A WAIT and see attitude.

This is the decision of some of the approximately 1 200 unionised workers of Barbados Shipping and Trading (BS&T) who gathered on Monday evening at the Barbados Workers' Union (BWU) headquarters, Solidarity House, to hear from their union regarding a possible buyout of the company.

Speaking to the DAILY NATION before and after a closed meeting between the workers and the union, those polled as they left, seemed resigned to the fact that changes would occur, and there might be job losses.

Henderson Carter, senior machine operator for 30 years with Robert's Manufacturing, an entity of the BS&T, spoke both before and after the meeting.

Before the meeting, he said he expected to "find out what's going on and to get more information from Sir Roy", adding that he was hoping for "some insights into the policies of both Trinidadian companies" especially regarding their pension plans.

After the meeting he was satisfied with the proceedings and said, "he [Sir Roy] offered no assurances" adding that there were no real surprises arising from the discussions.

"Most of what he [Sir Roy] said, I thought, it is a matter of common sense, and was what I expected.

"There will be change, I expect change, we have to look and see how it pans out."

Carter, who has no shares in the company, said he had faith in the union, and expected it "will bargain on behalf of the workers".

Similarly, Elaine St Hill, of Perrone Manufacturing, said she had to "wait and see".

She said what happened would depend of who bought out the company, but after the meeting with the union, she "feels comfortable, to a certain extent".

Informative

An employee of the company for more than two years, she said the meeting, with about 200 of her colleagues, "was informative" and she now "knows where the company stands and what the union intends to do".

Describing her fellow workers as being "attentive" during the meeting, she added: "Job security is not sure. I expect the [buyout] company has to make cutbacks, I just have to hope for the best and put my best foot forward."

A worker at one of the Supercentre locations, who did not give her name, commented: "I just hope I have a job." (AB-B)