General Secretary of the Water Front and Allied Workers Union (WAWU), Kertiste Augustus, has taken issue with statements made by the head of the Dominica Employers Federation (DEF) concerning the non-existence of industrial action in Dominica.
Executive Director of the DEF, Achille Joseph, had opined that the organization has dropped ranks on the priority list of various employers due, partly, to the country’s economic environment, but also to the low rate of industrial action.
He also stated that people are less interested in unionization and said this is having an effect on the membership of the DEF.
Augustus said he was shocked by the statement.
“I was indeed amazed and shocked,” Augustus said after he had read an article on the matter on Dominica News Online. “I find this statement to be demeaning and an affront to us practitioners in the labour relations field … all our education and training overseas and locally and our exposure was geared towards reducing the incidence of industrial action in Dominica. Therefore how can someone suggest the reverse to sustain one’s membership? How could someone encourage industrial action as a strategy to maintain or to increase membership of the DEF?”
He said the statement is “retrogressive to say the least,” noting that low industrial action is actually good for Dominica.
“From my stand point, a smooth industrial relations climate is in fact a catalyst for any investment in any country and an attraction for investors, something which we need in Dominica,” he pointed out. “We should be happy that the training we the officers of the unions receive, and the exposure that we provide to our members has resulted in a more mature and well-rounded Dominica which allows us the possibility to explore other avenues before any industrial action is contemplated.”
Augustus also disagreed with the view that “people are becoming less interested in unionisation.”
He noted that the DEF should research why it members “are not utilizing their services ….sometimes even after we in the trade union movement have suggested such approach to the employers.”
The General Secretary of the WAWU notes that Dominica’s advancement in industrial relations should not be viewed in the negative but rather positively.
“So to have made the statement this lack of action from the workers and trade unions is hampering the DEF should in fact be withdrawn, because it doesn’t really and truly represent what is the situation as far as we are concerned in industrial relations in Dominica,” Augustus said.
Unless I’m misunderstood, the reason for a union is to help protect the workers rights in the workplace. This is the main purpose of workers unionizing. It should be any union’s objective to settle disputes or negotiations amicably unless if otherwise possible. It is in the best interest of the employees that meetings with unions and company’s management go over smoothly, hence developing a respectful relationship. It is also in the best interest of the employees not to have a union who is quick to industrial action because that would reduce the productivity of the company, which in turn would reflect poorly on the incomes of the workers. Unions that have been too quick to work shut downs have caused closure of companies and laying off of workers. I don’t think that’s what we want for Dominica’s economy anytime soon. While a union should not be afraid to go to that measure, industrial action should always be an absolute last result to conflict management.
I wonder if he is the same Curtis Augustus I used to know in my youth. The used to call him Palas. Leh me know.
catalyst to investors?
attraction for investors?
where does de union fit into this?
Curtis show me your union’s role in this for the past 15 years?
Both of you guys are wrong. Politics is what is at work there. Both of you support the same party
The first one realized that after silencing the workers he was becoming irrelevant. The second is
yet to realize that he is kicking in his goal. Unions on the Island has become very weak simply because
of political interference.
The biggest trick the Devil ever played on man is to pretend that he does not exist.
The truth is in the end even if you are loyal to the Devil, he will still have your soul.
So to these two guys ,,, stop fooling yourself. and stop trying to fool us.
What a shock-a union leader talking
Well said Mr. Augustus.
The man is very well right people paying union for not doing anything over the many years of this false labour party made up of freedomites thanks,,
I agree with Mr. Joseph 100%. Since the disappearance of Savarin and Sarbocas, all the union leaders have become weak. In my opinion, the union leaders of today have gotten very close to the DLP Government, therefore, they have difficulties in upsetting their new political friends. For instance, Kertiste has been put on many Government Boards. Their is a particular port worker who has been crying on a weekly basis for money owed to the workers for years, Kertiste has been moomoou. Jemmot has publicly shown his allegiance to the Government. Many public workers are afraid to come out on strikes or protest in support of the PWD workers, their jobs come first. I believe Kertiste should reconsider his statement to DNO, because port workers and Dominicans know better.
“all our education and training overseas and locally and our exposure was geared towards reducing the incidence of industrial action in Dominica.”(Augustus).
Maybe I do not understand thoroughly your concept, nor your rhetoric, or perhaps my comprehension of the English language differs from yours. What is the purpose of a Union, workers union that is if they are committed to avoid industrialization confrontation, and actions. I do not wish to appear as if I am supporting that man Joseph in any way shape or form. Nevertheless, be it government, or some private employers, the only language they understand is industrial actions.
Such actions, as walking off the job, and protesting carrying placards, blocking the entrance to the work place is the most powerful tool the union has to fight for justice for the worker, the alternative is usually an all out strike, the method of sick-out is another action which can be taken: no wonder you are just a union in name, and very…
I agree absolutely with your response Kertiste.
This is funny.
The employers federation playing the role of union agitator, and the union playing the role of happy employer.
Of course the unions are just as compromised with union bosses sitting on Govt statutory Boards. WHat do you expect ?
This government understand the population better than any other in the history of this country. Its like the gardener who complains and moans bitterly about his low wage and the way the madam in the big house treats him, but as soon as she gives him two shots of rum and a jackaree he cutting that grass for next to nothing.
De country nice.
And the employers federation recently playing the role of DSS Director too. The federation haven’t got work man.