NASSAU, BAHAMAS – President of the Trade Union Congress, Obie Ferguson, on Monday urged executives of the Water and Sewerage Mangers Union (WSMU), The Bahamas Utilities Services and Allied Workers Union (BUSAWU) and the board at the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) to work together to resolve their ongoing issues.
Last week Friday, Justice Keith Thompson discontinued the proceedings against WSC in line with a notice of discontinuance that was filed by BUSAWU attorneys. The legal action was brought by BUSAWU following the suspension of its president Dwayne Woods’ salary, after he refused to return to his post when the Corporation decided last May not to renew his administrative leave and ordered him back to work.
The manager’s union issued a press release last Friday, noting that industrial action was eminent as they are in possession of a strike certificate.
Ferguson said that in his view, the issues are workable and he is prepared to intervene to assist in resolving the issues.
“If both unions strike it would have a serious effect on the system and I would not wish for that to happen,” Ferguson said. “The union withdrew the matter from court and consequently, in law, if you withdraw then the consequence is they will have to pay the cost.”