Bet Who Bet You
Strength in Solidarity
Bet Who Bet You is a call to action. It urges workers not only to stand up for themselves but to stand with the Barbados Workers’ Union by speaking up, speaking out, and reinforcing the very efforts made on their behalf.
When workers back the Union, they give power and credibility to our interventions, allowing us to push harder and go further. It is also a message to the public: support the businesses that support workers. Choose companies that value their staff and respect their rights, because doing so creates a better working culture across Barbados.
Recent victories exemplify this ethos:
KFC Barbados: Following protracted negotiations, BWU secured a 9% wage increase, formalised job descriptions, six days of paid uncertified leave, and a monthly meal allowance for KFC workers.
MAY DAY
In May, the Barbados Workers’ Union staged its flagship event, May Day 2025, at Pool Woods in St. John, in collaboration with the National We Gatherin' Initiative. This edition was nothing short of historic.
The shift in venue allowed us to connect with a new demographic, while our partnership with the National Cultural Foundation ensured widespread community participation. From the KidZone and Reading Corner to the fiercely contested Domino Competition, the day was a true celebration of culture, unity, and the worker’s spirit.
In our Workers’ Village, 18 vendors, ranging from BWU members to youth entrepreneurs, sold their goods, gained new clients, and accessed support through credit union advisors who shared resources on small business development.
One of the day’s standout moments was the Mixology Competition, which drew a vibrant crowd and ended with a surprise win by the Union’s own General Secretary. Equally impactful was the Man Aware Tent hosted by the HIV/AIDS Commission, which became one of the most visited spaces of the day.
The entire event was promoted and livestreamed by our Communications Department, extending the reach of our message and the energy of the day far beyond the venue.
We began the week with a Labour Thanksgiving Service at Christ Church Parish Church, grounding our work in spiritual solidarity and gratitude for the contributions of workers across the nation.
May Day 2025 wasn’t just a celebration, it was a bold statement of who we are, where we’re going, and what “Bet Who Bet You” truly means: choosing to stand with those who stand for you.
UWI SHOWCASE
The Barbados Workers’ Union participated in the UWI Career Showcase in an effort to engage students on the importance of knowing their rights and recognising the role of the Union as they prepare to enter the workforce.
HARISON COLLEGE JOB FAIR
We also participated in the Harrison College Job Fair. Here, we positioned the BWU as a future ally to students preparing for the world of work. Our booth was dynamic, visually branded, stocked with brochures, popcorn and cupcakes and manned by informed team members who offered relatable advice. Students were curious about their rights and excited to learn that the union was not a far-off organisation, but a community they could be part of once they began their careers.
Hindsbury School Speak Off Competition
We were honoured to sponsor the Hindsbury Primary School Speak Off, where 13 brave students stepped up, wrote their own speeches, and delivered them with heart and courage.
Public speaking is no easy feat, especially at that age, and each child showed just how bold and brilliant the future can be.
KARAOKE
In April, our Karaoke Competition was in full swing. Staged over multiple weekends and in a variety of locations, the event was not just about music, it was about community engagement. We captured the excitement, the laughter, the nerves before a big note, and the joy of camaraderie. The finals were packed, and the sponsors, Mount Gay Distilleries and COB Credit Union, helped make it an unforgettable celebration of worker talent.
Annual Delegates' Conference
Relive the ADC 2025
FOUNDERS' DAY- CELEBRATING 84 YEARS OF SERVICE
The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) proudly celebrated 84 years of service, advocacy, and solidarity with a two-day Founders’ Day observance held from Friday, October 3 to Saturday, October 4, 2025.
On Friday, the Union hit the road for its annual BWU Highway, this year making stops at several divisions within the retail sector. Under the theme “Bet Who Bet You?”, the activity served as an opportunity to engage directly with members, see first-hand the working conditions, and listen to any grievances or challenges being faced on the ground. It also allowed the Union’s leadership and representatives to reaffirm their commitment to protecting workers’ rights and promoting decent work across all sectors.
The celebrations continued on Saturday with a thanksgiving service at the Mile and A Quarter Seventh-day Adventist Church, where members, staff, and supporters gathered in worship. The message for the morning centerd on the vineyard and the labourers, reminding all that while many are called to serve, only those who remain faithful to the work are truly chosen. This reflection beautifully echoed the Union’s enduring mission, to labour with purpose, dignity, and compassion for all workers.
