NASSAU, Bahamas — State Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said yesterday that government is aiming to sign at least four new industrial agreements with several unions before the anniversary of its first year in office, The Tribune reported on Thursday, September 1, in an article written by Leandra Rolle.
The unions include the Bahamas Union of Teachers, Bahamas Customs, Immigration and Allied Workers Union and the Bahamas Public Service Union.
They have been agitating for new labour contracts over the last several years, with some resorting to industrial action to bring attention to the issue.
Giving an update on ongoing negotiations yesterday, Mrs Glover-Rolle was optimistic that four more industrial agreements with the unions could be completed and signed before the end of next month.
“I know that we are currently in negotiations with BPSU, the Customs, Immigration and Allied Workers Union. Those are basically coming to an end,” she said before yesterday’s Cabinet meeting.
“BUT is completed,” she added. “We are very close to signing and the document is now with the financial secretary. We are just clearing up a few financial articles and I would anticipate that we should hear back from him today.
“So, in short order, we should be able to sign and bring that industrial agreement to conclusion.”
The state minister also revealed that negotiations are ongoing between quasi-government agencies and their unions.
She added: “Before our first anniversary, we hope that we can sign at least four more and I think that it’s looking good.”
In the past month, the Davis administration has signed new labour contracts with about five different unions, including the Bahamas Nurses Union, the Public Managers Union, the Bahamas Educators, Counsellors and Allied Workers Union and others.
Yesterday, Mrs Glover- Rolle said the recent signings demonstrate the government’s commitment to fulfill its promises to workers. See complete article in The Tribune at http://www.tribune242.com/news/2022/aug/31/govt-aiming-sign-four-new-industrial-agreements/
