The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Hotel Managerial Union paid out more than $100,000 in financial relief assistance to its members who are among the managerial staff at the Grand Lucayan Resort on Wednesday.

Nearly 100 members gathered in the Hoffman’s Room of the hotel where they were presented with a cheque for $1,000 to help them recover from the devastating effects of the storm.

Obie Ferguson, leader of the Trade Union Congress, of which BHMU is an affiliate, and Kirk Russell, president of the BHMU, said the union is committed to helping its members even during times of crisis.

Mr Ferguson, whose roof to his home in Nassau was severely damaged, said he understands the workers’ difficulties in Grand Bahama.

“I know, I feel it just like you. And when I saw it on television, I mean it was mindboggling,” he said, of homes that were damaged in West End, Grand Bahama and in South Beach, New Providence.

The veteran trade unionist stressed that many people were affected by the storm in Nassau and Grand Bahama and are in need.

“We have to be more responsive to our people,” he said. “People need help now, they don’t want it six weeks from today.”

Many hotel workers in Grand Bahama are temporarily unemployed following severe hurricane damage at the two anchor resort properties in Lucaya - the Memories Resort, and The Grand Lucayan Resort, which consists of Breaker’s Cay and Lighthouse Pointe, which are closed for repairs.

Mr Russell informed union members that Breaker’s Cay may not reopen until March. The Grand Lucayan Resort property is up for sale.

Mr Ferguson assured the workers that when the hotel is sold the union will renegotiate an agreement that will be in the best interest of workers.

He said that unions have an obligation to assist members during tough, difficult times.

“We are the only union in the Bahamas that is doing it, and who can do it. You know why, we planned for this. We made plans because we are in the hurricane zone,” he added.

“You all paid $7.50 per week. We made provision that when these things happen the union will bring some relief. That is what unions are for, not just to collect dues and enjoy all the goods – you must save some money for when times get rough and bring relief to your members. Not to say I am in a big building and I got thousands of dollars in the bank.”

Mr Ferguson thanked the members for their support in the union.

The workers applauded loudly when Mr Ferguson also told them that the union has asked the hotel not to deduct union dues for at least two weeks.

“I want the other unions to know that we are here providing a service. We are of the view that when there is a crisis you must make adjustments. So, we will make sure that for two weeks your dues will not be deducted,” said the unionist.

“I want to say that we paid out in excess of $100,000, and when we renegotiate the industrial agreement whoever the new owners will be, we will take a different approach with respect to that particular area, knowing now what it cost for a roof because I had to get my roof done. I have an idea now and we will make sure we use our creative skills in negotiating an amount that would be reasonable.”

Dennis Forbes, a chef, was very grateful.

“It is awesome and unexpected. It was done out of the kindness of their heart for the managers here, and I don’t know anybody that is going to top that. When I looked at what I got, I said ‘wow.’ I thought that we would get maybe $200 or $300 dollars, but $1,000 I did not expect and it was very nice and touching,” he said.

Another worker, Franklyn Moxey, was also very appreciative.

“To have a good organisation like this do this for its people in times of crisis is great. This is so timely because everybody has been affected and so we really appreciate this so much.”