W Applewhaite: Work Stoppage At Kensington Oval (27 Feb 1998)

Friday, 27 February, 1998

Work Stoppage At Kensington Oval

by Wynel Applewhaite

CONSTRUCTION workers at Kensington Oval "pulled stumps" yesterday, in a move that could have affected next month's Test between West Indies and England.

The men stopped work just before 9 a.m. and only resumed after a meeting with their Chinese employers. The workers, saying they were mistreated and under-paid, were also rallying around two colleagues who were fired.

"We asked for a raise of pay ever since and they said no," a painter said, "but they are forcing us to work overtime and if you refuse, you get fired."

Another irate worker said their pay was reduced if they arrived even a few minutes late.

Foreman Lloyd Kellman and workers met with the manager of China State Construction, Michael Zhang, and the matter was settled with workers receiving $5 to $10 increases.

Zhang explained the dismissed workers were chronic absentees.

Timekeeper Carter Cao explained new workers received less pay to start and workers' pay was only docked for 30 minutes' or more tardiness.

"They are not forced to work overtime," he countered, producing supporting documents.

The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) has worked frantically to ensure the new triple-deck stands will be ready for the Test starting March 12.

Meanwhile, president of the BCA, Tony Marshall, refused comment on the work stoppage, yesterday.

Sources said the Chinese contract should have concluded tomorrow but was extended until March 5.

The new stand, designed by Selby, Rose and Mapp, seats 1 180 people on the upper deck and 1 000 downstairs.

It also has ten hospitality boxes.

Architect Tyrone Mapp was at the Oval, yesterday: "The workers have done a remarkable job in being able to get this far in so short a space of time. They have been working until midnight."

Construction is also nearing completion for the media centre to accommodate 80 journalists.

Source :: The Barbados Nation (https://www.nationnews.com/)