The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON Tribune Staff Reporter cnixon@tribunemedia.net WATER and Sewerage Corporation workers abstained from work in protest yesterday morning, claiming some staff have been working there more than a decade without being granted permanent employment. Minister of State for the Environment Phenton Neymour said the illegal strike action was premature, as the issues in question are under active discussion. With around 40 employees standing and holding signs outside the corporation's headquarters, Bahamas Utilities Services and Allied Workers Union (BUSAWU) president Dwayne Woods said 80 per cent of the 400 Water and Sewage employees the union represents throughout the country will do what is necessary to resolve outstanding matters. Apologising to the public for any inconvenience that may result from any further actions by the union, Mr Woods said: "We have come to get these matters resolved and if takes... well Kentucky took a week so I think we can take a week or two or three or four - what ever it takes. We are prepared for the long haul." "These are matters that can be resolved easily with a stroke of the pen," he said. One of the "critical" issues raised by Mr Woods was the status of contract workers, who in some cases have been working with the corporation for up to 11 years with being made permanent workers. The status of separation packages for retired workers, unilateral changes in promotion procedures which have resulted in reduced benefits, gratuity, and over-time pay are among the other issues that need to be addressed, Mr Woods said. According to Minister Neymour many of the issues raised by the union are being addressed and are before the Water and Sewage Corporation board, which is scheduled to meet today. For example, Mr Neymour said, the issues concerning contract workers were dealt with in an agreement between the union and the corporation on February 2, which is currently before the board. Union heads have been asked to allow the board to carry out its responsibilities and should there be any unresolved matters, Mr Neymour said a meeting with the union is scheduled for Monday - on the understanding employees go back to work. He said "We have encouraged them to go back to work. This is an industrial action that they are taking, which the government wasn't advised of or knew nothing of. "I felt that they should have brought any matter to the government before taking any such action that could affect customers. I would say it was an illegal act, industrially." "We recognise the economic times and we recognise the commitment that many of these individuals have made to their corporation in their long service and took that into consideration," Mr Neymour said. The minister said he does not agree with claims that the government is trying to minimise the union's influence by not including contract workers within the bargaining unit. He said: "Over the years the government has shown a commitment to regularise a number of the contract workers that existed when the we were elected in 2007 and we have begun that process. "However it is important that the policies and procedures are consistent and it be done in a manner where it is sustainable by the Water and Sewage Corporation." Mr Neymour said as far as he knows services have not been interrupted by the strike action and union members will be reporting back to work.