By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Monday 7th November 2022)- President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union (SKNT&LU) Sydney Bridgewater is urging workers not to wait until they have an issue to see the importance of joining the longstanding organization which sees about welfare and interest of all workers.
He made the appeal during his address delivered at the recently held union’s 83rd annual conference held on Sunday 30th November 2022 at the SWMC Conference Room held under the theme: ‘The Time To Rebuild Is Now!’ “On this occasion, I encourage workers to join our union or any other of your choice. Do not always wait until you need a problem-solving outreach,” he advised.
Bridgewater also pointed out that: “Our Union remains quite relevant and often times it is the affected workers who can testify. This organization, however, needs workers to actively strengthen the vibrancy and publicity of what being part of a Union means to you.
As this year’s conference theme rightly says The Time To Rebuild Is Now!” The SKNT&LU President shared the union continues to observe the working environment therefore calls on all workers, competent authority and social partners to ensure that the welfare of workers is prioritised at all times. “Of note, of Masses House office remains busy.
The workplace challenges experienced gave workers various reasons to visit and at present, workers continue to find out comforting office space for numerous reasons,” he added. Additionally, Bridgewater stated that the union is quite aware that many workers faced many challenges during the pandemic.“When there was the ‘job for jab’ debate, our union was a listening ear for workers, listening and learning, reviewing our labour laws, seeking guidance from legal counsel.
Unfortunately, loop holes have been found in our labour laws which gave employers avenues to have mandates carried out in their favour thus workers were disadvantaged in many instances.” He continued: “Many of us can agree that through the challenges brought on by the pandemic, we have discovered many lessons. On a personal level, on a professional level and on a national level or otherwise, we can all speak with each other in sharing testimonies about the teachings.” Bridgewater observed the need for the Labour Code document for St.
Kitts and Nevis to be passed in parliament saying: “One thing is for certain is that there is need for the Labour Code Document to be passed in parliament. Workers in the country for years have been lamenting that the existing labour laws are antiquated.
The Union throughout the years have been a longstanding member of the National Tripartite Committeechaired by the Labour Commissioner.” “It is important to note that this committee has been pursuing the completion of the Labour Code for St. KittsNevis.
The present status of this pending – and very important document – is that the second draft appears to be stuck. Hence, our Union therefore implore the Minister of Labour to use your good office to get reconvene the National Tripartite Committee and complete the Labour Code for passage through parliament and into law,” he added.
Front Page Image: President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union Sydney Bridgewater (right) seen in conversation with the union member Nakita Ritchen following the opening session of the union’s 83rd annual conference held on Sunday 30th October 2022 at the SWMC Conference Room (Spokesman Snap)
