National

BPSU Accuses Govt. Of Union Busting

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Pay increases for senior public servants not sitting well with BPSU and the nation’s newest umbrella union.

Published

1 year ago

November 30, 2022

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Pay increases for senior public servants not sitting well with The Bahamas Public Services Union and the nation’s newest umbrella union. They’re accusing the government of disregarding the bargaining agent – a move they’ve labelled disrespectful.

The National Alliance Trade Union Congress accusing the government of union busting after they say government is increasing senior public servants’ allowances without union input.

Congress President Belinda Wilson says while the congress isn’t standing in the way of employers paying funds to employees, the unions will not be disregarded.

The outrage expressed by The Bahamas Public Service Union comes as the union is pushing for a responsibility allowance of $3,600 per year for finance and accounting officers, according to the union’s counterproposal.

BPSU President Kimsley Ferguson said the government dismissed the suggestion.

Meanwhile, this circular went out signed by Permanent Secretary Gina Thompson to all permanent secretaries, heads of departments, and senior public officers dated November 25th, 2022.

The document reads, “Add one increment to the base salary for posts within the BPSU bargaining unit, with increment values of $600, $700, $800, and $1,000.”

The document also says, “Increase the responsibility allowance as at Annex 1 and transport allowance from $250 per month to $300 per month.”

Meanwhile, the union is still pushing for a completed industrial agreement.

The document has an allowance increased for around 51 senior government officials including the cabinet secretary, financial secretary, auditor general commissioner of police, and defence force commodore among others.