The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS Maintenance and Allied Workers Union (BHMAWU) staged a major industrial action early on Tuesday after officials at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort refused to discuss several ongoing labour disputes.

Shortly after 5am, members of the BHMAWU took to the streets surrounding the Cable Beach property to demand a meeting with executives of the resort to discuss the working conditions at the property.

Led by BHMAWU first Vice President Omar Bernard, dozens of employees of the all-inclusive Cable Beach property, using heavy-duty trucks and commercial buses, blocked off sections of West Bay Street adjacent to the Sandals property and close to the Prime Minister’s house.

Mr Bernard said his association will not relent until all grievances are resolved. "We will continue until we see results,” he proclaimed.

Later, Mr Bernard and another union steward were taken into police custody following an appearance on the "Real Talk Reloaded” show on More 94FM.

The BHMAWU has had a long-standing dispute with Sandals over the issue of union recognition. In 2011, the BHMAWU secured a ruling by the Privy Council that it be recognised as the bargaining agent for Sandals Royal Bahamian employees.

Despite this however, Sandals has refused to negotiate with the BHMAWU.