Understanding the Role and Independence of Trade Unions in Barbados under the Trade Union Act

The public questioning of the independence of trade unions suggests that there is some concern about their functioning as it relates to how they conduct their business. It is left to conclude that questions are being raised about the actions and decision-making of the leadership, and the possibility that these are influenced by external sources.

Trade unions are registered under the national law. In the case of Barbados, trade unions are registered under the Trade Union Act. A trade union is defined as an independent organisation which represents the interests of its members at the workplace. Trade unions interface directly with the employer, but are not under the domination or control of the employer, group of employers or the employers’ association. Moreover, it is not liable to be interfered with by an employer or association.

Those who raise red flags about the independence of trade unions may wish to rethink their positions, should they accept that trade unions are not dictated to by the employer or the association of employers. Trade unions are autonomous bodies. This means that they are self-governing, and thus have the freedom and power to make their own decisions. Those who share and promulgate the misguided view that the independence of trade unions is in question may wish to explain the grounds for their claim and expression.

Trade unions, in engaging with the employer in the process of negotiation and collective bargaining, have a responsibility to their members to work towards achieving better working conditions, wages, salaries, and fair and equal treatment for their members. With the understanding that trade unions are also expected to give advice to their members who experience problems at work, and to represent their interests in discussions, dialogue and consultation with employers, it would certainly be counterproductive to their independence if they were to act differently.

Trade unions are known to negotiate agreements with employers on pay and conditions of work, discuss members’ concerns with employers, accompany members and represent them at disciplinary and grievance hearings and provide members with legal and financial advice. It would be a matter of sheer folly if trade unions were to behave irresponsibly and perpetrate actions that are contrary to the interests and welfare of their membership.

It is to be understood that there are those within our communities who, for reasons best known to themselves, such as having a partisan political interest, would attempt to sully the name of a trade union organisation by embarking on smear campaigns. It is unfortunate that some trade union leaders, by their actions and mouthings, would give credence to the promulgated view that trade unions are being politically partisan and influenced by external political forces. Where there is evidence of this, it is for the trade union membership to act and direct the leadership to halt, change its behaviour, or suffer the fate of removal from office.

The membership of trade unions must hold the feet of the leadership to maintain the independence of the organisation, and a commitment to executing the five principal functions of providing service, representation, and discharging a regulatory, governance and administrative function.