BIDC staff worried about ‘toxic’ work culture

Workers at the Export Barbados/Barbados Industrial Development Corporation took to the outside of their Fontabelle Road office briefly on Friday, citing unfair labour practices and a toxic work environment.

Wayne Walrond, deputy general secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), engaged with the employers and called for urgent action from management to address the mounting issues.

“The situation here is very toxic and stressful,” Walrond stated. “We hope that management will take urgent remedial action.”

The NUPW has sent multiple letters to management outlining workers’ grievances, some of which date back two years. However, the lack of meaningful response has led to growing frustration among staff. Walrond cautioned that while industrial action is not currently on the table, it remains a possibility if concerns are not addressed promptly.

“We’re . . . hoping that this process will lead to a resolution,” Walrond remarked, though he acknowledged that further demonstrations might be necessary if the situation failed to improve.

He emphasised the critical importance of mental wellbeing in the workplace, noting that prolonged stress can have severe health consequences.

The union plans to dispatch another letter to management in the coming days, pressing for an urgent meeting to tackle the workers’ concerns head-on.

When approached for comment, Mark Hill, chief executive officer of Export Barbados, declined to discuss the matter, stating only that all issues would be addressed through the NUPW.

(LG)