Trade unions must target younger members

Trade unions in Barbados are being urged to reach out to young workers – the next generation of union members.

 

According to President of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations (CTUSAB), Cedric Murrell, the time has come for unions to develop marketing and promotional strategies to sell themselves to this target audience.

 

He was addressing the business session of the 11th Biennial Delegates Conference held at Savannah Beach Hotel, Hastings, Christ Church yesterday.

 

“The attractiveness and relevance of our individual member units to young workers must be a priority,” he stressed.

 

“The obvious change in the demographic of the Barbadian workforce transmits its signal to all Trade Unions and Staff Associations, that immediate action is required in order to maintain and sustain individual membership basis.”

 

Murrell said that for quite some time, less than 40 per cent of the Barbadian workforce has been unionised, noting that this is not healthy for the labour movement.

 

“Given the changing labour employment trends, this can prove to be even more problematic than it appears,” he indicated.

 

“The current demographic shows that Barbados has an ageing workforce and in consequence of this would be that Unions and Staff Associations would experience a less militant membership. As workers come closer to the age of retirement, it is quite likely that they will tend to become less active and interested in trade union activities.”

 

He also observed that given the implications of new employment and recruitment strategies – which are in themselves imposing threats to the promotion of collectivism – it is imperative that the mobilisation of workers remain a front-burner issue.

 

“There is now a need for heightened worker education and sensitisation on the importance of the collective bargaining unit.”

 

Murrell explained that the theme “Promoting Social Equity and Justice: Championing the Cause of Labour”, is intended to highlight the continued promotion of the decent work agenda.

 

“That agenda supports opportunities for work that is productive and gives a fair income;security in the workplace; and social protection for families. Better prospects for social development and social integration and promotes freedom for people to express their views unhindered. 

 

“By choosing this theme, the Congress boldly states that it aims to be a strategic partner in a quest to create a just society in Barbados,” he said. (TL)