The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE union representing National Insurance Board employees has renewed calls for the government to finalise its outstanding industrial agreement which it says expired over two years ago.

Cassandra Cartwright-Lewis, president of the Public Managers Union, told reporters yesterday that terms outlined in the new industrial agreement were mostly approved by NIB board members with the exception of “only two items” that are still being discussed.

While she refused to say what those “items” included, Mrs Cartwright-Lewis said the union has come to understand the contract must now secure approval from Cabinet, a situation she described as puzzling. She also explained this does not fall in line with current protocols.

“Never in the history have I heard that once the board has made a decision that the agreement is forwarded to the minister for Cabinet’s approval to bring resolve to the industrial agreement,” the union president said.

 “I’ve never heard of it and so we’ve had discussions. We’ve advised the board that that is not the normal protocol, okay. The board has indicated that they want to bring it to a closure quickly and amicably but what does quickly and amicable mean? If the board is in place and has made certain decisions, why can’t we have the agreement completed, signed off and registered?”

 Her comments to reporters came after she met with union members outside NIB’s headquarters yesterday, updating workers on the status of their expired labour contract.

 She said workers are now fed up and just want the matter resolved as soon as possible.

 She also urged the Davis administration to live up to its promises outlined in last year’s Memorandum of Understanding with union leaders, in which it committed to ensuring long-standing labour issues are resolved.

 “It was agreed by way of the old Memorandum of Understanding back in 1997 - having been amended on the 26th of August 2021 - that the relationship with the unions will be more positive and matters relating to industrial agreements will be addressed immediately forthwith.

 “We have given seven months to the new administration. Seven months. .. We have said we understand the economy and economic crisis, but if the board can get together and make a decision on matters as it relates to employment, new hires and promotions and the likes, how is that our industrial agreement which has been outstanding for 26 months has not gotten the same priority as all the other matters?

 “We are asking the National Insurance Board to bring this matter to an end. The previous administration allowed it to run on for their time. The new administration has made a commitment to the trade unions of the country to have these matters addressed.”

 She added: “...What is so interesting are there are only two items to either say yes or no to bring this industrial agreement to a conclusion, two items that have been outstanding now for the past five months and so we’re asking them to make a decision and let’s get them done.”

 Asked yesterday if the union plans to take action if the agreement is not concluded, Mrs Cartwright-Lewis did not give a definitive answer.

 “I’m not getting to that yet,” she replied. “I am hopeful that this agreement will be resolved, and we need not get to that, but I assure you whatever matters must be addressed outside of that, we have the full support of the thirty-seven affiliates of the Trade Union Congress and other affiliates from the NCTU.”

 Similar comments were echoed by officials from the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Trade Union Congress, who were also present at yesterday’s meeting.

 “We will not allow any administration to disrespect or abuse any of our affiliates,” said TUC communications director, Fred Munnings.

 “All of us stand squarely behind the position of our Lewis that was articulated this morning. Get it done and get it done now because we were tired of being abused by the former administration for four and a half years and we will not allow this administration or any other administration to disrespect our organisations.”

 In a statement issued yesterday, NIB said it appreciates the employees’ decision to agitate for a new agreement and said the agency looks forward to the date when a new document will be signed.

 NIB said the old agreement expired December 31, 2019 and that the entity and the PMU have been in “amicable dialogue” for the past 12 months to settle a new agreement.”

“In the two short months since being constituted, the present board members extended the olive branch to the employees and today’s actions will not change that,” NIB said. “Discussions have been productive with some matters successfully concluded. There are two matters to be settled before NIB and the PMU can conclude a new agreement.

 “In the meantime, NIB will continue to work towards improving delivery of services to the public. PMU members are members of the NIB family. Our goals are similar and we will continue to work collaboratively for one common objective. We reiterate that NIB will continue its best efforts to conclude an Agreement with PMU in the very near future.”