The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Communications and Public Officers Union Secretary General Dino Rolle yesterday said he was unsure how many employees will be laid off by BTC in this round of downsizing but said the company has already started issuing separation packages.

Last week, the union, along with the bargaining agent representing management at BTC, signed on to a new industrial agreement with the company that allowed the utility provider to begin its planned restructuring.

“I’m not sure what the number is now at the moment but nothing has really changed since the latest update,” Mr Rolle said when contacted for comment.

“I know BTC has begun formally issuing separation packages, but I don’t have a full appreciation for all of the details to that extent. Maybe within the course of the week I’ll be in a position to provide that information.”

Last Thursday, BTC announced that in addition to offering the voluntary separation employee packages (VSEPs) it was also proposing outsourcing opportunities, a key component of the agreement.

The BTC “outsource model,” according to the company, will be offered to individuals or groups of employees who can provide a proposal for identified services such as warehouse duties, bill printing and various above and underground field services such as tower and cable riggers, the company said.

Employees identified by outsourcing will get a fixed-term contract for the period of their employment until a vendor for the designated outsource area is selected by BTC. The packages agreed by both unions, for BTC line and managerial staff in areas of outsource, offer salary incentives and medical and training awards to assist staff with the transition.

Standard practice counselling services on all related matters, including financial planning, will also be made available by BTC to all affected employees, if needed.

Last Friday, Mr Rolle said the newly signed industrial agreement “favours” those identified by the company for VSEPs and not those who remain with the company.

At the time, he said while the union was “satisfied” with what was being offered to persons receiving the separation packages, its “problem” has always been the “compensation that would remain” for those who would stay on with the company.

Union officials have previously said BTC planned to lay off around 140 people in its first round of downsizing to prepare for liberalisation of the cellular services market.