“It’s an Insult to Our Intelligence, We Will Not Tolerate Disrespect”

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The Bahamas Union of Teachers remains relentless in their pursuit of nailing down an industrial agreement, after rejecting two counterproposals from the government.

They haven’t been happy about what’s been presented so far.

B.U.T. President Belinda Wilson told us that 90% of union members have firmly rejected that proposal.

Wilson held an emergency meeting with teachers last night, and said teachers are not happy.

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union of Teachers

“Not only was it an insult to our intelligence as educators to resubmit that which we have already rejected, it is ill-conceived.”

According to the B.U.T. president, negotiations have dragged on for seven months, and she’s questioning why a deal can’t be sealed.

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union of Teachers

“The process is called negotiation. The Bahamas—your teachers want to complete our negotiations, which we started seven months ago, and we will not be dictated to. The take-it-or-leave-it attitude from Simon Wilson is not exercising good faith.”

The failed negotiations came on the heels of the Davis administration signing an agreement with another educators’ union this week.

Wilson, went further, and called the stalled negotiations for her union an insult to its history.

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union of Teachers

“When Sister Mabel Walker established the great Bahamas Union of Teachers in 1947, yes, 79 years ago, she did not deliver twins. She had one single union, the Bahamas Union of Teachers, which is still standing strong.”

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union of Teachers

“Prime Minister Davis, we have given 48 hours for your side to communicate with us and confirm a date and time for us to come back to the table. I have written to you formally, along with the government negotiators and consultants.”