Workers face tough reality

WORKERS enter May Day 2020 facing some of the more serious challenges in these unprecedented times.

That assessment was offered by Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations, Colin Jordan, during his message to mark this day.

While acknowledging the contribution of workers to this island’s social and economic development, the Minister pointed out the COVID-19 made this year’s recognition of workers no less important.

He pointed out the reality that many faced, inclusive of losing their jobs or facing an uncertain future due to businesses still being closed. “The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the scaling down or temporary closure of many businesses across various industries and sectors, and to challenges for workers and families across Barbados. Government has taken measures to ensure that the impact on workers and their dependents is cushioned. Appropriate safety nets have been provided, whether through the National Insurance Department, social welfare agencies or civil society organizations.

Jordan insisted that opportunities existed in the downtime for workers to improve their skills. “In this “downtime”, technology will be utilized to provide opportunities for workers and laid-off employees to participate in training and retraining, preparing and equipping them to excel in a post-COVID-19 Barbados. Our country must emerge from this pandemic stronger and better equipped to successfully take on the world. During this period of curfew and shutdown there are many workers on the frontline who every day place themselves in harm’s way and go to their jobs with a determination to keep this country afloat”.

That message was echoed by Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) General Secretary Toni Moore, in her message to mark May Day 2020. “We might not be able to gather to celebrate in the way we usually do marching in the streets, but we have been reinvigorated to find other ways to demonstrate our strength and solidarity. The significance of this day and the recognition of your contribution to the growth and development of this country as its most important resource, its human capital, will never go unnoticed. This country and this economy churns because of you,” Senator Moore said.

The BWU Head maintained that a new approach, which takes into account the extraordinary events that face the island must be looked at. "The response to COVID-19 requires a revolutionary approach toward achieving a Barbados that works for all Bajans and we will continue our work to ensure sustainability that puts people at the centre – ‘Secure Employees, Sustainable Economies’ – the theme of this year’s May Day celebrations. On this day, in this season of uncertainty we must also give kudos to those organisations who have been working with the Union to ensure protection of jobs at this time. Those companies that have recognised the importance of their most valuable resource – their people. To all who have been outstanding in their commitment to preserve jobs, the BWU says thank you for your support as we navigate these uncharted times together," she added.