By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
ACTING Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said yesterday that one of his consultants is holding meetings with BEC union executives about whether the corporation’s workers will receive Christmas bonuses this year.
His statement came a day after BEC Chairman Leslie Miller sent a letter to BEC General Manager Kevin Basden telling him that the corporation has decided not to pay Christmas bonuses this year and that it will do so when the company “finds itself in a better position”.
In response to Mr Miller’s decision, BEC union chairman Stephano Greene said he will await official word from the Acting Prime Minister before making his next move, which he warned could be “legal and industrial action.”
Yesterday, Mr Davis said he has not yet spoken to a union representative.
“The only conversation I had with them is through my consultant, Mr Carter, and I think they are meeting today to work through whatever challenges,” he said. “They haven’t gotten back to me yet. I’m awaiting the outcome of their discussions.”
“As soon as that discussion is complete, you’ll know,” he said, adding that he couldn’t confirm when the discussions between both parties would end.
“The assurance that Mr Greene would have from me is that I will insist that the contract that we are a part of is honoured. Discussions must be held to have the contract honoured or otherwise modify it to suit each parties needs.”
Mr Davis added that it was disappointing that the issue about bonuses is being discussed so near to the Christmas holiday.
“I think it’s unfortunate that we are now just discussing it today. It should’ve been discussed sometime ago, but people have expectations and expectations could be dashed from not living up to what we expect and I think that’s what we have here,” he said.
After weeks of debate, Mr Miller said last week that the government has decided that all employees from all government corporations and departments will no longer be able to collect their full salaries and National Insurance sick pay benefits, effective March 1, 2014.”
Comments
ThisIsOurs 11 years ago
Exactly what is the DPM trying to do to Leslie Miller? The memo from Mr Miller stated that the issue of bonus deferment had been decided in conjunction with Mr Davis, is that true or not? These lily livered politicians are tiring. May be wise to chose now which master you want to serve, Stephano Greene and a bunch of greedy BEC workers or the majority vote of the electorate.
leeza 11 years ago
THEY WILL GET THEIR BONUSES BLIEVE YOU ME, LESLIE IS PICKING POISON WITH THE UNION THATS IT!
ThisIsOurs 11 years ago
This is just wrong on so many levels. In a few short months everybody's salary will be effectively reduced by as much as 15%. Now would be a really good time to stress to government workers that the "good times" have developed a flat tire. This Christmas is not like any other Christmas, bad times a'comin and we can't afford to get Johnny the iPhone that he's been talking about all year, Mary can't get the Raymond Weil bracelet and we certainly can't afford to go Furniture Plus for that big screen TV and new front room set.
Next thing. An manpower audit for key positions in government must be carried out! and by a REPUTABLE firm. Why in God's name is a consultant speaking with the union???? This is outrageous. This seems like a regular run of the mill situation that some "knowledge-expert" permanent staff member should be tasked with. If this is what the consultant is spending his time doing he's obviously not required. Here is where the rest of our money is going.
HolandObserver 11 years ago
If I were Leslie Miller, I would resign from this post as Chairman of BEC. Every single decision that this man makes concerning getting that cash strapped corporation in order seems to be second-guessed by Mr. Davis and the PM. Do the PM and DPM really have any confidence in Leslie Miller or is there something that we are missing? In my mind, it is very simple: you have asked me to do a job (clean up BEC and make it profitable again-if that is even possible), yet everytime that I make a decision that the Union does not agree with, its leader feels as though he can present his grievance to the PM and DPM. If from the onset, the PM and DPM would have stood behind Leslie Miller's decision concerning double dipping, then this whole mess would not been avoided. It seems like now whenever Mr. Greene has an issue, he will go 'crying' to either the PM or DPM.
bismark 11 years ago
Leslie Miller is not getting the support he needs from those two wimps,yes he was placed there to do a job they are afraid to do,first we have the undecisive PM,now we have doubting Brave,we are finished in this town along as these clowns hold the reign of power we are doomed,just give the unions everything until they bankrupt the country then there will be nothing to get simple.
4renbahamian 11 years ago
Bonuses are paid when a company shows a profitable period. What is so hard to understand here, no money no bonuses. The DP and PM need to pay BEC employees with their money they made from old days and maybe they will grow some balls. Great job Mr. Miller, dont back down.
ThisIsOurs 11 years ago
Well bonuses are being paid. To add insult to injury they sent Leslie out to announce the change in position....what horrible leadership this party/government has
B_I_D___ 11 years ago
Yeap...bonuses getting paid...Leslie getting the s*** for it. I'd resign as well.
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