Too many workers without pay

Editor: Last week, the “Wake-up Call” morning programme, hosted by Candy Man and Provie on Xtreme FM, touched on several prevailing issues of a socio-economic nature. These issues have deep implications for our economy and business environment, but most importantly are pocketbook issues for many families – parents and children.{{more}}

One of the saddest cases that must be addressed is the non-payment of wages and salaries to workers. In the year 2016, it is really disheartening that persons are still fighting for the most basic considerations and fair treatment at their workplaces. What is even more alarming is that the situation festers on without due attention by the authorities charged to enforce our labour laws. This pattern of abuse and disregard for our hard workers, many of whom are already under-employed must stop.

KINGSTOWN STORES

There are many complaints that owners of stores in Kingstown, many managed and owned by domiciled foreign nationals, are among the chief culprits. The programme heard that one ‘Chinese’ store in Kingstown summoned workers to work on the day Tropical Storm Matthew was dumping heavy rains across the country, even after NEMO had advised persons to stay indoors. The owner of the store is also accused of deducting a day’s wage from his employees. One worker was fired after protesting this ‘illegal act,’ while others remain tight-lipped, fearing they may also lose their jobs.

It is not the first time that persons have called into radio stations complaining about the difficult conditions under which they work, for little salary. Our vulnerable young ladies who serve as store clerks are clearly being abused, but no one is standing up on their behalf. It is high time that these workers form themselves into a unionized body to demand higher wages, better benefits and improved working conditions.

BUCCAMENT BAY RESORT…STILL

Although the media spotlight has been on the Buccament Bay Resort for a long time, there is no end to workers’ complaints over the late payment of their salaries at that troubled development project. One worker at the resort walked into the studio to lament that he has not been paid for three months and many other workers have found themselves in the same quagmire. Further, even when they are actually paid, they do not receive the full monthly salary. For instance, the worker said he was paid in September only $500 of a monthly salary of $1,500. This payment was meant to be his end of July salary.

Others have complained that they often join long lines at banking institutions, only to hear that there is no money in their accounts or some paltry sum had been deposited. This tale becomes heartbreaking, as workers are still expected to provide ‘world class’ service at the resort. They are also expected to show up to work on time. Not considered by the management at the resort is that workers have food, transportation, utility and other associated living expenses, like all other human beings who sell their labour. The reader requires no descriptive treatise on the effects of not being paid and/or not paid on time. We live it and see it every day.

What will it take to solve this culture of abuse by employers? I do not have all the answers, but what I do know is that it is the ripe time to start putting heads together to defend the interests of our affected workers.

Adaiah Providence-Culzac

adaiah.culzac@gmail.com