The Attorney General’s Office has completed its review of the recent ruling by the Court of Appeal that essentially dismissed the industrial agreement governing employees of Morton Salt.
Labour Minister Dion Foulkes told Eyewitness News by phone last evening, that the government’s lawyer has advised of what position the government should take and that it will be revealed sometime today.
Representatives of the National Congress of Trade Unions (NCTU) and The Trade Union Congress (TUC), had called on government to intervene and review the ruling or they would strike today (Tuesday).
Eyewitness News understands from sources close to the matter however, that the strike action expected to take place might be put off.
In a letter dated March 23, the unions requested an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, to address the matter.
President of the NCTU Obie Ferguson said he is of the view that the ruling renders all industrial agreements in The Bahamas – public and private – void and of no effect.
Ferguson added that the labour movement is unaware of what the the government’s position will be, but, in order to protect the workers and the unions in this country, the union had to file for an appeal and take the issue to the Privy Council.
“The ruling has a crippling effect on unions,” Ferguson said.
“This state of affairs is disconcerting to say the least, and if allowed to persist for any length of time could lead to strong resistance from the working class and their leaders.”
