Unions at odds over deal with PLP

Nine affiliates of the National Congress of Trade Unions (NCTUB) Bahamas yesterday lambasted the NCTUB’s recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), calling it “disingenuous action” that was not done on behalf of the majority of the umbrella union’s affiliates. 

The leadership of the NCTUB yesterday rejected the claims made by the unions.

On Wednesday, the NCTUB, which represents 21 affiliates, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) signed the MOU in which the PLP pledges to address key labor issues if elected to government.

In a statement, the affiliates said, “This disingenuous action of a purported signing on our behalf is the straw that has broken the camel’s back. This is in contravention of our constitution and we refuse to stand idly by and allow our members to be used as pawns.  

“We would like to reassure the members of our various unions that we are committed to continue to serve you and we are not involved in pushing anyone’s personal agenda.”

They said they were not involved in the signing of the document and said they had never seen it.

The affiliates said they are not aware of the contents of the MOU, which has not been tabled, discussed or ratified by the NCTUB.

“In fact, the NCTUB has only held two meetings since January 2020,” they said.

“The central council has not met and has not ratified any document much less a MOU. Hence, the purported signing is not on behalf of the majority of the affiliates of the NCTUB.

“We are disappointed that president Bernard Evans who openly announced more than two months ago that he was quitting the labor movement without even informing the affiliates is now making a mockery of the NCTUB.”

However, NCTUB Assistant Secretary General Daniel Thompson expressed disappointment that “the rogue elements of the congress, who seek leadership of the same, are prepared to bring into the public domain matters internal to the organization”.

“We will not be tempted to behave likewise,” Thompson said.

“Suffice it to say that the majority of the affiliates of the NCTUB have the confidence in the current leadership which has been ordered by consent by the Supreme Court to remain in place until matters brought by rogue elements of the congress are fully disposed of. Additionally, the unsigned document is full of misinformation and half-truths. It also includes unions that are observers of the NCTUB.”

While the affiliates’ statement was not signed, the statement was said to be from the Airport, Airline & Allied Worker Union (AAAWU), the Bahamas Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), the Bahamas Commercial Stores & Warehouse Union (BCSWU), the Bahamas Financial Services Union (BFSU), the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU), the Bahamas Musician & Entertainers Union (BMEU), the Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU), the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT), and the Union of Public Officers (UPO).

In his statement, Thompson also explained that the MOU, which is pending ratification by the PLP’s general council, is an extract of the workers’ agenda which was developed by the two umbrella trade unions.

“Notwithstanding the signing of the documents as approved by the executive council of the NCTUB, it is pending the ratification by the central council of the NCTUB,” he said.

“The document was discussed and approved by the executive board in its August 24, 2021 meeting at which a majority of executives were present. The document, the Workers’ Agenda, is the culmination of discussions with NCTUB and CBTUC affiliates over the last several months.”

Under the MOU, the parties “agree that the PLP will be supported by the labor movement to become the next government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas”.

The parties have also agreed to “work with the PLP in government to amend the law and regulations where necessary and possible” to implement National Health Insurance; work toward the enactment of a livable wage; redefine wages to include all forms of income including tips and gratuities; ensure that foreign employers are unable to walk away from their financial obligations to workers in the case of the demise of their companies or entities; allow for at least 16 hours of rest between shifts for each employee; strengthen the role of conciliators and enable the rulings of the Industrial Tribunal to be enforced without delay.

Under the MOU, the PLP has agreed to supply each umbrella union with a parcel of land for the building of national headquarters, among other pledges.

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/unions-at-odds-over-deal-with-plp/