The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Utilities Service and Allied Workers Union demanded the resignation of Water and Sewerage Corporation General Manager Glen Laville yesterday as dozens of angry employees protested that several “contentious” industrial matters are still outstanding.

According to BUSAWU President Dwayne Woods, the matters date as far back as 10 years ago. He said his members are prepared to do whatever it takes to receive what is due to them.

Mr Woods apologised to the general public for any inconvenience they might experience as he hinted at the possibility of industrial action saying “the pressure will be escalated from the bottom to the top of the scale.”

“These matters are very contentious and vexatious to the union,” Mr Woods told reporters during a lunchtime demonstration outside of the Water and Sewerage Corporation on Thompson Boulevard.

Nearly 100 workers paraded outside of the building and at one point started singing.

“We would like to appeal to the stakeholders to step in and resolve these matters before it results in the withdrawal of enthusiasm of our membership,” Mr Woods added. “We can’t play if we don’t get pay. So we are sending a message to the corporation that the withdrawal of enthusiasm is coming and it has been long coming because we have been putting up with their nonsense. At this point in time the pressure will be escalated from the bottom to the top of the scale.

“The union will leave no stone unturned in resolving these matters.”

Bishop Lester Cox, chairman of Water and Sewerage, told reporters yesterday that there were continued discussions over the matters with the hope that a resolution would be reached soon. A meeting is expected to take place today with Minister of Labour Shane Gibson to discuss the matters further.

The union’s anger stems from several issues, which includes the corporation’s failure to pay outstanding shift premiums and holiday pay for a number of workers.

In addition, Mr Woods said the corporation is also in breach of the industrial agreement between the corporation and the union, the Employment Act as well as the Industrial Relations Act.

Mr Woods went on to lash out at Mr Laville saying the general manager is attempting to minimise the influence of the trade union by delaying and attempting to water down the value of a newly negotiated industrial agreement despite Bishop Cox’s signature on the document.

Mr Woods said the general manager refuses to reinstate a union member despite allegedly receiving written directives from the corporation’s chairman.

Mr Laville declined comment yesterday when he was contacted.