The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday said it follows “strict compliance with all laws and regulations” governing its industrial agreements amid union concerns of further job losses.

The communications carrier, responding to renewed fears that BTC’s call centre functions will be outsourced, said in a statement: “BTC signed a new industrial agreement with the BCPOU (Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union) at the end of April.

“Negotiations with the BCPMU (Bahamas Communications and Public Managers Union) began shortly thereafter and we are confident that we will reach an agreement in the near future. We will continue to work with our stakeholders towards a mutually beneficial agreement, and will refrain from public comments at this point.”

It added: “BTC prides itself in conducting its affairs in strict compliance with all laws and regulations that govern our agreements. Our singular goal remains to provide the best connectivity and entertainment experiences for our customers, while maintaining a culture of high performance where our team members can thrive.”

BTC’s position comes after BCPOU members protested outside BTC’s JFK Drive headquarters on Monday. Dino Rolle, its president, could not be contacted by Tribune Business yesterday.

However, besides the call centre, he alleged that workers were also being constructively dismissed as a result of BTC advertising jobs that are already filled. Mr Rolle also claimed that 100 staff were unable to benefit from the BCPOU’s industrial agreement despite having been employed for five years or more.