WALKOUT
by CAROL-ANN TUDOR
WORKERS AT THE Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) staged just over a two-hour work stoppage yesterday in solidarity with one of their colleagues.
In the blazing afternoon sun, more than 75 workers huddled in groups, some with umbrellas, others under the shade of trees, as they protested over a letter of transfer to security guard Winston Clement.
Clement, who has been working with the corporation for the past 21 years, received a letter last week informing him that he was being removed from The Pine, St Michael location.
According to a reliable source, it is believed that it stemmed from the guard’s action regarding a rule implemented by board chairman Leroy Parris that all those entering the building should register at the front desk.
However, on two occasions recently, Parris himself neglected to sign the register and was hence refused entry into the building by Clement.
Earlier in the day, the delegates of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) held a meeting with management in an attempt to get the guard reinstated at The Pine location, but it was refused.
“We are unhappy with the letter and at the timing it has occurred in relation to the subsequent transferral and hence we are on a work stoppage” the source said.
Around 3:35 p.m. CBC management called for another meeting with the delegates of the BWU division, and after that workers returned to the job.
Union shop steward Michelle Arthur said management indicated at the meeting that they would be “looking at” implementing a rotation system that was transparent, and they had agreed to continue to meet and have discussions in relations to other matters.
Meanwhile, Clement will remain at The Pine location.
When contacted at 5:50 p.m. assistant general secretary of the BWU, Clifford Mayers, said he knew nothing of the incident which had occurred. General secretary Sir Roy Trotman is currently overseas.
Efforts to reach chairman Parris for a comment also revealed he too was “out of the island”.
In a Press release to the DAILY NATION last night CBC general manager Lars Soderstrom said the matter had been resolved.
“We are happy that we’ve been able to resolve the matter without further industrial action.
“The CBC will continue to work with the Barbados Workers’ Union to ensure harmony and that proper industrial relations are observed at the corporation.”