CPSA: We Are Disappointed In PM’s Response

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Days after the government secured a Supreme Court injunction forcing healthcare workers back to work, the Consultant Physician Staff Association (CPSA) says the move wasn’t necessary.

The government took action during the second day of rest for Trade Union Congress affiliate workers amid a list of outstanding issues.

But the hardest hit was the public healthcare system that saw up to 90% of junior doctors call out.

CPSA President Dr. Charelle Lockhart tells us the plan was always to return to work on the third day.

Prime Minister Philip Davis said he was disappointed in the move by the doctors referencing their oath to their patients.

Lockhart says when the decision was made to call in, they ensured the hospital remained running.

In November 2018, the CPSA held a strike over outstanding issues.

At the time, Davis, who was the opposition leader, called the strike regretable, adding it is simply unacceptable for the government at the time to have allowed the situation to get to this.

He added that the then labour minister and prime minister must act with haste and dispatch to ensure that matters are brought to normal within the shortest possible time.

Lockhart also sought to clarify that overtime is not a part of the CPSA’s concerns.

But added that they support the doctors union in their push for overtime.

The prime minister says his door remains open and has been open to fixing the issues.

Dr. Lockhart doesn’t agree but says they are eager to resolve this matter.