Workers in need

A trade unionist contends that to seriously address the problem of crime in this country, households must once again have access to disposable income.

That’s the view of President of the National Union of Public Workers, Akanni McDowell. Speaking at the opening of the 76th Annual Delegates Conference of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) at Solidarity House last Saturday, McDowell explained that such money is used by mothers to invest in child care, by fathers to get children with learning difficulties extra lessons and keeps children from “living the kind of hand to mouth existence”, which he contended makes them prime candidates for gang and block activity. He made the point as he also lamented that with the government camps closed; several mothers are forced to scramble to find safe places to leave their children.

He raised the issue of numerous burdens faced by workers across the country, as he noted that public servants have not received a salary increase in almost a decade. That fact, he alluded, that has been compounded by the recently increased National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL), which he indicated will certainly put additional pressure on already cash strapped parents as they seek to get their back to school shopping completed.

“So for all those who think our fight is over with regard to the NRSL and coping subsidy, it cannot be over. We have only just started. We have to keep fighting so that the workers of Barbados can have their dignity restored,” he said.

McDowell’s comments came as he maintained that the workers of this country are in fact the bedrock of the economy, and therefore, he is adamant that any plans to fix the economy cannot be successful if the main stakeholders, the workers, are not considered.

“Capital is a vitally important component of the economic equation, as is the government, but the spindle upon which the other components turn is workers. The men and women who everyday leave their homes in sun and rain, in sickness and health to offer their skills and time in order to ensure that both capital and the government can see the returns on investment. In fact some of these workers sacrifice their family life and home obligations to be able to give of their best in their jobs,” he added.

With that in mind, he spoke out against those employers, who he said demand that their workers choose between their jobs and their parental obligations. The trade unionist made the point as he explained that there are some workplaces in Barbados who have single mothers employed and in order for that mother to take her child to the doctor or to attend a form level meeting, she must take that day as unpaid. Lamenting that even within the public service there are sometimes challenges balancing parenting with employment, the NUPW president hinted at the need for these issues to be addressed as a matter of urgency. (JRT)

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