Donald deCastro. Photo: VINO

The call was made by Acting President of the Union, Donald deCastro during his radio programme Straight Talk on April 4, 2012.

Mr. deCastro said the Union is in the process of reorganising and is looking to get more persons to take up areas of responsibility.

“We need younger people to understand the importance of work ethics and about labour union and helping people. Personally I don’t need a Union but there are persons out there who need it so someone has to make the attempt to help them to help themselves...People have to understand that there is protection and safety in Unions. And we have to learn to unite to help each other...This is the time for employees in this Territory to get themselves together so that they can benefit and improve their condition,” Mr. deCastro said.

The acting President is also asking all members of the Union, which was formed in 2004, to make contact with him 494-4629 or visit him at 200 Water Front Drive in Road Town to discuss “important matters to move forward”.

The goals of the Virgin Islands Workers Union, Mr. deCastro said, are: “To improve the interest of its members in particular and generally to advance the economic and social well-being of workers of the Virgin Islands; To support legislation that will safeguard and promote the principles of free collective bargaining, the rights of workers and the security and welfare of our people; To protect and strengthen our democratic institution; To secure full recognition and enjoyment of the rights and liberties to which we are entitled; and to preserve and perpetrate cherished traditions of our democracy”.

Mr. deCastro also noted that Section A 25 of the Virgin Islands Labour Code states that workmen should be free to associate with one another or with a trade union to improve their lot without interference, restraint, or caution and that Section 9 of the Trade Union Act states that every person, who with their view, to compel any person to abstain from doing or to do any act which such other person has a legal right to do or abstain from doing wrongfully or without legal authority shall be guilty of an offence.

“So if anyone wants to join a union and another person is trying to discourage them, they are guilty of an offence,” deCastro said.