The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Staff Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net UNION leaders yesterday hit out at the government's failure to engage in social dialogue with all stakeholders before passing legislation. Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas president Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson renewed calls for the University of The Bahamas Act and questioned whether it would be tabled in the House of Assembly without public consultation. Mrs Isaacs-Dotson said the recent passing of amendments to the College of The Bahamas Act signaled the blatant disrespect of the institution's three related unions, the Bahamas Public Services Union, Public Manager's Union and UTEB. The bill set a maximum term limit of six years for a council member. "By proceeding with these amendments without having consultative meetings with [related unions], the government continues to show a lack of commitment to having true social dialogue with the major stakeholders of the College community and the public at large who fund The College of The Bahamas," Mrs Isaacs-Dotson said. The UTEB president said the other COB unions were disappointed they did not get the opportunity to submit their recommendations for further amendments to the college act. Among a number of issues, Mrs Isaacs-Dotson said the BPSU and PMU - as representatives of the staff and middle managers at the College - are lobbying for representation on the College Council. While acknowledging that Members of Parliament can only put forward proposals by the College Council, Mrs Isaacs-Dotson said her union has met with the Education minister to discuss concerns. "The College Council has exhibited complete disrespect for the persons they are responsible to and persists in its failure to lead the College," Mrs Isaacs-Dotson said. "Its actions signal its inability and lack of intent to take us to university status. The Council has already established that it has no need and no intent to listen to any of those who have built the College and who see the building of a university as imperative for the development of this country we call home." Engaging unions and keeping them abreast of changes which affect workers helps to ensure a smooth transition, according to BPSU president John Pinder. "We're always disappointed when any employer makes an attempt to change policy without discussing with the unions. We want to always be there to help them and guide them through the process," he said. "They make rules and expect us to sell it to our members, when sometimes we're not in the position to explain what it is." Mr Pinder added: "When they draft something, we're able to give our counter proposal, but it would be much better if we could work together to fashion these policies."