The Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) made an important breakthrough earlier this week when it won representational rights for employees at the more-than-century-old Constant Spring Golf Club in St Andrew.

The results of a poll conducted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security on Tuesday, June 28 showed that approximately 90 per cent of the workers who voted did so for union representation. The actual result confirmed by the ministry was that, of a staff of 24 workers, 21 voted and only one voted against being unionised.

So, as of June 29, the staff of caddies, keepers of the course’s greenery, bartenders, and cashiers have become recognised by the ministry as members of the union.

BITU organiser Edward Williams, who recruited the workers, said it is probably the first time that staff at a golf club in Jamaica have become a unionised unit.

“The workers have stood up and stepped out to secure the type of representation they recognise the BITU is able to provide to them. They are due increases commensurate with their existing salary review cycles, and there are matters which may not align to standards established under our labour laws and under core principles of the ILO (International Labour Organization) which we must address as a priority. We have work to do with this group, just to make things right,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Williams said that the union intends to communicate formally in relation to a standard introductory meeting to be held within two weeks of the poll, where he will present the context within which claims for improvement in salaries, fringe benefits, and terms and conditions of employment will be addressed so as to establish a collective labour agreement.

“Here is where the rubber hits the road for these patiently waiting workers. While I would have unofficially had cordial exchanges with members of the club’s management team, it will be a different day for these workers as it is now all down to business,” he said.

He added that it is quite likely that his development will set a new precedence for employers, like the owners of the golf club, “because there is always the fear among these workers that if there is no trade union representation all sorts of tricks may be tried on them”.

Built in 1902, Constant Spring Golf Club is one of the oldest in Jamaica. It was originally a nine-hole course, but was extended to a 18 holes in the 1930s. The course and the surrounding residential area created an elegant atmosphere that is both luxurious and relaxing for Jamaicans and visitors, alike, who like and play golf.

Designed by Scottish-Canadian architect Stanley Thompson, the course is known for its narrow fairways, well-placed bunkers, gullies, and ponds, which make for a challenging game.