By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
THE government’s announcement to make radical changes at BEC has sent shock waves throughout the Corporation with employees concerned about job security, said a Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) official yesterday.
As that fear resonated with employees, a source inside the union told The Tribune that BEC workers were fearing the worst as the Christie administration invites partners to assist in lowering energy costs.
Prime Minister Perry Christie made the announcement in a press statement on Tuesday.
It is speculated that a “done deal” could result in further restructuring at BEC followed by a downsizing, the insider said.
“I can tell you with all honesty that the news has sent shock waves to the hundreds of people and union members that are employed with the company,” the source said.
“We don’t know what the particulars are, but there is a belief that people will lose their jobs. But the union is looking over certain documents handed over to us because we are the watchdogs for the employees. We will be ready to take whatever action is necessary to protect them.”
The concern comes despite Mr Christie’s vow that in the midst of negotiations the government will insist on fair treatment for all those employed at BEC.
“(We) fully expect there will be no job losses as a result of this process,” he had said. “We will also be insisting on investment in training and retraining programmes where new technology is being implemented. Liberalization of the energy sector will also create many new business opportunities. A sector that ‘works’ will result in more inward investment, creating more job opportunities.
“We will keep you informed of our progress. In the meantime I ask you to bear with us, and to continue to do your jobs with pride.”
When contacted BEWU Vice President Urban Smith said the union was not prepared to make a formal statement as members were still in the process of familiarising themselves with the government’s plans.
He said that certain concerns were raised in a meeting on Tuesday night with Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, BEC’s General Manager Kevin Basden, Chairman Leslie Miller and other officials.
The government intends to create two new BEC entities to which its assets liabilities and operations will be transferred.
The first is a new Transmission and Distribution company that will be wholly owned by BEC. The other company will be a new generation services company for the operation, maintenance, repair, financing of BEC’s current electricity generation facilities and certain other assets located throughout the Bahamas.
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