The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

A LAWYER representing Wemco Security and Collections Ltd yesterday dispelled concern about staff cuts after a group of guards said they were informed that several of them would be terminated today.

Wayne Munroe told The Tribune yesterday that following the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s termination of a long-term security contract, Wemco was left with the task of redeploying the more than 60 guards once assigned to BTC.

Those who could not be placed elsewhere, were brought in to Wemco’s main office on Collins Avenue for retraining, Mr Munroe said.

“The BTC contract was long standing, so with losing that contract they deployed more than 50 per cent of them, the others have been sent back to the office for training and with pay,” said Mr Munroe. “But some of them are refusing to take an active part in the training and comply with the requests of their employer.

“Wemco is at a point where they are trying to retrain them because those who were at BTC might not suit the requirements of Wemco’s other properties. But there are some of them unwilling to cooperate. I have told Wemco to terminate with cause.”

However, in a visit to The Tribune’s newsroom, nine security guards who requested anonymity, said they were fearful that not only would they be terminated today, but that the company would withhold their entitlements.

One of them said: “We have children, families, car notes, house notes, bills at Furniture Plus, mortgages and other bills to pay. Not to mention all of us are over 40. Which company is going to take us on at this age?

“If they must let us go, just give us what is due to us.”

The guards have also accused Wemco of breaching civil liberties by video and audio recording telephone conversations along with retraining sessions.