B.E.M.U President : “There’s an Injunction, but We Haven’t Been Served”

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The Bahamas Educators Managerial Union staged planned industrial action Tuesday, sending thousands of students home at noon.

The action came amid a months-long dispute over unresolved issues, including administrative vacancies.

Tuesday’s school closures frustrated parents across the capital, who described the situation as disruptive and disappointing.

But the strike didn’t last long.

Last night, the Supreme Court granted the government an interim injunction, forcing members of the Bahamas Educators Managerial Union to work today.

For hours, reporters camped outside the Ivy Dumont Building, while union officials were locked in a meeting with officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, lead negotiator Bernard Evans and Kenya Laing from the Public Service Commission.

When they came outside, President Stephen McPhee claimed they had not been officially served as yet.

Stephen McPhee – President, Bahamas Educators Managerial Union

“I’d ask the secretary general to check some email. We saw something from someone from Labour sent sometime late in the night. I mean, we’re all, I’m not a lawyer. I’m just a music teacher, but I know who you’re serving in the night after 12 by email.”

Stephen McPhee – President, Bahamas Educators Managerial Union

“We are supposed to return to work this morning, they claim, and now I’m understanding, show up to court tomorrow or something, but nobody can provide us the document.”

In a press release, the Ministry of Education says there are only seven schools that are currently operating without a substantive principal, with the process already in motion to fill those vacancies.

But the union insists there are dozens of unfilled posts.

Stephen McPhee – President, Bahamas Educators Managerial Union

“We can go to the courts tomorrow if that’s what I’m hearing and show evidence that there are over 30, 40 schools in this Commonwealth of The Bahamas without substantive principals.”

And as for the meeting overall…

Stephen McPhee – President, Bahamas Educators Managerial Union

“Again, plenty to talk. We will await and see.”