NASSAU, BAHAMAS — National Congress Trade Union First Vice President, Sherry Benjamin said that she believes that the state of the unions at the end of last year was positive as the country heads into 2023 with most of the Industrial Agreements with the government signed off on.
Her comments came during a Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB) and BTVI Memorandum of Understanding signing.
“We’ve ended the year I think on a good foot as it relates to labour matters, we’ve had a number of contract signings in The Bahamas and I think starting off this year we should be on good footing.”
Benjamin added however that in order to maintain a harmonious relationship between employer and employee, both sides need to have the willingness to come together to have a conversation.
“The talk cannot be one-sided and what happens in a lot of instances where employers who feel like they can determine what you work and say that that is it no more.
“And so when they don’t appreciate the value that employees bring to the table and employees withdraw that value then its a problem,” Benjamin continued.
“And I think this press conference here is designed to prevent such a problem by bringing to the attention of not only the management of BTVI but also to the government that there is a problem that is potential to be brewing and you know we need that intervention.”
The MOU that was signed was in regard to labour relations and promoted clear communication between workers and the government.
During the press conference, Union of Tertiary Educators of the Bahamas (UTEB) President Daniel Thompson stated that in the next several weeks they expect to have the signing of the first industrial agreement between the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute and UTEB.
“We reached an impasse in the area of the remuneration package for our members and hence we have to now move to the other stage.”
Thompson added that there must be respect for workers in order for there to be a success.
“A lot of things have been done correctly, however, that does not negate that there are issues that must be addressed relating to the remuneration package of our workers.
“And until those matters are addressed, we’re going to be faced with a challenge because unless our members are appropriately remunerated and respected then we cannot guarantee a successful tertiary and technical educational institute.”
Benjamin said that they stand in solidarity with UTEB in the fight for benefits for their members and to try doing what is best for them.
“We want employers to know that their greatest asset, their most important asset is human resource.
“[…] Once employers recognize the importance of their human resources, we would have less friction in the workplace when it comes down to union-related matters.
“I want to challenge BTVI and all employers out there or employment agencies out there to appreciate your human resource.”
The NCTUB First Vice President thanked the Ministry of the Public Service for establishing the unit that’s now in place which allows room for a mediator to avoid always having to go to the tribunal or department of labour for every matter.
“It will eliminate the process of us taking those strike votes and taking to the streets so I would like to say thank you to those skilled labourers, Labour Consultant Act, the Ministry of Public Service,” Benjamin said.
