The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business

Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

LINE staff at Morton Salt are set to enjoy wage increases of up to 25 percent after their trade union signed an “historic” five-year industrial agreement with the Inagua-based salt harvester.

The Bahamas Industrial Manufacturers & Allied Workers Union (BIMAWU), in a statement, said: “We have continued to build on our agreement which was first signed in Nassau, under president Wilfred Seymour, in 2002. Our union was formed with the assistance of Robert Farquharson, the now-director [of labour], and Shane Gibson (of Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union at the time).”

Jennifer Brown, the union’s current president, said: “This is an historic event for the workers in Inagua as they will be able to witness the first-hand signing of an agreement.

“We have gained in our contract… wage increases on the contract up to 25 percent for the five-year term of the contract. Shift premium, Christmas bonus, increased sick days, increased compassionate leave, paternity leave with pay, increased life insurance. A five year contract with a 5 percent each year guaranteed, a production bonus that can increase up to 9 percent, and the signing bonus of $1,500 for each bargaining unit member.

“It was such a struggle over the years but we are beginning to see a light at the end of the tunnel. To our workers we say come to work, do your work and the executive officers will do our best to represent you.”

Jesus Rodriguez, Morton Salt Bahamas general manager, said at the signing of the agreement: “We need to keep on communicating to make the most of our operation. The company has invested in us and we need to keep on delivering. We are hiring and we are completing our workforce. Again, I’m sure that if we keep on delivering we will keep on bringing the people we know we need. That’s important.”