The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Union of Teachers (BUT) president Belinda Wilson has given the government “a few days” to submit a revised salary proposal as negotiations over a new industrial agreement remain unresolved just weeks before the new school year.

Her comments came after the union and the government reached an impasse following a three-hour meeting last week.

Mrs Wilson said all outstanding items have been agreed upon, except for the financial matters.

She said the government continues to submit the same salary counterproposal despite repeated rejection by the union, calling the approach unacceptable.

“The government's posture is a take it or leave it,” she said. “They are not negotiating in good faith on the finances, and so we did not take it.”

“The government also backpedaled on the duration of the agreement clause, but again, 90.5 per cent of you already voted for the BUT to accept a three-year agreement.”

The impasse marks the latest escalation in negotiations between the two sides, which have been ongoing since earlier this year.

Officials have declined to disclose details of either the government’s offer or the union’s demands.

A mediator is scheduled to be at the next session.

Mrs Wilson said the union is giving the Davis administration “a few good days” to respond. She added that most surveyed members have voted in favour of taking industrial action.

“Stay tuned for our next update. Stay tuned for our next move,” she said.

Government officials have declined to discuss negotiations in the media, but said they remain committed to finalising an agreement that benefits all parties involved.