Both Sides of The Coin: The Story of The Central Bank of Barbados 1972-2017

159 salaries for 1975 were under consideration and in light of possible unionisation, the Board was divided on the issue of a contemplated 12½ per cent salary increase. Accordingly, a compromise position was reached whereby the 12½ per cent pay rise was only awarded to employees with salaries of $720 or less per month. During 1975, there was a more direct attempt by the staff to form a division of the Union. The effort was short-lived but the staff were determined to organise themselves and, as a result, the Staff Association came into existence the same year. This body, which had no legal status, put in place an interim committee headed by Winston Cox, then a senior economist in the Research Department, to run its affairs and negotiate with management. The interim committee reached an agreement with management on terms and conditions of employment and started negotiations on a new salary agreement. The Association was properly constituted and formally launched at a general meeting on September 11, 1976, when Thomas Roach was elected president. Elections Between 1978 (when Roach was promoted to Administrative Officer and gave up his membership in the Association) and 1981, there was a new president, vice president and treasurer every year, probably indicative of a team approach to the elections. The only position for which there was some continuity was that of secretary, with only two persons holding office; one of Former executive members of the Staff Association. Left to right: Cameron Layne (treasurer, 1977-78), Edsil Phillips (vice-president, 1978-79), Ian Collymore (president, 1980-81) and Linel Franklin (president, 1981-83). Chapter 5: Some Notable Developments