Hundreds turn out for protest

HUNDREDS OF WORKERS have responded to the trade unions’ call to turn out for todays’ protest action which started in Queen’s Park.

Led by National Union of Public Workers president, Akanni McDowall, Barbados Workers’ Union general secretary, Toni Moore and members of CTUSAB, workers are singing and chanting for unity as they make their way along the route.

The protesters include employees of the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation, National Assistance Board, Probation Department, Customs and Excise Division and Sanitation Service Authority.

Moore led the chants while McDowall and Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union head Mary Redman addressed the crowd.

Today’s action stems from the BIDC’s decision to send some of its workers on early retirement at the age of 60. The unions have argued that this move has implications for other public sector workers. (HLE/NB)