By Tahna Weston
Human resource professionals are being urged to exercise their duties more equitably when it comes to disputes on the job between workers and management.
The call has been made by President of the Antigua and Barbuda Free Trade Union (ABFTU), Samuel James, who said that on many occasions workers do not receive fair treatment in matters involving management.
He said that based on industrial relation matters he has dealt with, the Human Resource (HR) managers often sides with the head of the company, but added that the primary goal of HR managers is to be the human resource professional, not for the employees only, but also for management.
The ABFTU president is of the view that there are far too many HR managers who have allowed themselves to be reduced to the position of glorified messengers.
James said that HR professionals are not hired to carry out the instructions only on behalf of the management, but to ensure that in the execution of their duties decisions that are made are legal in keeping with Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code.
“Too many human resources managers are prepared willingly, regrettably, to effect very unfair decisions, very unfair terminations because they are also afraid to tell their bosses that no, what you want me to do is wrong; it is unlawful, it is unjust, it is unconscionable.
“And so what we find going on in this country … not all, but far too many are prepared to protect their job and their family’s well-being to the detriment of their subordinates’ and their families’ well-being,” he said, adding that many decisions made by HR managers often impact workers who are most vulnerable, especially those already struggling to support their families.
“Your job is to uphold the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Code, to ensure that what you are doing is not unfair, unreasonable and unconscionable.
“As a people, it is time we start looking out for each other and it is time we start standing up to do what is right and just and lawful, even if it means you will be fired,” he urged.
