Opposition Leader Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has accused the leadership of the Teachers’ Union and the Public Service Union (PSU) of compromising their independence, alleging that both organizations formed private commercial entities to secure cleaning contracts at Argyle International Airport (AIA).
Speaking during a national radio broadcast, Gonsalves disclosed that each union recently established its own cleaning company. One entity was awarded a contract to clean the airport’s cargo terminal, while the other received a contract to clean the civil aviation tower.
Gonsalves raised sharp concerns over the arrangements, pointing out that neither union has prior background or expertise in commercial cleaning operations. Furthermore, he highlighted a direct conflict of interest, noting that the PSU acts as the bargaining agent representing workers employed out at AIA.
“It is plain to me that there must have been some prior discussion between political elites currently manning the government and the leadership of these two unions to say form companies to clean,” Gonsalves stated.
Gonsalves and broadcast caller Lanceford, a former president of the PSU, contended that taking on state-connected commercial contracts has effectively silenced union leadership on core worker rights and wage negotiations.
Gonsalves noted that despite severe cost-of-living pressures, rising fuel prices, and broader economic stagnation, public sector union leaders have failed to press the government for salary increases or wage adjustments for 2026. He questioned whether the leadership’s silence stems from personal financial interest or fear of losing state favor.
“Their mouths are muzzled,” Gonsalves remarked, arguing that rank-and-file workers are being left without effective representation while union executives engage in business deals with the state.
The discussion also highlighted a stark shift in the Teachers’ Union’s approach to public school facilities. Former union officials noted that in prior years, union executives regularly inspected schools weeks before the academic term began to publicly demand adequate sanitization, garbage bins, and structural repairs.
However, Gonsalves and Lanceford observed that several weeks into the current school term, union leadership has remained silent despite widespread reports of broken furniture, staffing shortages, maintenance backlogs, and transportation hurdles affecting students and teachers alike.
Gonsalves urged public servants, teachers, and working-class citizens to hold union executives accountable, maintaining that labor leaders must prioritize advocating for fair wages and proper working conditions over securing commercial state contracts.
