January 12, 2025
For several days, the threat of industrial action involving up to fourteen unions has been brewing, with workers voicing frustration and discontent. It is strange, then, that Prime Minister Davis claims to be caught off guard by this development. His last-minute statement is a desperate attempt to imply he’s been paying attention to an issue that has been escalating in plain sight.
Mr. Davis must know that Bahamians have drawn their own conclusions. They believe he has been preoccupied with parties, travel, and photo ops. He claims to be open to dialogue, but dialogue without action is meaningless. Words alone are not enough—After years of empty promises and misplaced priorities, the chickens have come home to roost.
Workers are fed up with a government that dismisses legitimate concerns, disrespects union leaders, and routinely fails to honor agreements. Far too many senior public servants have been sidelined by this government, while consultants and retirees are handed control of key government agencies in blatant disregard of industrial agreements. Far too many laws have been ignored, and industrial protocols violated. Hundreds of workers remain in limbo, waiting to be regularized despite the cabinet’s prior decision to confirm them.
Instead of following established protocols to resolve pressing issues such as promotions, reclassifications, and overdue payments, the Davis administration has a habit of ignoring legitimate concerns and pointing fingers at past FNM governments.
These serious concerns require a Prime Minister with his hands on the wheel. If necessary, he must work through the night meeting with unions to resolve these vexing issues—without gimmickry or empty gestures. The Bahamian people are tired of lofty promises made by political parties on the eve of elections with no intention of ever delivering.
The Free National Movement believes in a fair and effective public service where workers are respected, protected, and dealt with straight. Under my leadership, workers will receive exactly that.
Michael C. Pintard, M.P.
Leader of the Free National Movement