SOCIAL Services and Urban Development Minister Obie Wilchcombe. (File photo)
By EARYEL BOWLEG
Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE government will be giving “somewhere around” $350,000 in outstanding allowances to 65 former employees of Urban Development in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, according to Social Services and Urban Development Minister Obie Wilchcombe.
A statement issued by the ministry over the weekend noted the government had settled with all former employees of Urban Development in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands who were “unceremoniously terminated” after the May 10, 2017 general election.
“In letters of termination, the employees were promised the requisite allowances,” the statement noted.
“These allowances were never paid. The matter was subsequently taken to arbitration at the labour tribunal.
“In consideration of all the circumstances, and upon recommendations, the government through the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development today settled the outstanding issue.”
When asked about the total amount the government is giving to the 65 former employees, Mr Wilchcombe said, “$350,000…..somewhere around that.”
He said the allowances owed are predicated upon the law and the contractual terms of the workers’ salaries.
In December 2021, Labour Director Robert Farquharson said the Department of Labour was reviewing trade disputes related to the 65 employees who were dismissed under the Minnis administration.
“There were 65 employees of Urban Renewal in Grand Bahama who were dismissed by the previous administration and they filed trade disputes,” he said last month.
“Those trade disputes were before the director of labour and... are being reviewed to make a determination.
“Those persons were fired by the government of The Bahamas and they claimed wrongful dismissal and unfair dismissal.
“In my capacity as director of labour, I was reviewing the file to see if they have a valid claim. Those matters are also before the Industrial Tribunal.
“Because they are before the Industrial Tribunal, I cannot comment on those.
“Those matters are presently being investigated.”
Comments
Sickened 2 years, 3 months ago
Were these all staff that the PLP hired days before they lost the 2017 election?
sheeprunner12 2 years, 3 months ago
Funny how arbitration only works for some groups. The Industrial Tribunal has become politicized just like the PF, courts and senior civil service. Disgraceful
TalRussell 2 years, 3 months ago
Today I rise, Bible in hand, in de public domain on behalf each of de 20,000 vote switching Reds who went political party shopping on de 16 September 2021 to elect in sufficient number 38 members from future House of Assembly, believed be willing to honour de most important of campaign promises MPs', who shall sprung up on de floor House to honourably speak out to hold minister Obadiah, to de fire accountable demonstrate transparency, and mean it, and not allow their representation be neither tainted nor influenced with and by trappins' political power everything else like this and that so as not risk early tattooing as liars, ― Yes?
themessenger 2 years, 3 months ago
Would be interesting to know how much, if any, of this payout is being awarded to Ms. Michelle Reckley of Urban Renewal fame, the one who's qualifications for the job when promoted by the Christie government were that she come from urban. Comrade Minister Obadiah mussy come from da settlement of Urban too, Lol.
TalRussell 2 years, 3 months ago
More de likely that Comrade Obediah Hercules, was born at a Jib on November 4, 1958 on a day whilst de 1955 Hawksbill Creek Agreement's ink was still drying on Sir Stafford and the Wallace Groves dreams to transform Obediah Hercules birth Jib, into a Magic Freeport City.
Weird as it sounds, some believe that de 1955 Magic. is sill possible rub off on Freeport, ― Yes?
themessenger 2 years, 3 months ago
Seems to me dat de Comrade from de Jib rubbin' off $350K worth of Magic a little early as dese matters still before da Tribunal, still possible some a dat might rub off on... well, yinna whistle an I'll point - Yes?
tribanon 2 years, 3 months ago
Just think how many much more appropriate and deserving things that $350,000 could have been used for in our country today. Wilchcombe is corrupt to his very core and will always be that way.
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