NUPW President Kimberley Agard has pledged strong advocacy on wages, job security and working conditions in the year ahead, as public servants face rising living costs and upcoming salary talks. In her New Year message, Agard reflected on gains made in 2025 while reaffirming the union’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights.
Below is the full New Year message:
Fellow workers, brothers and sisters of the NUPW, and the wider Public Service.
As we welcome the start of a new year, I extend warm greetings to you and your families. This season brings renewed hope, purpose, and a moment to reflect on our progress and the road ahead.
2025 brought forward challenges, but also created meaningful gains for public workers. Together, we upheld our mission to protect workers’ rights, strengthen the public service, and maintain fairness, respect, and accountability at the center of governance.
We would like to commend the government on recognising the importance of job security and stability to those members of the public service. The long-awaited regularisation of officers acting in various posts for over three years or more.
After an extended period of uncertainty, many officers finally received their deserved confirmation and recognition, and we would like to congratulate those officers.
We also continue to closely monitor national priorities affecting the public service, including the Job Evaluation Exercise, which is a critical facet to ensure fair and transparent compensation for the public service.
As departments transition into State-Owned Enterprises, the NUPW remains dedicated to safeguarding rights, working conditions, and job security.
Change must never disadvantage or come at the expense of workers, and we will continue to be steadfast, just, and present at every stage.
With 2026 arriving, we will also be preparing for upcoming salary negotiations, where the focus is not only on the monetary increases but also on improvements in terms and conditions for workers — with the rising cost of living and the economic pressure facing workers and their families.
Let it be clear! The NUPW will advocate firmly for fair compensation and conditions that reflect the value of public servants to national development.
Our work does not only focus on wages and conditions. We will also commit to strengthening industrial relations, empowering shop stewards, and ensuring workers’ voices are heard wherever decisions are made.
To our members, I would like to thank you for your resilience and trust.
To our stewards and executive branch — thank you for your tireless service and dedication. To the wider public service, rest assured that we remain committed to professionalism, progress, and people-centered development.
As we step into this new year, let us do so with confidence, unity, and purpose. Together, we will continue building a stronger union, a stronger public service, and a stronger Barbados.
On behalf of the Executive, National Council, and staff of the National Union of Public Workers, I wish you a safe, prosperous, and successful New Year.
Thank you, and may the year ahead be one of progress, positivity, and possibility.
The post NUPW reflects on gains, eyes stronger advocacy in 2026 appeared first on Barbados Today.
