The Tribune

PRIME Minister Perry Christie yesterday said that his government would consider whether or not it can provide some form of relief to Customs and Immigration workers, who he urged to take the country’s fiscal realities into consideration.

Mr Christie held an informal meeting with Bahamas Customs Immigration and Allied Workers Union executives yesterday to familiarise himself with their side of the industrial agreement negotiations.

“I have been able to give them an indication in some areas of how I think and I have indicated to them something I generally believe,” he said.

“Industrial action does not help anybody, it will not deter the government, it will not impress me, and that this is a time when we should be working hard together to understand the issues.”

Mr Christie said he did not wish to hold a formal meeting with the union in the absence of Minister of Labour Shane Gibson, and related officials.

“Unlike the private sector the government has responsibilities to all of the citizens of the country, and when it comes to our books I have an open policy,” he said.

“I can tell you what our books are and we’ve just been downgraded, that must mean something to people and if I have to translate that and have the Ministry of Finance translate that for them, I will.”

Mr Christie said a date will be set to begin “constructive discussions” once Mr Gibson returns to the country. The Labour minister is expected to return today.

“They speak of having been out there in the wilderness for a long time and they’re simply asking to see whether or not there is something we are able to do for them in the medium term and the short term,” he said.

Mr Christie added: “I told them as soon as [Mr Gibson] comes back I will look at the books and see what they say to us in terms of what they are asking for and we’ll let them know.”

Last week, union executives called for a meeting with Mr Christie, who they said was the only person who could resolve their outstanding financial issues and move negotiations for an industrial agreement forward. Obie Ferguson, President of the Trade Union Congress and union negotiator, demanded a meeting on or before December 15 to ensure that the government could deliver on “what was owed to them” before the Christmas holiday.

In an interview with The Tribune, BCIAWU Vice-President Sloane Smith said negotiations between the union and government representatives had come to an impasse, government’s negotiating team allegedly stating that they cannot provide any guarantees.

At that time, Mr Smith said the union did not intend to strike, threaten to strike, and were not seeking a Christmas bonus; however, he said, they are simply asking for what they are owed.