The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business

Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

NEWLY elected president of the Bahamas Hotel Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU) Donnell Ferguson said yesterday that the union was “ready and willing” to work with management at Sandals towards completing and industrial agreement “within a reasonable timeframe”.

Ferguson, a chef at the all-inclusive Cable Beach property, said yesterday that BHMAWU membership had been seeking a “fresh start” and had been desirous of leadership that was close to them.

“Our members wanted a leadership that was close to them and they have chosen me and my team to lead them over the next three years. For this we are appreciative and have stated our commitment to work on their behalf,” said Ferguson during the installation of the union’s executive team at the House of Labour on Wulf Road yesterday.

“The leadership of this union is willing and ready to work with management toward completing an industrial agreement within a reasonable period of time,” he added.

Back in April, Trade Union Congress (TUC) president Obie Ferguson said that  an injunction preventing the BHMAWU from taking strike action was lifted by the Court of Appeal, which made “the way possible for Sandals and the Maintenance Union to sit and begin the process of negotiations.”

The TUC and its BHMAWU affiliate have had a long-standing dispute with Sandals Royal Bahamian over the issue of union recognition, squaring off with the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) for the right to represents Sandals line-staff. In 2011, the BHMAWU secured a ruling by the Privy Council that it be recognised as the bargaining agent for Sandals Royal Bahamian employees.