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Registry staff protest
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS OFFICER Caswell Franklyn (left) speaking to protesting workers outside the Barbados Supreme Court Complex. The worker at the centre of the incident, Trecia Collymore, is backing. (Picture by Heather-Lynn Evanson.)
Published on: 11/20/2009.
by HEATHER-LYNN EVANSON
REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT WORKERS walked off the job yesterday over the alleged manhandling and injuring of a staff member by a Government security guard.
The worker at the centre of the action, Trecia Collymore, is now on sick leave after attending the FMH emergency clinic on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident is alleged to have occurred after she walked through a security scanner. She suffered an injury to the hand.
The guard allegedly made a report to police that Collymore assaulted him. Collymore has also laid a complaint with police.
This incident, said angry staff members, was the latest in a long list of conflicts they have had with guards assigned to the new Barbados Supreme Court Complex.
"We are fed up with the interrogation from the guards," said one worker who vented her frustration before a representative of their bargaining agent the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) met with them.
"Yesterday [Wednesday] they wouldn't let me carry through my lunch. They insist on you putting even your bottled water through the scanner," another woman said, admitting she had been stopped and questioned about her lunch every day for the past two weeks.
Another worker said: "We have never experienced this type of scrutiny in the old building. If I am on Floor 2, I can't go to Level 3 because the [security] pass only allows us to work on that floor and we have to work on all these floors."
Workers reacted angrily after NUPW industrial relations officer Caswell Franklyn called on them to return to their stations and to cooperate with the guards.
"If I say I don't want my food scanned, what then? Because we have to go back in there with the same things that we come out for?" asked one worker, as others chimed in angrily.
"And I need a fork to eat my food with," said another.
Franklyn counselled them: "I don't want you to have the confrontations with the guards. Try as much as possible to cooperate with them. They are doing their jobs as they have been instructed. Your problem is not with the security guards."
When the WEEKEND NATION tried to contact Registrar Marva Clarke, it was told that neither she nor her secretary was in office and it would have to try again today.
This is the second time in about three weeks staff from the Registration Department and the Court Process Office have taken protest action.
32 comment found!
Education : 11/21/2009
Education is lacking very much in this situation. This 'high-tech security' is new to these people and I am not sure if anyone sat down with them to explain why the security personnel has to do what they are doing. There is a saying that "a little prevention is better than a pound of cure" and this is so true. I have worked for an organization that received so many bomb threats that we were glad to see security around. What I observed about them was that no matter how friendly they were with you, they would never give you a free pass. From the President to the Vice President and Executive Directors had to be scanned when ever they came in and whenever they left. No one was exempt. This for us was a life or death situation. So, don't belittle these security guards, they might be saving your lives. The world has changed and so must we.
Labour Relations : 11/21/2009
Is there not a grievance procedure that spells out the steps that should be taken to resolve a grience? contacting the union rep. and filing a complaint are the first steps, then allowing the grience to be proceesed. Walking of the job and then calling the union rep. is putting the horse before the cart. In this case, walking of the job is illegal. One should be mindful of the Sandy Lane Hotel case. The union rep. could have resolved this grience without the work stoppage. A work stoppage means productive time is lost and there is a cost to that. Should an employer pay an employee when there is an illegal work stoppage? I think not and there have cases where unions have been sued for lost of production. I suggest education, continuous improvement in contract language would go a long in improving Labour Relations in B;dos.This behaviour indicates the lack of maturity in labour relations in B'dos
: 11/20/2009
When will we wake up and cease being dumb and stupid. Take a look at 911. Take a further look at the murders at Ford Hood recently in which a soldier turned on his own colleagues. The point I am making is that you can't trust anybody further than the tip of your nose. Nobody but the guards would be held accountable if a staff member was able to gain access undected and then turned on other staff members. Why not wise up and stop belittling the guards. If there is nothing to hide,then why the objection to scanning. I hope there is never an occurence that will come back to haunt this contentious staff who see the guards as humbugs..
DUMB
Get Real People : 11/20/2009
What is the fuss all about. Most government offices and especially courts overseas have similar security systems set up. For heavens sake it is a court. A place where victims and predators meet, a place where witness and families meet. Does this not merit a high standard of security? Bajans need to get off their high horse; with every little dislike a union comes out, they walk off their jobs, time is wasted, people cannot get business done anywhere in Barbados without some form of complaint of servicers. It is absolutely sickening. I am sympathetic to the guards they are dealing with an ignorant public
TO EX PUBLIC SERVANT : 11/20/2009
But would not a reasonable assumption have also been that the same NUPW was privy to those chioces that were considered?
security : 11/20/2009
Fire them all that walk off.When they go through the security at the airport do they complain i am sure they do,but they have no choice.We live in a dangerous world ctop complaining and be thankfull they have jobs to go to.You have a beautifull court take care of it.
To Justice : 11/20/2009
May I remind you that there are canteen concessions all over the public service and in schools and employees patronise them. I have done so for many years and found the prices to be very competitive and sometimes cheaper than outside. Sometimes we make reasonable assumptions because we are not privy to the actual choices that were considered.
Staff Searcing : 11/20/2009
I think that Jay Tee the last comment is ignorant to the fact. I work at Boston City Hall and have to go through security every time I go outside and come back in on the premises lunch and all. The scanner tells the security guards that an object is no your person. He will pull you over and scan you up and down with a hand held machine. I don't like it but I have to comply with the rules of Boston City Hall or lose my job regardless of the Union, because that is the policy of City Hall. The Mayor had the employees going through a separate security and I loved it, then all of a sudden it was cancelled, and this is Boston, the eighth largest state in the USA. There about four of tham standing there. Since 9/11 things all over the world have chanced. We can't live in yesterday's world and say that nothing will ever happen to little old Barbados. This is the twenty first century and things are changing all over the world. The economy is changing. Every day people are getting laid off left and right. Companies are merging or gone under. When these things happen there is nothing that the Union can do. The governor is talking about laying off about 2000 people in the near future because of budget crisis. Please let us work together and help educate bajans about the change especially the bajans that live abroad and know the things that go on in the work force. Don't criticise for criticising sake. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas from Boston.
100 percent bajan in Boston.
Security : 11/20/2009
In this global world with so much going on in, security has become a thing of the day and anything can happen anywhere. It appears to me that some training is needed where the security guards are concerned as well as the employees. In every high-risk area that I have approached in the US and elsewhere, everything had to go through security and that included: food, watches, wallet, bags, belts, hats and in some case shoes. At one time coming here from Canada after a wedding, my 'black cake' was scanned. Like these employees, I hate the idea of having my food scanned. I believe an in-house cafeteria should be in place for the workers in that building. Those that have to bring lunch should expect to have it scanned. These days no one can be trusted. And as peaceful as Barbados is, there is always that unguarded moment. It's difficult to come under this kind of scrutiny, but these are the times we are living in and we have to get use to them.
Bajans need to grow up : 11/20/2009
Barbados is not some isloated island in space--it is an island experiencing crime and lawlessness like every other country in the world. We need to learn to follow rules and stop comparing the past with the present -- if in the old building there was security, well there is security now so learn to comply with rules. I just cannot understand why we bajans have some a hard time with change, it's sickening. Grow up and let the guards do their job. I bet, sorry I know that when you travel you have to comply with the laws outside of Barbados, so why give you own country this unecessary headache.
: 11/20/2009
Lets just walk off our jobs for every issue. No wonder work is never done at these offices. 246
Supremt Court Buildign = High Risk Target..it must be secured : 11/20/2009
Stupse. how can a guard know if it is water or liquid explosives, he must check...Do the idiot workers know what a Supreme COut building is..a high risk target for violent plots! People have gone into killing rampages in courrts and killed judgesd and shot everyone in site. Does this need to happen before they understadn that everyone in a high risk building must be scanned for water/or liquid explosives, knieves, guns and weapons..
: 11/20/2009
This report reads rather strangely. "The incident is alleged to have occurred after she walked through a security scanner. She suffered an injury to the hand" Yes right. "If I say I don't want my food scanned, what then? Because we have to go back in there with the same things that we come out for?" asked one worker, as others chimed in angrily.
"And I need a fork to eat my food with," said another. Some real reasoning went on here.
The security guards have a job to do and I do not see a problem with the guards questioning/scanning the workers.
What is so wrong with the Security Guards being vigilant in these changing times. They are only doing their jobs. Typical, see how quick these workers were to down tools. They will never learn after Sandy Lane and Royal Shop. Then they will expect the Union to come and represent them. There is something called change it may not have happened in the old building that doesn't mean that it shouldn't happen in the new. Workers co-operate that is the name of the game.
Observer
: 11/20/2009
Oh Frankie, you look so tired.!!!!
Not good. : 11/20/2009
This goes beyond roles. It is becoming more of a festering feud. Not good in a place that is supposed to provide peace of mind, healing and solutions. I have written about this in other blogs.
Retired.
Staff Protest : 11/20/2009
Bajans would find every opportunity to cry about things. We need to grow up. This is 2009, things are changing rapidly. Look how many disgruntled employees went to work and killed their employers and co-workers here in the US. We need to stay with the times, no one is above the law. When we travel or migrate to the big countries we follow suit, so stay with the program.
I remember some years ago, do not remember how many, but in NY a man was allowed in the building, he was with a worker he took his gun and shot many people, maybe New Yorkers would remember the story.
Anyhow people stop the complaining about things and know they are for your safety cause you do not even know who the devil got into this morning and tell that person they need to retaliate and get even. Satan is lose now more than ever and things are going to happen at a rapid succession, so just smile with the guards and wish them a nice day and you would see a difference, always try to be pleasant, I know that is something hard for alot of us to do especially government workers but the golden rule still stands, "treat others the way you want to be treated". Have a blessed day.
Who will guard the guards : 11/20/2009
Why do some people see security guards as humbugs ,uneducated and like the character Tubby ,simple? I am sure he did not make the rules . We must learn to follow rules .Are the persons working in that building above following simple instructions .Get over it already . The way the world is going we never know who among you may have a grouse with administration or the courts or some other issues .In this world we are living in today we can never be too careful . It amazes me you all comply with the rules when you travel .Now you see why the children has little manners ,does not care about authority and do as they please ? They learn from their parents and the other adults in society who should know better. If these staff members and members of the general public do not wish to be searched or to comply with rules do away with any guards .Leave everyone to do as they please and go where they want to go . We sell our island as a paradise but BARBADOS IS NOT HEAVEN . Who think that here is too small for a terrorist attack or for some person or persons to go on a shooting spree or what ever think again .One never knows what the "lowly" guard can avert. I guess if we change the name and call them Secret Service and the qualifications are from a degree up you will see. These men and women are peoples children too .
staff protest : 11/20/2009
staff protest, My guess is they are beginning to feel like prisoners. No one is going to feel very good working in a environment like this. they have to be a level of trust between employees and Employer. With this kind of treatment no employee is going to feel trust worthy. All employee should have a visible picture card at all times plus a separate entrance.With card access only.
GET WITH IT : 11/20/2009
YES WHEN YOU GO TO THEM THEY TREAT YOU LIKE DIRT NOW THE TABLE TURN THEY WANT THE SAME PEOPLE ON THEY SIDE.THEY LEAVE AND COME TO THE USA,AND THEY DO THE SAME THING THAT THEY DO NOT WANT TO DO IN BIM THE GUARD HAVE A GOD TO DO,AND YOU THAT CALL THEM FLASH LIGHT POLICE YOU DO NOT KNOW BETTER UNIONIS GOING TOKILL BARBADOS THE WORKERS DO WHAT THEY LIKE AND THEN CALL THE UNION
Registry staff protest : 11/20/2009
Too many Macho guards wanting to show and abuse the little power they have. They can be replaced, with swipe cards i work with a 400 associates we share one building with about 20 divisions. My card gives me access to local areas and my work area. Beyond that i can only enter another area by security changing my card or a authorized person escorting me into that area, and even then i have to sign a book.Scanning lunch, water, and Employees this is over the top here in Atlanta we have reasons to be concerned but this sound like overkill to me. Secured yes but working in a prison like environment absolutely no.is there a separate entrance for employees? or do they use the same entrance as the general public?
TO Jay Tee : 11/20/2009
Go ask the family of the late Mr. Phillips or the family of the security guard involved in the recent attempted robbery and shooting or the victims and their families of the recent crimes that have been perpetrated against Bajans in "this 'little' country of ours" and I am sure that they might have a different opinion of the situation. However, you are right about things getting worse for Barbados....the way I see it is that that will get worse for Barbados if we don't take our crime prevention and security measures seriously.
TO EX PUBLIC SERVANT : 11/20/2009
So they erect a canteen so that workers don't have to go out to buy food. But chances are someone will have to bid to get the job of operating a canteen in the complex. That bid will likely to be costly one. These costs will then have to be passed on to the workers in terms of higher prices. Now why would a worker pay more for his or her lunch inside the complex when it is cheaper to purchase it outside? Sometimes it is unfortunate when people assume that certain ideas were not considered when the complex was in its planning stages.
Registration dept protest : 11/20/2009
Things have changed around the world ,and the security staff have a job to do. people must cooperate with rules and regulations , when they travel there are more stringent rules to obey , and if they dont the cant get on that plane or ship. If they have nothing to hide what is the problem . Are thes people above the law ? Even the prime ministerr has rto go through security checks for everyone:s safety .
Here we go again : 11/20/2009
Here we go again with these nasty (flash light cops)that take their jobs too far. They are rude and ridiculous. I understand rules and I do understand that it is for the workers protection. But the way that it is carried out is the problem. They need training Period! Most of them really don't know how to speak to people and they just don't care. Times have changed so get with the program.
Right to take action : 11/20/2009
At least the Registration Department staff understand the need to fight for their rights. Lawyers on the other hand go to court each day to sit on cold hard slaps and stand in corridors waiting for an echoing call of their cases. People, even the old, have to sit on freezing tile and no one not even the lawyers they pay do offer the simplest protest!!!
Are these ppl crazy? : 11/20/2009
What do they think the security machines are there for? What would be their reaction if the guard did not scan their lunch and a disgruntled worker slipped a .45 in with their "lunch" and started shooting up the place? I think Barbadians on a whole need a reality check.
Registration Staff Protest : 11/20/2009
Today i want to ask this question when are my sister and brother in this country going to accept change and follow rule?
We leave home and go all over the world and we do what we are told but at home we want to break all the rules and then expect the young people who watch up to be different or complain about them when they do exactly what we do.
Had that been a non worker the story would have been different.
If every thing has to be scanned let it be scanned and get on with your day start giving thanks you have a job lots of people don't.
COME ON PEOPLE YOU CAN DO BETTER
A possible answer to the problem : 11/20/2009
This a very complex matter. The guards are given their instructions and are obligated to carry them out.The workers are not accustomed to these security checks and see them as an unnecessary invasion of their freedom of movement in and out of office. I believe that a possible solution in the long term would be to erect a canteen and common lunch room on the premises, this would stem the need to go out to buy lunch and return with it to the Office. It is unfortunate that thought had not been given to this matter at the planning stages when the complex was being built in view of the fact that security has been given such a high priority now.
: 11/20/2009
Bajans just don't like change. They will fight everything that changes. But they will go to work at the US embassy and comply with the rules. FOLLOW THE RULES OR MOVE ON.
searched : 11/20/2009
They are in my opinion having a problem
communicating.Some people don't feal they should be searched. I think you should be searched at the main door every time you go out and come in. If you are in the building you move around freely.
: 11/20/2009
I sympathise with this worker if she was assaultedand the guard also. But if the guards job discription is they have to scan everything/everyone then that is their job. This is childish behaviour by these workers because security is there for a reason. These said workers when they travel will willingly be finger printed and scan in USA no argument there. Basically these days no one can be trusted you have gun/knfe culture, terrorist people who could intimidate witnesses etc. We all live in a changing world and unfortunately Barbados is not immune from this after all Barbados as a society welcome progress however progress has come with postive and negative aspects.
Registry Staff Protest. : 11/20/2009
This 'little' country of ours is quickly becoming a well 'secured' Police state!! It is unfortunate that you give someone a job as a 'security officer' and they think they own the building!!
It is only going to get worse Barbados. I don't think that the 'harrassment' of Bajans by local government security is going to improve anytime soon. It's just a 'power trip' for these guards.
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