TUC vs. Government.: From Memorandum of Understanding to National Strike

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – What started out as a blossoming relationship with the signing of a memorandum of understanding in 2021 between the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and PLP has deteriorated.

And ended up with nationwide industrial action on Monday.

With those words, then Opposition Leader Philip Davis pledged the Progressive Liberal Party’s commitment to work on behalf of workers if successful in the 2021 general election.

At the time, workers have either walked off the job, held a sickout or threatened industrial action.

Davis calling the issues facing workers unprecedented.

A month after the agreement was signed, the Davis-led PLP overwhelmingly won the general election.

Just over three years into their term, it seems both sides are at odds with the TUC instructing its members to withdraw its services.

But for a while it seems things were going well.

Just seven months into office, Trade Union Congress President Obie Ferguson said the government was doing reasonably good.

Fast forward to December that year, Ferguson told reporters there were still outstanding matters.

The MOU called for the enactment of a livable wage, an increase to minimum wage, and the refurbishment of worker’s houses among other things.

At the time, he cited issues with a few unions, when asked if unions are still happy.

But it seems things took a turn in 2023, when Ferguson made this threat.

At the time, Ferguson said 30 of his affiliate unions were in the process of taking strike polls while some affiliates already had strike certificates.

It came 10 months after the minimum wage increased by $260 in January of that year.

But as the relationship between the government and the TUC deteriorated, other unionists weighed ini, criticizing them for signing the MOU with the PLP in 2021 along with former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis.

But things didn’t get better after Ferguson later called out the government for unfulfilled promises.

A little over a month later at a rally with TUC affiliates, Ferguson sought to make it clear that they would strike adding that he felt betrayed.

Now, the TUC has pulled its services across the country, with the biggest impact hitting the healthcare system.

Time will tell the impact this will have, how long it will last, and if their issues will be resolved.