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Minister of Labour, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo??
Minister of Labour, Dr. Esther Byer Suckoo, believes "now may well be the time" for the Social Partnership to critically examine itself and map out a path for improvement, where necessary.
She expressed this view over the weekend at the opening of the 69th Annual Delegates’ Conference of the Barbados Workers’ Union at Solidarity House. The theme of the meeting, which continues this Saturday, is "Partnership, the New Way".??
Dr. Byer Suckoo told the audience such introspection was a natural process for any dynamic institution. She added that as Chairman of the Sub-Committee of the Social Partnership, she would be happy to lead such a charge.
"Now is the opportune time, as work has begun on Protocol VI, to have it ready for next year," she said.
The Minister acknowledged that the Social Partnership, now 17 years old, had achieved much for Barbados at the national level. "Indeed, the rich social dialogue and sound decision-making enjoyed by the Partnership over the years has redounded to the benefit of Barbados.
"Through the Social Partnership, the infrastructure for social dialogue has become entrenched in Barbados’ economic and social landscape. This has created an enabling environment for discussing and addressing challenges facing the nation," she declared.
Dr. Byer Suckoo expressed the view that partnership must be based on transparency in enterprises, the sharing of information and the creation of opportunities for meaningful consultation between employers and employees. She stressed that strong partnerships formed the foundation for the successful implementation of labour policies.??saustin@barbados.gov.bb