelled against it over last few weeks.

G4S said: “According to our understanding of the law, we are in compliance with the labour laws of Barbados. G4S is also compliant in making consistent and unbroken payments to the National Insurance Scheme. Contrary to what has been circulated in the media, G4S offers an employment package to local security officers and security stewards that is far superior to any other security company in Barbados.”

“While we appreciate that there is a need for continued dialogue about the employment packages for different categories of workers, we reject any claim that we have engaged in any illegal activity as it relates to such matters,” it said.

The company claimed that it has been involved in conversations about the creation of a standard minimum wage for the sector, that would allow “for more equitable and fair compensation and a level playing field for all the companies operating in the sector”.

G4S declared it was committed “to negotiating all outstanding collective agreements and reaching an outcome that is beneficial to G4S employees and customers and improves the overall economic standing of the country. We join with the labour movement and the Government of Barbados in putting the wellbeing of Barbadian workers at the centre of our dialogue and will continue to negotiate in a manner that safeguards jobs and operations in the country.” (SD)