Union Leaders: “We Support The Increase, But We Should’ve Been Consulted”

Advertisement

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In the House of Assembly on June 4, Prime Minister Philip Davis announced long-awaited pay raises for public servants as part of his administration’s ongoing salary reform plan.

Davis told Parliament this marks the second phase of the government’s comprehensive Public Service Salary Review. He noted that the first phase, which targets middle management and above, will see increases rolled out at the end of this month.

However, union leaders say that while the announcement is welcomed, there are still major questions left unanswered.

Muriel Lightbourne – President, Bahamas Nurses Union
“My nurses are asking me, ‘Does this include us?’ So I need to first know who are the middle managers.”

The second phase of the review is scheduled to be implemented in September. For the upcoming fiscal year, the government has budgeted $807 million for wages and salaries, a noticeable increase from the $767.9 million allocated in the last fiscal year. In addition to pay increases, health insurance coverage is also set to be expanded for all government workers.

Despite these promises, union leaders remain skeptical about how much input they truly have in the process.

Kimsley Ferguson – President, Bahamas Public Services Union
“The comment of unions having a seat at the table , it’s not accurate at all. Because if a salary review can take place in this country, and unions are not privy to how it’s gonna impact their membership, I don’t call that a seat at the table. And so I believe the technical people that advise the Prime Minister are not properly advising him.”

Other union representatives are also calling for greater transparency and follow-through on key issues.

Dr. Charelle Lockhart – President, Consultant Physicians Staff Association
“We are still fighting to sign our agreement where they say we will get health insurance, but we don’t know some of the details. We can’t sign an agreement blind.”

Belinda Wilson – President, Bahamas Union of Teachers
“We’re still pushing for the completion of confirmations for our teachers and other public servants. We’re still pushing for ongoing professional development for teachers and other public servants.”

As the salary review process continues, unions are calling for clearer communication, more meaningful consultation, and firm commitments that address longstanding concerns.