Labour Unions Split On Labour Day Parade

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – One day after Trade Union Congress President Obie Ferguson said unions will not attend the Randol Fawkes Labour Day parade, union leaders are coming out to say they will attend the historical event.

In a statement, the University of Tertiary Educators of the Bahamas President, Daniel Thompson, says his union will attend the march on June 6th.

Bahamas Public Services Union President, Kimsley Ferguson, said his members will also be out along with the Bahamas National Alliance of Trade Union Congress, of which the BPSU is a part of.

“Mr. Ferguson took a position, I believe that it’s simply because a relationship went south, and he was unable to achieve what it was. Again, we did not participate in the memorandum of understanding because we clearly understand the role of the union and the role of the employer as mandated by the Industrial Relations Act”, Kimsley Ferguson said.

When it comes to the Trade Union Congress, the TUC head signed a memorandum of understanding ahead of the 2021 general election, throwing its support behind the Davis led PLP against the backdrop that they will fulfill a list of commitments if elected.

However, according to the TUC chief, there are still several commitments left in the balance as another general election looms.

One point of the MOU is the refurbishment of the House of Labour of Wulff Road, but that hasn’t happened.

As a result, he says unionists will gather there on Labour Day.

“We’re inviting all members…Bahamian workers, and working people of The Bahamas to come to the House of Labour because that’s where it all began. In its debilitated state that it’s in, we want them to see it, we want them to feel it,” Obie Ferguson said.

The TUC head says Labour Day must not be mixed up as workers issues must still be addressed. He pointed out the $260 minimum wage and the appointment of Pia Glvoer-Rolle as Minister of the Public Service and Labour, which he says is a conflict of interest among other issues.

However, he made it clear that the trade union is still supporting the governing PLP.

“We’re not opposed to Brave Davis, as a matter a fact I have no difficulty with the prime minister, none whatsoever, but there are people for whatever reason….trying to create a smoke screen and trying to make it appear as though we are against Brave. We signed a document with Brave, and we want to honor it, but the minister has their own…private agenda,” Obie Ferguson said.