The Tribune

MANAGEMENT at Sandals Royal Bahamian yesterday expressed “surprise” that the Bahamas Hotel, Maintenance & Allied Workers Union (BHMAWA) - the bargaining agent for the resort’s non-managerial employees - had opted for a strike vote.
 The resort’s management, in a statement, said it was “unaware of any significant issues that would warrant such an action”, which comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between the two parties at the Ministry of Labour.

“Management at Sandals Royal Bahamian is surprised to learn that the Bahamas Hotel, Maintenance and Allied Workers Union has opted for a strike vote ahead of a meeting between the two parties, and also knowing that a matter is still before the Court of Appeal,” Sandals said.

“We are unaware of any significant issues that would warrant such an action ahead of a scheduled meeting at the Ministry of Labour, and prior to a decision handed down by the Court of Appeal.

“Any action by the union while proceedings are pending in the Court of Appeal shall be illegal and in breach of Section 77 of the Industrial Relations Act.”
 The statement added: “The union is aware of the court action that is now at the appellate level, as they were served by the company’s attorneys. The hotel is aware that the Maintenance union would like to negotiate on an industrial agreement.

“The hotel was apprised of impending action by the union by letter on Monday afternoon.
Sandals is a responsible employer that abides by the laws of the Bahamas. We take our relationship with our valued employees very seriously, and do not want any illegal industrial action directed by the union to jeopardise their employment.

“Therefore, Sandals wishes to remind its employees to act responsibly.”

Back in February 2010, a Privy Council ruling paved the way for the BHMAWA to be recognised as the bargaining agent for the 500 non-managerial employees at Sandals Royal Bahamian, overturning the Court of Appeal’s verdict that the union was “void” because it was not properly registered.