Berger Paints is set to settle all outstanding payments to its former workers by September 11, following a final resolution reached at the Labour Department.
Addressing the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) 84th Annual Delegates’ Conference at Solidarity House, General Secretary Toni Moore shared the update after what she described as a period of significant struggle.
“As recently as yesterday [Friday], we had what would hopefully be our final meeting at the Labour Department to finalise the payment of all outstanding monies owed to the former workers of Berger Paints,” Moore declared. “That should be settled in two weeks, by the 11th of September.”
The resolution follows months of oversight by the National Insurance and Social Security Service and the Labour Department, which audited earnings schedules and payroll systems. The final payout will address issues unresolved for over three years, including backdated wage adjustments and incentive compensation.
“Final payments will include retroactive wage settlement and incentive pay that had been the subject of dispute for some three years,” Moore noted.
Reflecting on the emotional toll on the affected staff, she commended their unwavering resolve throughout the 17-week process: “It was a moment of pain and pride, pain that workers would not be settled for over 17 weeks but pride because the workers stood firm and were relentless as they trusted the Barbados Workers Union not only to fight for them but to win the best outcome.”
Beyond the dispute, Moore reaffirmed the union’s commitment to balanced economic growth and technological advancement, provided workers remain central to development.
“We are not fighting technology… We want Barbados to be able to compete, and we want businesses in Barbados to succeed,” she stated. “Progress must have people in it. Progress must put people first.”
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