Over the past few weeks the Government of Barbados through the Minister of Finance, the Hon Christopher Sinckler M.P. has indicated that a financial crisis exists in Barbados. He has further advised that some institutions, including the Transport Board, will be forced to re-examine its processes and determine a method of reducing its expenditure, including but not limited to, separation of some employees.
At a meeting held today, January 31, 2014 with the Barbados Workers Union (BWU), the joint BWU/Transport Board meeting commenced the consultation process therefore satisfying the requirements referred to in Protocol 6 and in the Employment Right Act 2013. At that meeting various cost reduction procedures were outlined but it was agreed that separation of some employees must occur.
It was therefore agreed that the management of the Transport Board will follow the steps as detailed below to determine who will be separated from the corporation:
- First, invite employees who are interested in voluntary redundancy to submit their names to the Human Resource Manager. It was clearly articulated that the submission of names does not guarantee acceptance by management;
- Second, after this initial process the management will consider persons who qualify for early retirement;
- Followed by persons who have medical challenges and poor attendance records; afterwards
- Employees whose performance has been less than satisfactory over the years.
At the end of this process another meeting will be convened on or before Friday February 7, 2014 with the BWU to continue and hopefully conclude discussions on the above named subject matter. In the event that the above does not realize the necessary reductions, the management will commence the accepted practice of Last In, First Out.
January 31, 2014
Marketing & Corporate Communications Department
Transport Board
Tel: (246) 310-3500
Fax: (246) 426-8469
E-mail: lynda.holder@transportboard.com
Website: www.transportboard.com
