At a recent meeting chaired by the Minister of Labour, Social Security and Human Resource Development, Senator the Dr. Esther Byer; representatives of the Board and Management of the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) met with the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW).

The BIDC is satisfied that it has done all it can do and that it has acted in full accordance with the Law (Statutory Boards (Pensions) Act, Cap 384 of the Laws of Barbados).

As such, since the legality of the Board’s action to retire ten workers is being questioned, the BIDC has decided to have the Court of Law rule on this matter. A filing in the Court will be made on Monday July 13th, 2015.

Chairman of the BIDC, Benson ‘Ricky’ Straker says it was proposed that in an effort to alleviate any concerns of a protracted Court action beyond September 30th 2015, the BIDC was willing to extend the pay period and all other benefits of the ten workers who were retired from September 30, 2015 to December 31st 2015. However, the BIDC’s proposal was adamantly rejected by the National Union of Public Workers.

The BIDC will further apply for a Certificate of Urgency to ensure that the request is addressed as soon as possible.

The BIDC will abide by the Court’s ruling on this matter.

In making a recommendation to the NUPW, it was proposed that in an effort to alleviate any concerns of a protracted Court action beyond September 30th 2015, the BIDC would extend the pay period and all other benefits of the ten workers who were retired from September 30, 2015 to December 31st 2015. However, the BIDC’s proposal was adamantly rejected by the NUPW.

While the matter is being resolved, we will continue to refocus our Corporation, and intensify our efforts to advance and diversify the Barbadian economy.