The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas Financial Services Union (BFSU) yesterday issued an “open invitation” to industry employees, particularly those at Scotiabank and Royal Bank of Canada, to join it.

Theresa Mortimer, the BFSU president, told financial services workers that it was better to have union representation and not need it, rather than need it and not have it.

In her statement, Ms Mortimer referenced RBC’s recent announcement that it plans to close four branches, namely locations in Bimini and Spanish Wells, as well as at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau and Treasure Cay.

 Ms  Mortimer said: “We encourage all employees to join the union today so that you’re a part of the representation in place for you before the employer says your services are no longer required. 

“We cannot prevent the changes at the company, but we can sit at the table and negotiate benefits that will be better than the law, and sufficient notice so that you can- properly prepare your family and not be blindsided.”

    She added: “We especially pledge to the employees within RBC Royal Bank and Scotiabank to help yourselves and participate as the architects of your future,and urged employees “Take control of your future. It is far better to have a union and not need one than to need one and discover that you don’t have one.”

RBC told Tribune Business that all four branches will be consolidated with remaining locations, starting with the Treasure Cay branch, which will be merged with Marsh Harbour on April 7, 2017.

That will be followed by the LPIA branch’s consolidation with RBC’s Cable Beach operation on May 19, with the Bimini and Spanish Wells locations to be merged with Freeport and Harbour Island, respectively, on May 26 and June 23.

RBC declined to confirm how many staff will be terminated as a result of the consolidation, although sources suggested it was designed to minimise redundancies, especially at LPIA and Treasure Cay.