Union wants nurses’ issues addressed
Article by February 13, 2021
Acting General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) Wayne Walrond has come out in staunch defense of public sector nurses subjected to discrepancies in the system which are preventing them from being appointed and keeping others sidelined, while imported nurses take up jobs here.
Speaking on
Starcom Network’s Down-to-Brass-Tacks radio programme, Walrond echoed sentiments expressed by his contemporary in the Unity Workers’ Union Senator Caswell Franklyn who is threatening industrial action over long-standing grievances.
The latest issues include inadequate COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and disputes over hazard pay proposals.
Nurses appear set to step up action
Article by February 10, 2021
The first phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive could very well begin without the help of polyclinic nurses who on Tuesday called in sick and may stay away from work in the coming days, with the senator who leads scores of them as a trade unionist and the nation’s largest public sector union at odds over the move.
General Secretary of the Unity Workers’ Union, Senator Caswell Franklyn, confirmed a sickout across polyclinics was “just the beginning” of action that would be escalated if authorities continue to delay providing hazard pay and protective equipment for the nurses.
January 19, 2021
It may serve the leadership of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) well to begin paying greater attention to Senator Caswell Franklyn’s Unity Workers’ Union (UWU).
From our position in the public square, it appears that there is growing confidence in the fledgling UWU, and more specifically its leader, who has shown great tenacity and dogged commitment to the ideals of protecting the ordinary worker against exploitation by this island’s employers.
We would never argue that there is no place for an expanded number of trade unions. There is nothing wrong with choice. But after seven decades of stellar contributions to workers’ rights and empowerment, it is sad to witness the BWU’s apparent diminishing standing.
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Article by Social Share
Opposition Senator Caswell Franklyn is accusing Government of not being fully transparent with the public regarding the state of things at Her Majesty’s Prisons Dodds, after officers there tested positive for the deadly COVID-19 virus.
Franklyn, who is also a consultant with the Prison Officers’ Association, siad yesterday that for days some officers had been complaining of being ill. He added a number of officers were fearful of returning to work, contending that it was for this reason the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) had been called out to assist.
He was speaking ahead of a national address last night by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Minister of Health Jeffrey Bostic, Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams and Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George. It was revealed that 45 people tested positive, 32 of whom were prison officers and four BDF soldiers.