The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

LONG-STALLED benefit and industrial matters at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute have begun moving forward following the departure of former president Dr Linda Davis, according to Bahamas Union of Auxiliary Professionals in Education president Ernesto Williams.

Speaking with The Tribune, Mr Williams said progress began shortly after an acting president took office, following months of dispute that culminated in industrial action by unionised faculty late last year.

“Well, it’s only been like two weeks,” Mr Williams said. “The executive management team has been processing matters and complaints. We continue to meet. They’re dishing out, even as we speak, members’ increments. Those are going out now as well.”

He said payments were being issued in stages to avoid disruption and described the process as smooth so far.

“There are no hiccups. There are no preventions. There are no barriers,” he said. “So things are moving.”

The Tribune previously reported faculty unions accusing the former BTVI president of blocking annual salary increments due from July 1, 2025, certification allowances, degree appreciation payments, and confirmations of permanency and pensionable status.

Unions also alleged that negotiations on a new industrial agreement were deliberately stalled and that approvals for professional development — including fully sponsored programmes — were repeatedly refused.

Those concerns led to a sit-out by faculty and public appeals for intervention as Dr Davis prepared to demit office.

At the time, BTVI’s board of directors rejected claims that benefits had been withheld, stating that compensation decisions fell under the board’s authority and were made in consultation with the Ministry of Finance.

The board said all staff and faculty owed benefits under established policies would be compensated, adding that assessments of academic and professional qualifications were handled by the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas.

Despite those assurances, union leaders maintained that benefits remained outstanding at the time of Dr Davis’ departure, warning that delays risked leaving staff in limbo during the leadership transition.

Mr Williams said the pace of recent developments reinforced the union’s position that the dispute was not driven by unreasonable demands.

“I do not want the general public to think that this was a year of just complaining,” he said. “This is clear evidence that not only can someone make themselves the thorn on one side and the issue of contention for the benefit of the workforce, but once removed, things can process well.”

He said members began reporting changes almost immediately.

“One of my members came to me in the very first week and said, ‘President, you feel it?’ I said, ‘What?’ That’s what happens when you remove the enemy from the camp.”

Despite the progress, Mr Williams said several matters remain unresolved, including ongoing industrial negotiations and the recognition of academic qualifications.

“The increments are going out now,” he said. “Industrial negotiations are still taking place, and it is expected that that will be signed soon as well. The issue regarding recognition of certificates and degrees is being handled now.”

He added that discussions were continuing on permanency and pensionable status for remaining members.

“We’re hopeful that permanent and pensionable status can be afforded to the remaining of our members soon,” Mr Williams said.

Mr Williams said the union was cautiously optimistic as the institution prepares for permanent leadership, adding that recent developments demonstrated what could be achieved when long-standing obstacles were removed.

“With less inhibitions in the way, we’re expecting things to move a little smoother,” he said. “We’re expecting that the new president will be transformational and labour-progressive, knowing what it means to work with unions and to ensure what happens is for the benefit of all, and not one.”