The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

MORTON Salt yesterday asserted that it has been negotiating “in good faith” with the trade union acting for over 100 line staff amid growing industrial tensions on Inagua.

The salt harvester’s spokesman, Paul Jackiewicz, released a statement from the company which said: “At Morton Bahamas we’re committed to maintaining productive working relationships with our employees and partners.

“For the past year we’ve negotiated in good faith with union representatives in an effort to reach a new labour agreement. We’ve also worked together with a conciliator to help drive toward resolution. Unfortunately, the parties have not yet reached an agreement.”

The company continued: “Until we do, we encourage our employees to continue working safely and diligently during ongoing contract negotiations.”

Jennifer Brown, president of the Bahamas Industrial, Manufacturers & Allied Workers Union (BIMAWU), on Sunday told Tribune Business that the union was disappointed over the company’s recent decision to employ part-time workers on the weekend shift.

The threat of industrial unrest has loomed over Morton Salt’s Inagua operations since late last year, with the union saying it was “insulted” by the company’s original industrial agreement offer.