Business
Barbados Workes Union, LIME reach agreement over layoffs
The Barbados Workers Union (BWU) has welcomed the agreement reached during the early hours of Saturday with the telecommunications company, Cable and Wireless (Barbados) Ltd (operating under the brand name, LIME), and averting a nationwide strike over the laying off of nearly 100 workers earlier this month.
BWU general secretary, Sir Roy Trotman, speaking to reporters at the end of a marathon round of talks under the guidance of Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, said that while he was pleased with the outcome there is still some work to do.
“So if you think it is a victory for the labor movement, I share that view. I certainly would believe that most workers share that view,” Sir Roy said.
Earlier this month, LIME, blamed “substantial losses” and said that it would be outsourcing its retail operations in a bid to improve its financial position.
LIME managing director Alex McDonald said while the company would be sending home 97 employees 48 new positions would be created.
The Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) has already denounced plans to stage the industrial action.
The BWU has been planning nationwide industrial action in a bid to get the company to reverse its decision and following the talks which began on Friday both Prime Minister Stuart and McDonald agreed that Sir Roy would inform the media on the outcome.
