Hundreds join unions in Walk for Relief

IF NUMBERS ARE anything to go by, this morning’s trade union march from Queen’s Park was a success.

Union leaders told NATION ONLINE they expected around 300 marchers to come out and show solidarity against recent taxes imposed by government.

However, police on the scene estimated the actual number to be well in excess of 500.

Armed with placards and chanting “we shall overcome”, the gathering made their way from Queen’s Park around noon and travelled to Independence Square.

Below from left: president of the National Union of Public Workers Akanni McDowall, president of the Barbados Secondary Teachers Union Mary Redman and her Barbados Union of Teachers counterpart Pedro Shepherd and general secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union Toni Moore taking part in the Walk for Relief. (Picture by Reco Moore.)

Heads of the Barbados Workers’ Union, National Union of Public Workers, Barbados Union of Teachers and Barbados Secondary Teachers Union then met with Leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley in her office in the Parliament Building.

Prime Minister Freundel Stuart reportedly declined to meet with the group, saying he would only entertain one representative.

This did not meet the unions’ approval.  After the union heads met with Mottley, Stuart apparently had a change of heart but by that time, the labour representatives were no longer interested.

Below: Union heads meeting with Opposition Leader Mia Mottley and other members of the Barbados Labour Party. (Picture by Reco Moore.)

They went on to address the shop stewards and supporters who were gathered in Independence Square.

A letter on behalf of the concerned union members was left with security at Parliament for Stuart’s attention. (AD/NB)