The Tribune

By NATARIO MCKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Trades Union Congress’s (TUC) president said yesterday he hoped for more peaceful industrial relations in the Bahamas following the new administration’s election, adding that he did not want a repeat of the past 12 months.

Obie Ferguson, who was referencing the dispute with Sandals Royal Bahamian, told Tribune Business: “What I hope for with this new administration is a working relationship with a view to resolving those outstanding issues which are very important for the workers, and indeed for the country, so that we can have a more peaceful industrial relations.”

Mr Ferguson added: “One thing that has been very damaging to the workers was when the former Attorney General issued a nolle prosequi in the case against the Sandals executives, and Bahamian workers had to fight to have the same done to their matter.

“That was a cardinal sin. We hope that with this new minister that that kind of thing does not happen. We want to have a respectful working relationship with the Minister of Labour, having regard for all of the parties.

“If we can develop that kind of relationship I think that would be very productive. I want us to be able to resolve our issues without there being any disrespect.”

The TUC and its affiliates had blasted the former Christie administration over its handling of the dispute at Sandals Royal Bahamian, which escalated  when the resort terminated its 592 staff to facilitate a three-four month renovation programme.

The union expressed shock after former Attorney General, Allyson Maynard-Gibson, directed the courts to “discontinue” criminal proceedings the union had brought against Sandals Royal Bahamian and its top executives over alleged union busting tactics.