The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) wants Government to resume meeting the Social Partnership as a matter of priority, and to address the possibility of the country further extending its loans programme under the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In a press release issued by general secretary Dennis De Peiza, on post-General Elections expectations, he said it was important that Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her Barbados Labour Party administration, engaged the Social Partnership and other stakeholders to achieve a society which can enjoy a greater degree of inclusiveness.
Further, De Peiza noted CTUSAB wanted the Government to pay attention to the structure and form of the Social Partnership, as was established under successive protocols.
“It is the expectation of the Congress that Government will immediately get down to business of addressing the burning issues that include the restoration of the economy, employment creation, development of a new prices and incomes policy, and to commence and conclude the process of constitutional reform.”
De Peiza said taking into consideration the recommendations coming out of Article IV Consultation of the IMF Country Report for Barbados, dated November 29, 2021, the sum total was that Barbados should resume a fiscal adjustment programme.
“It is critical that Government commences discussions and consultations with the Social Partnership. Obviously, [with] intentions to implement the recommendations. CTUSAB contends that it is important to address the implications which a new or extended IMF loan will have for the country,” he said.
The general secretary added that in the absence of an elected Opposition, the Congress was highly aware of the implications for the functioning of the Parliament of Barbados.
“The Congress therefore calls for greater consultation with individual stakeholders and at the level of the Social Partnership. It is proposed that this could be best achieved through the process of tripartite consultation,” he said.
De Peiza also offered congratulations to Mottley on “the unprecedented victory” in the January 19 general elections.
The Congress also commended the effort of the Democratic Labour Party, the Alliance Party for Progress, Solutions Barbados, as well as the independent candidates who contested seats.
(PR/RA)