Minister of Labour and Social Partnership Relations, the Honourable Colin Jordan, has described the current industrial relations climate in Barbados as tense, but emphasized that his Ministry is deeply engaged in programmes aimed at ensuring that Barbados can be viewed as a fair and just society.
Minister Jordan gave his assessment this morning in the House of Assembly during debate on the 2021-22 Estimate of Revenue and Expenditure, making it clear that it was Government’s intention to ensure that long forgotten categories of employees, including gas station attendants, are not further marginalised.
He noted that the current COVID-19 situation had contributed in large measure to a sense of fear among workers, largely because for many the future of their jobs remains questionable; while for many employers the fear was just as real, given the possibility of seeing their investments collapse before their eyes.
However, Jordan said there was light at the end of the tunnel since full awareness of the causes of the problem allows for the development and implementation of appropriate strategies.