The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – The Commonwealth Electrical Workers Union is accusing the Grand Bahama Power Company of union busting and not engaging in good labour relations.

In a press release issued yesterday, CEWU president Leslie Lightbourne claimed employees of the Grand Bahama Power Company are being forced to enter into individual contracts.

He said the contracts are for positions at the newly commissioned $80 million power plant on West Sunrise Highway.

The 52-megawatt plant was officially opened on Monday.

Mr Lightbourne said the union is the sole bargaining agent for GB Power Company line staff and affiliates, adding that an industrial agreement was signed with the Power Company on May 13, 2008.

“EMERA (the parent company) continues to refuses to recognise the union as sole bargaining agent in respect to employees within the bargaining unit, and has instead opted to bypass the union and coerce employees to enter into individual contracts of employment,” he said.

Mr Lightbourne said although the industrial agreement is not registered, it was negotiated in “good faith” between the GBPC and the union.

He claimed EMERA has used the lack of registration “to commit acts” that are “not consistent with good labour relations”.

Mr Lightbourne added that Obed Pinder, a 40-year employee, was wrongfully terminated in February 2012.

He said MR Pinder, former CEWU president, had a “spotless record” during his employment with the company and was a union shop steward at the time of his termination.

“Should the company have its way, Mr Pinder would leave the company after 40 years of stellar service without a dime. This is no way to treat an employee, a person, or any Bahamian,” Mr Lightbourne said.

The union president said that steps are being taken to have the industrial agreement registered.

GBPC’s policy is not to comment on labour issues in the press.