MTW and union meet to discuss PSV project

The Ministry of Transport and Works (MTW) recently engaged the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) in a meeting to clarify some undisclosed concerns coming out of the up-coming Private Service Vehicles (PSVs) Integration Project.

 

The notion of the integration of PSVs into the public transport system came as a result of the shortages in the bus fleet from November until now and the Ministry sought to put workers at ease through the union. 

 

“We decided to look at further integration of PSVs into the project, utilising the terminal at Fairchild Street…and what has happened is that we’ve decided out of a matter of common decency to consult with the BWU who represents the Transport Board to allay any fears that this project will touch on in terms of employment of its members,” stated Minister of Transport and Works, Michael Lashley.

 

Giving a brief statement on the outcome of the meeting, Lashley went on to say, “What happened today is that we’ve reached a settled framework in going forward and we agreed to inform the union of the date of implementation; and of course if there are any issues coming out of the process, we would try to settle them too; but suffice to say is that there is some commonality between the two bodies in going forward with the project.”

 

Moreover, giving an account of the meeting from the Union’s side of the table was General Secretary of the BWU, Toni Moore. Moore outlined that there were a number of issues raised which have been clarified and the Union is now in a position where it has a clearer understanding of what is intended and is satisfied that the Transport Board understands some of the practical issues that would have to be addressed if full and proper implementation is to be realised. 

 

She added, “We are satisfied that those issues will be fine-tuned over the coming days and we look forward to further word from the Transport Board as we anticipate implementation within a time-frame that makes sense to address the demand that we know is out there.”

 

While being supportive of the project, Moore hopes to see some improvement in the fleet soon so that the project can be a short-live one. 

 

“Even as we discuss changes towards implementations we also anticipate further discussion of improving in our fleet so that the time-frame for this special project will be as limited as possible and our operators and workers at all levels can be fully engaged-full day’s work for full day’s pay at all times is what we stand for.”

 

While further discussions have to be done before the date of implementation can be released, the Minister assures that the project is moving forward.