The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMAS Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union member said he is not pleased with the union's leadership or the "seemingly silent and non-transparent" manner in which they conduct business.

The former union executive, who wished to remain anonymous, said he could speak for the majority of hotel workers, who have expressed disdain with the union's "lacklustre attitude".

He said: "Hearing from a huge amount of Atlantis union members, I can say that the general consensus is one of displeasure. Many of them want to know when the next elections will come.

"We feel right now that the union is operating behind closed doors and is not as transparent as it could be."

Their "eagerness" for new representation, according to the man, reached a hilt after Brookfield, acquired the Kerzner properties.

Brookfield is a global asset manager focused on property, renewable power, infrastructure and private equity assets.

"Nicole Martin, the president, did not call one single general meeting for every member to at least brief them on what the move could mean for employees and their futures at the hotel," he said.

The union, he said, has not had any general meetings since April 2011.

"Union rules stipulate a general meeting should be held once a month, we haven't been called for a meeting in eight months.

"This indicates to us that either nothing is happening, or we aren't being informed of the happenings, either way, we, the majority are out of the loop. The people want them gone."

However, union members might have to wait another year for new leadership despite guidelines that outline the calling of an election every three years, he said.

"It has become known to us that the current body wants another year, but this cannot happen.

"A letter has been sent to the registrar of trade unions calling for an election announcement. Nominations should be in April of this year, but he has not responded."

In late April 2009, Nicole Martin was declared president of the BHCAWU for the third time in one year after the Court of Appeal ruling voided two previous wins.