BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CANA:
THE CARIBBEAN Congress of Labour (CCL) at the weekend expressed concern over labour-related developments in some Caribbean states, including Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago.
The CCL, through its General Secretary George DePeana, said it was particularly concerned about the incident involving Lyle Townsend, general secretary of the Communications Workers Union (CWU in Trinidad and Tobago.
Townsend was found guilty by Chief Magistrate Sherman McNicolls last week for demonstrating without permission outside the home of Public Utilities Minister Ganga Singh last year.
He was found guilty of participating in a public demonstration without the permission of the police commissioner, unlawfully beating drums and obstructing a police officer in the course of his duty.
Townsend, who paid a TT$2,650 fine to avoid going to prison, claimed that the magistrate's ruling was politically motivated.
The CCL said DePeana's concern was based on the fact that picketing by trade unionists and workers in pursuit, and furtherance of their industrial relations issues, was an exercise that has been in existence from the inception of trade unionism.
He said the bringing of charges against picketers can be construed as an attack against trade unions, and an attempt to intimidate unions and their leaders and members.
"This can lead to disastrous consequences for collective bargaining as well as promote discord in industrial relations instead of harmony and peace which are sorely needed," the CCL said in a release.
"The conviction of Lyle Townsend for the beating of drums runs counter to recent legislation to remove one of the old colonial and out-dated laws."
DePeana has written to the labour minister in Grenada, urging that every effort be made to reach an accord acceptable to all parties in the dispute concerning proposed amendments to the labour laws.
"CCL has also offered its assistance to help the parties find a solution to the dispute which exists," the release said.
A White Paper containing proposals to outlaw sympathy strikes and increase the powers of the labour minister is now the subject of debate among public and private sector groups.
Government is seeking to tighten the labour laws after a number of recent disputes involving mainly teachers and media workers. The disputes triggered a spate of sympathy strikes which officials said had a negative impact on the economy.
The trade unions have opposed the government's move, saying it was an attempt to muzzle them.
The CCL said The Bahamas was looking at new legislation to introduce additional measures for the Industrial Court which has been opposed by the labour movement.
"...Just as they had proposed protest action, agreement was reached by the parties to delay the introduction of the legislation and to hold discussion regarding labour movement's objections," the CCL said.
Taken from the Sunday Gleaner
