NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Labor unions must put aside their differences or the labour movement in the country will soon be no more, according to acting National Congress of Trade Unions (NCTU) president Paul Maynard.
Mr Maynard told Eyewitness News the labour movement is too fragmented and is achieving very little in its current state.
“There is certainly a move to undermine the labour movement,” Maynard said.
“We want to bring everyone together. When you are fragmented you don’t accomplish much. We want to reach our full potential and give full value to our members. As leaders we need to dig deep and realize that if we don’t do something now the labour movement is going to go away.”
He continued: “A lot of people have misconceptions about the union being greedy etc but a lot of people struggled to get us where we are today. It will take some time to happen, to bring the unions together but we must. There are egos, a lot of bad blood and other stuff going. It will take a lot to deal with it but we have to make a concerted effort to deal with it. We have to work it out.”
The country’s two umbrella labour unions, the National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Trade Union Congress are seeking to merge.
Mr Maynard said the labour movement must play an even greater role in national development.
“We need to look out for own and give our own a fighting chance. That is why the unions need to get together and ensure that things are done right for Bahamians. We have to ensure that people get value for services but you can’t have Bahamians being taken advantage of.”
