NUPW head calls for unity
NEWLY re-elected president of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) Akanni McDowall has made a call for all members to unite.
This comes after a contentious election campaign in which there were cries of political interference, voter buying and other controversies. McDowall however retained his post of president, beating out his counterpart Roy Greenidge convincingly 1053 to 556.
In his victory speech to the modest crowd which stayed behind to hear the results on Wednesday night, he said: “ It is okay to disagree, but what we should never do is disrespect each other. Because this is the Union and the very definition of the word means togetherness.
“This election was shrouded in controversy from the beginning to the end. We have seen political interference in this Union in relation to this election, some of which we have never seen before.
“This Union is a political institution, but it is [an] apolitical institution for workers. We have members from various political parties, with various political affiliations. When we go forward tomorrow, we represent people from the BLP, members of the DLP ...and the undecided parties.”
The re-elected president told the audience that the workers in Barbados are struggling and are under attack. “They need representation and with this new team that we have here, we will represent workers in this country to the best of our ability, and that is our commitment coming from this executive. It comprises of people who would have sat on the executive before...those who sat before will teach those who didn’t.”
Highlighting his to-do list, McDowall said a salary increase for public servants will be top priority.
“Job number one, job number two and job number three is a salary increase for public servants.”
We also have to ensure that public servants are appointed and that is something we will work on immediately. We have our job cut out for us, but it is not beyond us. This executive will be ably supported by the Secretariat and senior members of the Union. And with all the support we have, we will make sure that we achieve our objectives.
“Let us come together, forget the divisiveness. We are all here to serve the worker, we will continue to do our best to make sure that the worker is comfortable in the workplace,” he assured.
As it relates to a member of Team Solidarity, Charles Bostic, now having to work with Team Unity after winning the third Vice President post, General Secretary Rosalind Smith said she does not see anything wrong with a candidate working with another team. She highlighted the fact that Bostic is experienced, having served previously on the executive under now retired President Walter Maloney.
“The membership voted and their vote is final. Whether they vote from A team and B team they have to work in unity as one. And I do not foresee any problems.” she said.
(JH)