The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

ABOUT a month ago at the heights of the Sandals fiasco, Tall Pines Member of Parliament Leslie Miller asserted that the strong-handed approach of the unions was to be blamed for Sandals’ decision to close its Cable Beach property and dismiss more than 600 workers.

Describing the union’s demands as outrageous and vehemently, Miller declared that unions are killing the country and I tend to agree with him.

It is quite disturbing how union leaders like Obie Ferguson have been allowed to operate like rogue agents, running wild throughout the country, wreaking havoc and jeopardising the future of the working class, especially those employed in the hotel  industry.

As an active member of the Bahamian electorate, I do not recall seeing Obie Ferguson listed among the candidates to be elected to Government. It is therefore beyond me as to how he has amassed the power to be causing so much damage to the lives of so many Bahamians. Who elected him leader of our country? And when did this happen?

In an island where the unemployment rate is climbing it is important for the rights of workers to be protected but it is equally important for the jobs of these workers to also be protected. Through its draconian demands and  aggressive approach to negotiating, the BHMAWU has contributed significantly to the current state of affairs where Sandals is concerned.

While it can be argued that Obie Ferguson and all other union executives are working to secure the rights of employees, does it make sense to do this by being disrespectful towards employers? What does this achieve? By riling up workers and inciting them to strike and launch lawsuits and attacks against their employer – the same employer who puts food on their tables and clothes on their backs – what has the union actually achieved?

The answer to that is clear and quite sad. The union, with all its clamoring, loud posturing and threats has done nothing but contribute to the unemployment of thousands of Bahamians over the years.

What is obvious and downright distressing is the fact that the unions do not care about workers. They care only about being in the spotlight, causing ruckus and giving the illusion that they are for the people. Unions care only about themselves and their pockets.

It is clear that as long as these unions are allowed to operate the way they do Bahamian workers do not stand a chance. The tourism sector is built on the premise of service and the spirit of hospitality – neither of which our unions seem to comprehend. History has shown nothing positive coming from the interference of unions in matters relating to the hospitality industry and Bahamian workers.

In fact, all we have seen is joblessness!

While the unions were busy making noise, Sandals was busy rehiring over 600 workers and busy working on completing renovations to reopen its doors in the very near future.

Are the unions trying to say the lives of those hired by Sandals do not matter? Are those employees sub-human? Are they less Bahamian because they have sought employment with Sandals? Should they have chosen unemployment?

At the end of the day, Sandals is a business – a business which depends on profits in order to operate efficiently. It is the company’s right and duty to upgrade its product as it sees fit and also to put in place all measures which will facilitate said upgrade. Sandals has been good to Bahamians and to The Bahamas. The company has invested millions in the Sandals Corporate University to provide training and educational opportunities for its team members and the Sandals Foundation has done extensive work on the island, partnering with local charities to impact thousands of lives.

What opportunities have the Unions provided? How have they sought to address the rising unemployment levels in the country? How have the unions helped The Bahamas?

I patiently await the answers to these and other very important questions.

RUPERT

LIGHTBOURNE

Nassau,

September 27, 2016.