Unions' distaste with proposed BTC sale grows
By CHESTER ROBARDS
Guardian Staff Reporter
chester@nasguard.com
The government’s decision to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cable and Wireless Communications (CWC) for the sale of a majority share of the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) continues to be met with strong reaction from some union leaders.
The Nassau Guardian understands that the unions representing workers at BTC may be contemplating action intended to voice a stronger objection to the move.
Representatives from the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Unions (BCPOU) and the Bahamas Communications and Public Managers Union (BCPMU) are also attempting to build support outside the trade union movement.
Union leaders met with members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Sunday night to officially offer their disapproval of the sale of BTC to CWC.
Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini Obie Wilchcombe, who is leader of opposition business in the House of Assembly, confirmed that he and his colleagues met with members of the union and listened to their concerns.
He said the PLP is waiting to look over the MOU signed between the government and CWC before it offers an official position on the deal.
“We are looking at their issues and are hoping to get a sight of the Memorandum of Understanding,” said Wilchcombe.
BCPMU President William Carroll suggested that the unions would go around to every major civic organization in the country to garner support for their campaign against the sale of BTC to CWC.
The unions’ opposition to the sale to CWC has not changed since months before the MOU was signed.
The unions’ primary concern over the deal is job security for BTC workers.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham revealed during a press conference not long before the MOU was signed that CWC had asked for a 30 percent decrease in the staff complement at BTC.
However, Ingraham said the government would only support a deal with voluntary separation packages.
A press release on the MOU signing revealed that the government and CWC agreed to the voluntary packages.
“There will be a restructuring of the workforce of BTC following completion of the transaction, which will be carried out on an entirely voluntary basis,” the release said. “A detailed plan is in the process of being developed.”
BCPOU President Bernard Evans contended many of the individuals who would receive packages are at an age where they may not be able to find gainful employment when their packages dry up.
“We aren’t advocating packages,” said Evans. “With the ages of some of these people, finding meaningful employment is dismal.”
12/7/2010
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