BGWU History

Sometimes when social history is recorded it is often distorted to suit not its historical truth but present day circumstances.

However, there is no need for this fear when accounting for the, Bank and General Workers Union (BGWU). The truth is, as an organization it has remained true to its founding principles. Uppermost in the minds of its founders were principles that still live today in the hearts of all its members.

The seventies were in fact a period of change, a period of revolt against the old order, a period when the entire society questioned itself. A mood of militancy pervaded the working class and bank workers were not to be left out. The 1970s (even in the 1960s the militancy of the youth and workers as manifested in the Young Power Movement and the Bus Strikes of 1969) were exciting times to say the least. The University of the West Indies Campus was alive with debate, discussions and ideas. The political party the United Labour Front was formed and created powerful stirrings in the society. The social crisis, the demand for change of the old status quo, the international issues, all had their influences. It was in this period that the BANK AND GENERAL WORKERS UNION was born, April 17th,1974.

The Former BGWU represented workers in over 60 companies including all the workers (the professionals included) at the prestigious financial institution the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. We are the recognized Union for workers in the Banking, Insurance, Media and Credit Unions. We are the consultants to the professional staff at the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI)and the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) and provide consultancy service to many other organizations.

It was truly the experience of success, an indigenous organization that has now become an institution, and a household name. But the need for BGWU was there and the Union fulfilled the historical mission.

It is evident that the concept of having things fully thought out, properly organized, well debated in advance, democratically decided as well as a high tolerance for divergent views, positively contributed to the Union building upon its foundation of struggle, steadfastness and courage.

Today the Union has redefined its philosophy while maintaining its traditions in order to empower the workers in their workplace. The new philosophy was developed in response to such challenges as increasing foreign competition, the complexities of a global economy, increasingly advanced technologies, and a better educated, more sophisticated workforce. This new approach to trade unionism includes greater responsiveness to workers needs for involvement, responsibility and meaningful work in their workplace.

BEU History

The Bank Employees Union started as a staff association in 1974 out of a consultative committee which was adopted with partners from other banks in the Barclays group.

The association was registered on May 2nd 1974 under the Trinidad and Tobago Trade Union Ordinance as "Staff Association of Barclays Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Limited". The name of the Union was changed when the bank‘s name changed to Republic Bank Limited in 1981.

In order to achieve recognition from the Registration, Recognition and Certification Board the Union had to have as its major criteria, an over 51% support from the bank workers. This recognition came on April 21, 1975 when the Board formally acknowledged the Staff Association of Barclays Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Limited as the recognised majority union in respect of the workers employed by Barclays Bank of Trinidad and Tobago Limited.

The name of the Union was changed when the bank‘s name changed to Republic Bank Limited in 1981.The union, which represented primarily workers of Republic Bank Limited developed into a full-fledged union with approximately 2,000 members.

Among the major developments in the Union’s history was a strike initiated by the Union in 1984 over (among other things) a collective agreement for the period June 1984 to May 1987.  Another was a lock-out initiated by the bank, in 1987.

The Union by these significant battles won major respect within the Trade Union fraternity, both locally, regionally and internationally.