BPSU LEADERSHIP NEEDLESSLY GRANDSTANDING

The published threat of a deadline for industrial action against the Government by the leadership of The Bahamas Public Services Union is unnecessary grandstanding, which has no useful place in the measured and professional relationship between the Government and its employee unions.

A common understanding of the challenges and constant communication between Government, its employees and their representatives are vital ingredients to remaining focused and productive in the public sector.  Accordingly, the Government has taken great pains to create an atmosphere of openness.

In each and every case cited as a matter of contention, The Bahamas Public Services Union, through its president Mr. John Pinder, is fully and demonstrably aware of the situation and its status:

· On the promotions of Immigration Officers – The Minister for the Public Service has talked with Mr. Pinder not once, but twice within the last 10 days on this issue.  Mr. Pinder himself requested a delay in the implementation of these promotions to allow for a review by his union.  He is in possession of the list of proposed promotions.  There is also a security procedure underway of which Mr. Pinder was made aware.

· On the corrections of anomalies for Family Island Administrators – The adjustments in pay have been approved by the Government and are expected to be paid shortly.  The union is fully aware of this, and while one supposes that union members will be impressed when their money ‘magically’ appears right on Mr. Pinder’s published two week deadline, it is no magic.  Mr. Pinder has known all along.

· On negotiations for a new contract – Government has requested at least three times that Mr. Pinder present his proposals on this matter, and if not, it is the intention of the Government to invite him along with the president of The Bahamas Union of Teachers Mr. Kingsley Black to a meeting to do so.  The Government has its own initial positions and proposals ready; we are waiting on him.

· On whether employees at The Bahamas Agricultural & Industrial Corporation (BAIC) are due the ‘back pay’ remuneration recently given other Government employees; and on questions relating to the representation of employees at the Airport Authority – While these matters do not fall within the remit of the Ministry of The Public Service, they are – in essence - legal disputes which can only be resolved by a resolution of the legal issues.  Industrial action in these matters is at best unhelpful and would likely be counter-productive.

The Government has at all times in its relationship with The Bahamas Public Services Union acted in a measured, responsible and professional manner.  The country deserves no less.  In turn, the country deserves and expects that the union and its leadership should respond in kind and resist any temptation to grandstanding and overreaction for public show.

The Government and the unions of the Public Service must both give the country its due.