The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) is calling out the government for what it describes as a failure to honour outstanding work benefit commitments to the island’s protective services and nurses.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at the Barbados Union of Teachers’ headquarters in Welches, St Michael, CTUSAB President Ryan Phillips pleaded for immediate and decisive action to resolve long-standing issues affecting fire officers, prison officers, police officers, and nurses.
“The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados today issues a clarion call to the Government of Barbados to take decisive and immediate action to improve the working conditions and the overall well-being of the country’s dedicated protective services personnel and nurses,” Phillips said. “These workers . . . are essential pillars of Barbados’ social stability and security. Yet they continue to face significant challenges and inequities that compromise lives and their ability to serve effectively and with the dignity they deserve.”
At the top of CTUSAB’s list of demands is the introduction of a comprehensive medical health insurance plan tailored specifically to the unique occupational hazards these frontline workers face.
“We believe that the protective services and nurses . . . face daily exposure to heightened physical danger, mental stress, and health risks. A robust medical health insurance plan . . . is essential to ensure that these workers and their families can access timely and quality healthcare without undue financial burden.”
CTUSAB also renewed its call for fair and adequate allowances that reflect the hazardous, specialised, and high-stress nature of their duties—especially for prison officers who are owed outstanding payments.
Phillips also called for a comprehensive review of the retirement age for workers in these physically and emotionally demanding sectors, saying it must account for the toll these roles take on their health and well-being and be brought in line with best practices in other jurisdictions.
While acknowledging that some improvements have been made within The Barbados Police Service, CTUSAB expressed deep concern over the lack of progress for other members of the protective services and for nurses, arguing that selective treatment fosters division and undermines morale.
“The government must adopt an inclusive approach that recognises the collective contributions of all who protect and care for the nation, avoiding selective improvements that breed division and resentment.”
He also reminded the administration of several non-financial salary items submitted during the last round of salary negotiations that remain unresolved. The delay in addressing these proposals, he argued, reflects poorly on the government’s commitment to good-faith negotiation.
“The approach by government in its response to addressing these matters is seemingly an act of bad faith, which does not contribute to fostering a positive and productive work environment,” Phillips said.
CTUSAB emphasised that the challenges facing frontline personnel are chronic understaffing, burnout, outdated equipment, and a lack of support have real-world consequences for both workers and the wider public.
“Improving the conditions of service for the protective services personnel and nurses is not only a moral imperative, but also an economic and social necessity,” Phillips said. “Enhanced conditions of work improve morale, increase retention of skilled personnel, reduce absenteeism due to illness or injury, and ultimately, strengthen the quality and reliability of critical services that Barbadians depend on on a daily basis.” (SZB)
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