Workers protested for better working conditions

This Monitor update covers developments relating to the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly in Barbados from April 2023 to June 2023.

Peaceful Assembly

During this period, there were several labour disputes based on low salaries, strained employee/employer communications, and unfit working conditions.

On 13th April 2023, mobile franchisers of BICO ice cream went on strike to protest plans by management to increase electricity fees. Vendors say prices will go from $16.40 per month to $35.95. They refused to sell ice cream until management revised their plans to raise fees. In May, the BICO management cancelled all the contracts, citing that vendors were in breach and gave them up to the end of the month to accept new contracts.

Anti-bullying March

On 3rd April 2023, many secondary school students marched in the capital, Bridgetown, against bullying in school. The Prime Minister of Barbados encouraged more children to take the message back to their schools and communities.

KFC Workers Walk-out

On the last day of June, workers at two KFC outlets walked off the job in protest against the unsanitary working conditions. The Ministry of Labour closed three fast-food restaurants until violations were addressed.