Labour pains
Looking at the economic market – unless you are otherwise inclined to believe in Santa Claus or other fairy tales – Barbadians are facing a tough end to 2020.
The labour market is facing its toughest test in years as workers have thankfully rediscovered their collective voices, even in the absence of sustained support from their unions in this country, and have started their raised voices for fairness, equity and what they are owed by businesses.
It is so amazing to watch, that as I have pointed out before, while leaders have been crowing about macro-economic successes, the conditions at the ordinary levels are nothing to be proud about.
Unemployment levels are uncomfortably high. Personal finances have taken a hit during COVID-19, with people losing their jobs during the lockdown and those wage losses have made it hard for workers to recover their footing during these times, and face a Christmas season. While Barbadians have traditionally adhered to making sure that their tables are well stocked – they have to face the prospect of not having large gatherings, with the virus still a major factor.
We have heard business owners start with the same refrain – ‘not enough people spending’. This is the same line used every day and they must understand the realities which thousands face. Those with jobs are facing the complex reality of increased cost of living expenses with wages largely stagnant. We have heard supermarket bosses opining the decline in business, but what do they expect?
Business owners are using the pandemic as their excuse to argue against increases in salaries for workers. The refrain continues to be ‘given the prevailing conditions which impact the country…’ – you get the picture.
I always smile, because that argument was being advanced long before the pandemic hit. So what options do workers have?
Some have adopted the philosophy of taking wildcat strike action. They feel left with no option as their unions have seemingly failed to advance their concerns and achieve the objective of having their problems addressed.
What we witnessed recently with the increasing number of strikes is the seeming despondent attitude within the labour market. People are not optimistic and some are concerned about their long-term viability within these companies or businesses.
The labour market is facing a significant issue of turmoil which is underpinned by a perception that unions are unable to progress on issues. The Executive or Government is facing a significant challenge to find a way to encourage the concerns of workers and yet show that it has the political will to address their matters.
Therefore the conundrum develops. This Government has been nurturing a relationship with both the private sector and unions, but in depressed economic times, where will Government’s support end up?
Therefore, the actions of Government, through words, actions and changes to legislation, which govern the labour market must be examined and scrutinised. Changes to legislation guiding
the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and unemployment must be looked at.
Those without jobs need support, especially when hiring has been at a seriously slow level. That means that with thousands unemployed, the NIS has to be used to provide assistance, since the joblessness of individuals impacts entire households.
The issue of NIS benefits, which are being used to pay people who have been laid off by some companies, needs to be examined. That means that the NIS officials need to speak forcefully to the challenges which this prolonged process will have on the relevant funds and how long these funds can support the increased demands on them.
The interwoven nature of the business relationships to the economy means that Government must force the issue through whatever means it has at its disposal.
Tourism, even though it is mostly private sector owned, impacts the economy. When COVID-19 hit and lockdowns and curfews were put in place, the hotels and guest houses were forced to close and workers were laid off.
With no passenger flights coming into the island, the tourism sector was shut down and the revenue from the sector declined precipitously for months. The sub-sectors were also impacted
including taxis and tour operators, so those who provided services were also distressed as a result.
So when tourism players faced economic challenges, some chose to close their doors until things improved. Impacted workers expected to receive their monies and when this process was not straightforward, strikes took place.
Confusion over the process meant that some felt undermined and cheated. That is why when legislation is insufficient, then we should hear what the challenges are and what can be done to make it better. That is the role of the media and what a functioning democracy looks like.
Going forward, the major challenges remain for the labour unions. What will they accept on behalf of workers? Should workers, if actions are not successful, ask for the unions – which were so quick to seek to strike or have national marches of disgust – consider leading a similar effort against either these private sector businesses or Government?
That is what makes the G4S case so interesting. I am all for a regularisation of the position of security guards, but has the next question been asked? The expansion of security guard posts, and even those in dispute regarding equal pay for equal work, was based on enough work being available. If that work declines, which group will retain work, for instance, will the post of security guard being placed above the other group, when or if determinations are made with regard to consolidations, if required, based on condition of economy and at the company?
That is why I looked past the ‘crowing’ and ‘back- patting’ of last Thursday night to the real long-term implications of workers, who now that they have their increases and promised legislation regarding minimum wages, are dependent on a private sector which can point to the state of the economy and their bottom line.
The question is if these unions, so energetic in recent years, remain motivated to regain this ‘fire in their bellies’ again. Will it be supported in the various sectors?
We are all watching...