Bank of Saint Lucia employees protest outside the Bridge Street branch

A number of employees of the Bank of Saint Lucia (BOSL) on Thursday downed their tools and protested outside the financial institution’s Bridge Street branch as they expressed dissatisfaction with the bank’s Senior Human Resource Manager.

In a petition letter sent to the bank’s board of directors, copied to the National Workers Union, the trade union organization representing the employees, the employees raised several issues with the HR manager, calling for her dismissal.

Some of the issues cited include repeated and blatant misrepresentation of information, leading to a complete lack of trust and integrity; blatant disrespect towards employees and continued victimization; and a lack of interpersonal and soft skills necessary for effective employee relations.

“These issues represent a clear and blatant departure from the organization’s values,” the June 20 message said.

The disgruntled employees believe that the current situation is not in accordance with the company’s Fraud Management Policy and Code of Personal and Professional Conduct, which reflect zero tolerance towards fraud, dishonesty, manipulation and deceit.

“As a result, we are unable to work under the supervision of the current Senior Human Resource Manager. We hereby declare our refusal to accept further directives from her and demand her immediate dismissal,” the petition states, noting that if management does not take action, Employees will be forced to take alternative measures.

A customer who went to the Bridge Street branch said this Loop news“It’s an inconvenience because I came here straight from home and then went to work and realized there was some disruption. Yes, I want to get my business done, but yes, the staff have their rights. So I would never really tell the staff not to stand up for their rights, but it is an inconvenience.”

On March 27, employees called in sick following the conclusion of a recent job evaluation exercise for non-managerial staff. Management’s attempts to address the concerns raised during the negotiations proved futile.

The Bank and the NWU started a job evaluation exercise in 2021 led by an independent consultancy firm. The results of the evaluation would be used to assess employee salaries and increases.

The exercise was completed and by the end of 2023, the Bank was required to submit a report detailing the grade structure, categories and ranking of jobs within the structure. The union would provide feedback on the submission and a consultation meeting would take place to agree the final decision.

The Bank, the Advisor and the NWU met to discuss the difference between two reports submitted, one on January 15 and the other on April 19, questioning the origin and authenticity of the January report as it was not the original report seemed to be. submitted by the consultant despite having the company logo and letterhead on it.

“At that point the consultant had confirmed that the January 15 report was not his work and therefore could not discuss it. It was very clear that a fraudulent document was submitted for feedback and implementation,” the petition alleged.

In light of this, employees believe that these actions cannot be accepted or tolerated, especially as the Senior Human Resource Manager is a member of the Fraud Management Committee and is therefore charged with an honorable responsibility to uphold and encourage good moral conduct .

“At this time, the NWU and the staff it represents are unwilling to host a meeting with the Chief Executive alone because we have lost confidence in his leadership. That is why we are willing to join an open forum with the entire board of directors. This in no way prejudices the request in the attached petition dated June 20, 2024 for immediate action to be taken in respect of the Senior Manager – Human Resources.”