Trade Union Congress President: Industrial Action Could Stretch Beyond Two Days

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – What was originally set out to be two days of industrial action could stretch beyond the 48 hours, according to Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Obie Ferguson.

Ferguson called a meeting with his affiliates Monday evening to chart the way forward.

But it seems the impact was not as far-reaching as many anticipated.

Labour and the Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle says the impact was minimal, thanks to contingency efforts put in place to pick up the slack.

But Ferguson says he was pleased with Monday’s outcome.

Individual unions participating in the rest day all have outstanding issues.

But on a broader scale, the TUC isn’t pleased with what they called multiple unfulfilled promises in the memorandum of understanding signed with then Opposition Leader Philip Davis back in 2021.

While Ferguson said his 14 affiliate unions were all in support, some of them were absent and did not participate in the rest day like the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union.

The Airport, Airline and Allied Workers Union was also not present at the meeting.

It seems the biggest hit was to the public healthcare system and teachers in the north.

On Monday, Public Hospitals Authority Managing Director Dr. Aubynette Rolle said they were in crisis mode, adding a contingency plan has been put in place to ensure no one suffers.

Follow-up clinics were closed, and fortunately, there was no impact on the surgical unit.

Ferguson says he’s received multiple calls from people wanting an end to the action.

He says the plan is for the prime minister to meet with not just Ferguson, but the heads of all the unions with outstanding issues.

The union chief clarified that the aim was never to strike.