Union encourages increased role for women

The Herald, 5 July 2000

Kingstown - A two-day workshop organised by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Public Service Union (PSU) to encourage women to participate actively at the leadership level in the Trade Union Movement was held last week at the PSU Headquarters.

It was held under the theme "Leadership in the Trade Union Movement, the role of women."

Addresses were heard from President of the PSU - Lanceford Weekes and Former Vice President - Mrs. Shirley Byron Cox who gave a brief overview of women in Trade Unionism.

Mrs. Byron-Cox highlighted the importance of good work ethics, of the need for women to be a force for change and moving ahead with the global trends.

The feature address was delivered by Senior Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Labour - Ms. Celene Jack. Ms. Jack in her presentation outlined the history of the Caribbean Trade Union Movement, and the impact the Union had on women at the local regional level.

She also called for documentation of the role of regional women in Trade Unionism and for more avenues to be created for upward mobility.

Also addressing the workshop was President of the CTAWU, Ms. Alice Mandeville - who shared information about the Trade Union Movement, Women in the Trade Union Movement, Discrimination against women in the workplace, and the needs of the Trade Union.

Mr. Keith Joseph spoke on the issue of Collective Bargaining for Women.

Some 25 persons from Government Ministries and the business sector are attending the workshop.