The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE government has not yet concluded negotiations with the union representing the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, Deputy Prime Minister Philip Davis said yesterday.

While he would not validate or deny claims made by BEC chairman Leslie Miller over “double dipping” practices, Mr Davis confirmed that deliberations are still ongoing.

In an interview with a local daily, Mr Miller charged that all public servants will be blocked from collecting their full salary in addition to National Insurance sick pay benefits, effective March 1, 2014.

Mr Davis told The Tribune last week that the outcome of discussions with the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union will set a precedent for the entire public service, as the government seeks to align long-standing practices with the law.

Yesterday, Mr Davis would not confirm whether or not the government had made a final decision on the matter.

Controversy over sick leave benefits began in October when Mr Miller issued a corporation-wide memo telling BEC staff they will no longer be allowed to collect sick benefits from National Insurance while being paid a full salary by the corporation.

Mr Miller advised workers that the changes would be implemented on November 1.

However, the decision was later overturned by the government, with both Mr Davis and Minister of Labour Shane Gibson announcing that unilateral changes could not be made without consultation with workers.

Mr Davis clarified the government’s official position on the matter with The Tribune last week.

Negotiations with the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union over sick leave benefits will seek to remove the practice of “double dipping”, Mr Davis said.

He said the outcome of discussions will set a precedent for all public servants, most of whom were said to have engaged in the long-standing practice.

Although BEC employees on sick leave will still be allowed to collect both National Insurance and a full salary until the matter is resolved, Mr Davis explained that the government was in talks with the BEWU to align practices with the law.

Despite staunch opposition to proposed changes expressed by union leaders, Mr Davis said he was optimistic that a resolution could be reached.

Earlier this month, Mr Davis defended Bahamas Electricity Corporation chairman Leslie Miller as the battle waged between unions and executive management over benefits.

Although he admitted the practice of “double-dipping” by public servants has been a challenge at the National Insurance Board for more than a decade, Mr Davis underscored that the proper procedures must be followed.

Last week, Labour Minister Shane Gibson explained that unilateral changes to policy regarding sick leave benefits at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation would be in breach of labour laws.

Mr Gibson explained that no employer can alter a long-standing written or verbal contract without consultation.

The Labour minister also took issue withe the term “double-sipping”, maintaining that workers were not engaged in an illegal practice.

Voters in The Tribune poll last week backed Mr Miller in the row over benefits.

Ninety per cent of voters (294 votes) in the poll have given him their support.

There were just 36 votes backing the unions and the practice of receiving double benefits.

BEWU president Stephano Greene did not respond to calls seeking comment before press time last night.