NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The government has proposed transferring 48 Bahamasair ground handling service workers to Nassau Flight Services to allow Bahamasair to better concentrate on its core business of operating an airline, the Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation announced last night.
This statement refuted claims by the Airport, Airline, and Allied Workers Union (AAAWU) regarding a lack of consultation and potential loss of benefits. AAAWU President Jewel Fountain stated yesterday that her members are strongly against the move, which is set to take effect on July 1st.
However, the Ministry clarified in its statement, “We outright refute the claim that the union was not consulted, and we refute the claim that anyone will lose benefits. Contrary to the claims of the AAAWU, the Government of The Bahamas has not violated the Industrial Relations Act nor the agreement with the AAAWU.”
The Ministry reiterated that the proposed transfer of 48 Bahamasair ground handling service workers to Nassau Flight Services is intended to enable Bahamasair to focus on its core airline operations.
“To facilitate this move, over the last two months, executives of both Bahamasair and Nassau Flight Services engaged in discussions, of which the AAAWU was apprised. A document was prepared and subsequently presented to the Union for review. The document proposes that Bahamasair staff would continue to enjoy the benefits of travel privileges, Christmas bonuses, and meal voucher amounts, and, most importantly, their current compensation package. Moreover, Bahamasair employees would retain tenure and have the option to accept the transfer or be made redundant and receive a redundancy package. Bahamasair employees would also retain their standing in the Employee Pension Fund, which would be transferred with them,” the Ministry noted.
The Ministry added, “It is very unfortunate that upon review, the AAAWU has taken the stance that it will not accept the document which clearly articulates that there will be no reduction in benefits. The Government of The Bahamas remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of the Bahamian people. We look forward to working with the AAAWU through continued talks to resolve any of the union’s concerns that have not been thoroughly addressed.”
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