The Alexandra School imbroglio has revealed a clear split among Barbados’ two major trade unions.
Yesterday the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) threw its support behind the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union which is demanding that Alexandra’s principal Jeff Broomes be removed from the school.
BWU president Sir Roy Trotman said the union was prepared for its membership to hit the streets in protest alongside the BSTU.
“We are pledging our full support. We do not at this stage know what more the BSTU will do, but we expect they will at some point have to say to CTUSAB [the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados], the umbrella body, we want you to set up some arrangement, to give us support,” Sir Roy told the WEEKEND NATION.
He said the BWU was saddened to find that Barbados was yet again reducing an issue that related to fundamental human and trade union rights, into a popularity contest.
Earlier this week the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), which represents the bulk of public servants, as well as the Barbados Association of Principals of Public Secondary Schools (BAPPSS) had come out in support of Broomes.
The Barbados Union of Teachers, which has been silent on the issue, is expected to declare its hand next week.
Read the full story in today’s WEEKEND NATION.
