Senator Sir Roy Trotman is a highly respected trade unionist who since joining the labour movement in 1971 has achieved notable results throughout this career.

His commitment to action rather than sheer rhetoric has been the predominant force behind the many positions of leadership he has held locally, regionally and internationally.

He joined the Barbados Workers’ Union as Personal Assistant to the then General Secretary before he was appointed Deputy General Secretary/Director of Organizing nine (9) years later.  In these roles, he was largely responsible for negotiations, grievance handling, organizing and education in labour studies.  He acted as General Secretary for eight (8) months before his election to that position on 29th August 1992.  

Nationally, Sir Roy served as a Member of the Lower House during the period 1986-1994.  He is founder and President of the Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados, a position he has held since 1995.  These contributions together with his contribution on a myriad of boards and committees as a Labour representative bear testimony of his drive and passion for effecting positive change in public service.  This devotion was further extended regionally as he has held the position of President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour for two (2) consecutive terms spanning 1989-1995.

Internationally, Sir Roy distinguished himself as the first black President of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), now the International Trade Union Congress (ITUC).  He held this position for two (2) consecutive four (4) year terms since 1992 and currently serves this organisation as a Vice President.  He also serves with distinction as one of the Directors of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) where he was elected to and served as Chairperson of the Workers’ Group of the ILO Governing Body since 2002.

Sir Roy is an alumnus of the University of the West Indies where he gained a degree in English, Economics and History.  He also completed his Masters in Labour Education from Rutgers University in 1976.  

His commitment and dedication to outstanding national, regional and international service was given national recognition firstly in 2002 when he was made Knight of St. Andrew in the Independence Honours, and then again in October 2006  during UWI’s graduation ceremonies when he was conferred with an Honourary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree.

Sir Roy is married to Mrs. Margaret Trotman née Reid and is the father of two (2) daughters, Paula and Lesley.