The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business

Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Utilities Services & Allied Workers Union’s (BUSAWU) president yesterday said it was disappointed by recent ‘warning shots’ from incoming Water and Sewerage (WSC) chairman, Leslie Miller, but said: “We have no axes to grind”.

Mr Miller, who previously served as chairman of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC), in an interview with The Tribune this week   warned that his strong management style would carry over to his tenure  at the state-run water provider.

Mr Miller added that he had no intention of wilting under the pressure from the BUSAWU to remove the Corporation’s general manager, Glen Laville, with whom it has been at odds with.

Dwayne Woods, BUSAWU’s president, told Tribune Business the union looked forward to working with Mr Miller. “We have no axes to grind, it’s just a matter of fair play for all,” he added.

“I happen to belong to the union and he just happens to be the chairman of the Corporation. Both of us have a job to do. I just hope that this approach does not indicate the intentions of the Government.”

“We are disappointed with the newly-elected chairman for the recent attacks on trade unions and unions in general. We view this as a shot across the bow and we will not be moved by any bullying tactics. Tough times don’t last; tough people do,” said Mr Woods.

“We were under the impression that the newly-appointed chairman was coming to work on a common goal, which is the objective of the Government with the union. We thought that the chairman would have come in without prejudice, but it appears to us as though he has beef with unions.

“We would like to say to him that he should not prejudge us and allow the process of industrial harmony to take place.

“We extend the arms of harmony, and that is industrial harmony to him even though he has taken this shot at us.”