The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Private sector executives yesterday blasted the Trade Union Congress (TUC) organised labour strikes as “unreasonable” and “unpatriotic”, given the weak economic environment.

Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce & Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chief executive, said the fragile economy it was not the time for unions to be considering strike action.

“Calling for a strike at this time would be unreasonable and, I would say, unpatriotic given what is happening with the economy at this time,” said Mr Sumner, noting Moody’s recent downgrade of this nation’s creditworthiness. “We call upon the unions to get back to the table and find a way to settle these disputes.

“While we represent employers, we are also concerned about the well-being of employees. We want to ensure that no employees are being taken advantage of, and call upon employers to do right by their employees and give them what is rightfully theirs.

“Given the high level of unemployment in the country, I don’t think it would be wise for persons to their jobs on the line for benefits that may be forthcoming. The Chamber is working toward establishing its ADR - alternative dispute resolution centre - and we would be willing to conciliate in such matters if called upon.”

Robert Myers, the BCCEC’s chairman, expressed similar sentiments, telling this newspaper that the Bahamas would be in “big trouble” if business was brought to a standstill.

“I don’t really know what their grievances are. I’m not familiar with the issues or the legalities as to whether the Government has acted in the right fashion or not, but obviously it’s going to be disruptive if they strike. That is going to affect businesses. We certainly hope that they can figure something out,” Mr Myers said.

“The cost of business is already very high. We have seen a reduction in the GDP estimates from ratings agencies and the Department of Statistics. As a nation we have to be focusing on GDP growth, and anyone who thinks differently is setting themselves up for disaster.

“ If we don’t keep the country moving it isn’t going to improve our situation; it’s going to erode it. If we are not working we are going to pay. We would encourage them to get their differences sorted out and get back to business,” he added.

“ If the country stops because of essential services then we are in big trouble. The Government should recognise the seriousness of that matter. I hope they can resolve their issues. We sure as hell can’t afford to have the country brought to its needs on essential services. We can’t run the country without Customs or Immigration.”

The Trade Union Congress (TUC, which is the umbrella body for 26 unions and has a collective membership of about 15,000 workers, called for a national strike yesterday across New Providence and Grand Bahama amid several outstanding trade disputes and labour-related concerns.

The Government has warned the TUC and its respective unions not to engage in strike action, which it said would be illegal because the grievances have been placed before the Industrial Tribunal.