A Look at Protests, Pay Disputes, and Workers’ Frustrations

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – Over the past year, frustration from the country’s labor unions has played out publicly, with multiple unions staging demonstrations, press conferences, and alleged sick-outs.

At the forefront, the Bahamas Public Services Union raised concerns over unpaid benefits, delayed promotions, and long-standing industrial agreements still not fully honored.

Those concerns boiled over into the streets of the capital—back in October, hundreds of public servants took over Rawson Square in protest.

Labor leaders argued that commitments made to workers, particularly on salaries, conditions, and benefits, have been too slow in coming.

Belinda Wilson – President, BNATUC

“We’ve been meeting with him. He’s been making promises, he’s been giving instructions—no results.”

Kimsley Ferguson – First Vice President, BNATUC

“We want to say, have some integrity.”

Meanwhile, healthcare workers also said they were unhappy—doctors and nurses pointed to staff shortages, working conditions, and payment delays.

These issues come at a time when the public health system is already under strain, with facilities like Princess Margaret Hospital dealing with an aging building and resource challenges.

The government also came under fire when several Bahamian nurses staged a protest outside the orientation for newly hired healthcare workers from Ghana back in April, accusing the government of sidelining local talent in favour of foreign recruits.

Evernique Young – Nurse

“Where is the letter? Where is our money? All we want is what is due to us—that’s it. We don’t want anything else. I want to know that I’m secured in my job, that’s it. I have a daughter to take care of. I have other responsibilities, and you can’t do it if you are not getting your full salary.”

The unrest didn’t stop there.

In November, members of the Bahamas Taxicab Union staged a protest outside the Nassau Cruise Port, blocking all entrances to the facility, demanding fair treatment and improved communication with port officials.

Hubert McIntosh – Taxi Driver, Nassau Cruise Port

“No space to host over 200 drivers. We don’t even have bathrooms in this area. If we have to go to the bathroom, we have to go over to the park—and if you were to go over there right now, they have one toilet, one for male, one for female, on the male side right now.”

With thousands of public servants, healthcare workers, and union members across the country, their collective voice could play a significant role in shaping the outcome of this election.