Members of the Barbados CARIFTA team waiting around the Grantley Adams International Airport yesterday afternoon after their flight to Grenada was impacted by protest action. The team was able to leave later yesterday afternoon for Grenada.
STRIKE OVER
“Increments will be honoured as the Union had requested and as was agreed with the parties previously. We have made some concession as we indicated too that we understood would be necessary some time ago,” she explained.
She said the details of the final agreement as it relates to timing of disbursements would have to be worked out and formalised in correspondence, which she expects to receive after the Easter weekend following discussions with Minister of Finance, Christopher Sinckler.
Furthermore, the workers of the BWA are assured that there would be no recriminations nor victimisation and stated that all workers should resume work immediately as their schedules would demand.
The general secretary also used the opportunity to thank the Barbados Port Inc and other divisions who joined with the Union in solidarity with the BWA. “Particularly because they are convinced that injury to one is injury to all.” Moore also thanked the Minister of Labour and Minister of Agriculture for their efforts.
Minster of Labour Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo, while addressing the media after the meeting, said she always knew an agreement could be reached but that it would be difficult. As such the Minister worked with the Minister of Agriculture and the BWA and was able to put a proposal on the table which formed the basis of the negotiation.
She maintained that the main issue was the break down in communication and the disresepct interpreted by the BWU. The consensus was a victory for trade unionism and illustrates the need to keep dialogue open.
The BWU will be meeting with BWA staff on Tuesday morning at their headquarters in the Pine where specifics on the agreement would be shared. (JH)