The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

WITH the Labour Department’s shocking release of proposed changes to the labour laws of The Bahamas, it is really tough to see where the unions end and the Labour Department begins: they seem to be one and the same! The unions dictate the show and the Labour Department asks: “How high do you want us to jump?”

Many are asking: are these so-called law “reforms” really to stop an ‘evil business community’ from taking advantage of poor workers? Union people in so-called “service to workers” say so. Well, in fact, when I read the proposal, it was surprising to see who is positioned to reap the benefits. Here are some facts many people don’t know.

(1) In the new draft laws union bosses are seeking to extend their time in office. If the laws pass through, no longer will they only spend three years in office. They are proposing to hang on for five years once elected.

Also, union executives will be able to “double-dip” by serving on the boards of more than one union at the same time, which is currently prohibited by law. Looks like mo’ money and not for the workers!

(2) If the new “reforms” pass, the unionised workers will no longer be able to ask the Minister to hold a secret ballot so they can vote on how much money is deducted from their salaries by unions and how this is to be done. The current law states that 25% of workers can apply to the Minister to hold the secret ballot, but the new draft wipes this process out of the law.

(3) Did you know that if the new “reforms” pass, it will be much harder for workers to challenge the Minister’s recognition of a union? Let’s say workers really wanted a different union than the one the Minister has approved. Instead of needing just 25% of the workers to challenge the Minister’s approval of the union, the changes call for 51% of workers to apply to the Minister to approve a union of their choice.

(4) Did you know that the new proposed laws take away the worker’s right to agree to terms in the industrial agreement which have to do with monies taken from their salaries for the union? As it stands now, the law is that unions need 60% of the workers to agree on these important terms in the industrial agreement.

But if the new draft laws are passed, Unions will no longer need that 60% approval of the workers. It’s wiped out of the statute.

Taking the workers’ rights out of the statute and sticking them into some other document which does not have the force of the law makes it a little easier for unions to avoid scrutiny when those workers’ rights are trampled upon.

Also, where are the prison sentences and ridiculously high fines for union leaders and officers who step out of line and/or on workers’ rights? You can’t find that anywhere but I’ll bet if these punishments were threatened, union bosses would make smarter decisions and be properly accountable for mischief.

The cold reality is that union bosses are in business, too, but without having to comply with any redundancy and termination provisions like other business owners. At $10 per worker per week multiplied by 52 weeks, a pretty penny can be earned in the union business.

Also, there are spin off benefits when union bosses can steer union-related business to their private firms. Suddenly, the picture comes into sharp focus so that these people are no longer the long suffering champions and martyrs they are idealized to be! And to sweeten the deal, it seems the Labour Department is prepared to serve up whatever they want - including the virtual ‘heads’ of business owners.

JUST SAYING IT

Nassau,

September, 2016.