February 12, 2024
Opposition Leader Michael Pintard and some members of his Labour team met with the President of the Trade Union Congress and representatives of their 40 affiliates to discuss labor concerns on Monday, 13th February 2024.
A wide range of labor matters were raised and discussed. Multiple participants fiercely underscored the importance of policymakers honoring their commitments to labor and addressing the outstanding issues with a sense of urgency and without favoritism to political followers or personal relationships.
Among the pressing concerns noted by President Ferguson was the need for industrial agreements, many of which have been signed on to but have yet to be registered and take effect.
Ferguson also spoke about the importance of fully integrating labor in celebrating majority rule, given the pivotal role that the movement played in ushering it in.
Trade Unionists shared with the Opposition Leader the plight of Bahamian performers, some of whom reported feeling marginalized in some hotels, as well as being inadequately reflected on the agenda of international guest artists permitted to perform in-country.
The slow pace of staff confirmation was highlighted—especially among nurses—while the country imports nurses to address the shortage.
The meeting’s participants raised significant concerns regarding the negative impact of the cost of living on workers, especially those at NIB and other locations who are required to retire at 60 but do not benefit until 65.
The impact of the shift system and its impact on Customs and Immigration officers was discussed during the meeting.
The spokesperson for the Straw vendors placed on the agenda the ongoing struggle to ensure that the current rotation system works for the benefit of all.
Trade unionists expressed deep concern about the status of the Employment Act and their deep desire to see the Public Service work as effectively for workers as it does for policymakers.
Participants found common ground in their concern about the clogging of the public service by bringing persons out of retirement, not as consultants where needed, but instead to hold the same substantive position they left. Often, these individuals receive both pensions and new salaries while stifling the upward mobility of others.
Mr. Pintard confirmed his Party’s commitment to addressing these issues and gave his views on the way forward. He reiterated his Party’s commitment to the National Development Plan and supporting continuity in government, fairness in addressing promotions, regularizing temporary workers, and improving systems in the public service, including the Public Service Commission.
Mr. Pintard also made clear his intention to consult and collaborate with the various umbrella unions, employees, and employers to improve productivity while addressing the concerns of Bahamian workers.
*Opposition Leader meets with Union Heads and Workers*
Opposition Leader Michael Pintard and some members of his Labour team met with the President of the Trade Union Congress and representatives of their 40 affiliates to discuss labor concerns on Monday, 13th February 2024.
A wide range of labor matters were raised and discussed. Multiple participants fiercely underscored the importance of policymakers honoring their commitments to labor and addressing the outstanding issues with a sense of urgency and without favoritism to political followers or personal relationships.
Among the pressing concerns noted by President Ferguson was the need for industrial agreements, many of which have been signed on to but have yet to be registered and take effect.
Ferguson also spoke about the importance of fully integrating labor in celebrating majority rule, given the pivotal role that the movement played in ushering it in.
Trade Unionists shared with the Opposition Leader the plight of Bahamian performers, some of whom reported feeling marginalized in some hotels, as well as being inadequately reflected on the agenda of international guest artists permitted to perform in-country.
The slow pace of staff confirmation was highlighted—especially among nurses—while the country imports nurses to address the shortage.
The meeting’s participants raised significant concerns regarding the negative impact of the cost of living on workers, especially those at NIB and other locations who are required to retire at 60 but do not benefit until 65.
The impact of the shift system and its impact on Customs and Immigration officers was discussed during the meeting.
The spokesperson for the Straw vendors placed on the agenda the ongoing struggle to ensure that the current rotation system works for the benefit of all.
Trade unionists expressed deep concern about the status of the Employment Act and their deep desire to see the Public Service work as effectively for workers as it does for policymakers.
Participants found common ground in their concern about the clogging of the public service by bringing persons out of retirement, not as consultants where needed, but instead to hold the same substantive position they left. Often, these individuals receive both pensions and new salaries while stifling the upward mobility of others.
Mr. Pintard confirmed his Party’s commitment to addressing these issues and gave his views on the way forward. He reiterated his Party’s commitment to the National Development Plan and supporting continuity in government, fairness in addressing promotions, regularizing temporary workers, and improving systems in the public service, including the Public Service Commission.
Mr. Pintard also made clear his intention to consult and collaborate with the various umbrella unions, employees, and employers to improve productivity while addressing the concerns of Bahamian workers.
