The trade union movement in The Bahamas and, indeed, the wider Caribbean region, has directly benefitted from the contributions of Leroy ‘Duke’ Hanna ...and the Bahamian labor force is in an enhanced position because of the role that Duke played

Remembering a trade unionist

Dear Editor:

 

It is with profound sorrow and regret that the National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas (NCTUB) learned of the passing of Leroy ‘Duke’ Hanna, the founding president of the NCTUB, past president of the Bahamas Musicians & Entertainers Union (BMEU), former senator and a champion of the trade union movement in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

The trade union movement in The Bahamas and, indeed, the wider Caribbean region, has directly benefitted from the contributions of Leroy ‘Duke’ Hanna and the Bahamian labor force is in an enhanced position because of the role that Duke played.  His contributions to the growth and development of the people of The Bahamas will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of all trade unionists and should be recorded in history of our nation.

From the 1950s, Duke walked alongside the heroes of the modern trade union movement, including the late Sir Clifford in the 1958 General Strike, the late Sir Randol Fawkes in the fight for majority rule and independence, the late Patrick Bain with regards to the integration of the Caribbean Trade Union Movement and the establishment and operation of the NCTUB Labour College. Leroy ‘Duke’ Hanna was in the forefront of the social revolution in our country and his legacy will forever remain burning in the hearts of trade unionists for decades.

Sister Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson, along with her executive board, affiliates and the entire membership of the National Congress of Trade Unions of the Bahamas, extends heartfelt condolences to Duke’s wife Joan, his children and grandchildren, and his extended family, on this sad occasion.  We also wish to express our sincere sympathy to officers and members of the Bahamas Musicians & Entertainers Union as they grieve his passing.  We are mindful of the pain associated with the loss of a loved one and we are comforted with the knowledge that his living was not in vain.

It is our hope that the Almighty God keeps each of you strong as you face the difficult days, weeks, months and years ahead.  Rest assured that the officers and members of the National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas will remember you and your family in prayer.

The trade union movement has lost a great champion and our nation has indeed lost another soldier.  Duke has fought a good fight, he has finished his course, and he has kept the faith.

May his soul rest in peace.

 

– Jennifer Isaacs-Dotson

Aug 23, 2012

thenassauguardian

Caribbean Blog International

Trade Unions and Industrial Disputes in The Bahamas

2003 - A Year of Serious Labour Unrest in The Bahamas

Trade Unions & Industrial Disputes – Part 1

By Apostle Cedric Moss
Nassau, The Bahamas

2003 will probably go down in history as the year with the most serious labour unrest our country has seen in modern times.  While many of the 2003 disputes have been or are being resolved, at the time of this writing (January 1, 2004), the very public contract negotiations dispute between the Bahamas Hotel Catering & Allied Workers Union (BHC) and the Bahamas Hotel Employers Association (BHEA) continue and the end does not seem to be in sight.

Today I offer the first of a two-part commentary on industrial disputes generally and the BHC and BHE dispute specifically.

Prefatory Remarks

I wish I did not have to preface my remarks at all but in an attempt to minimize being misunderstood, I offer the following preface.

First of all, I have not been privy to any aspect of the ongoing negotiations between BHC and BHEA nor am I aware of the points of differences and the reasoning behind the positions held on these points.  Therefore, I do not write in support of either side and as such hold a neutral position.

Concerning trade unions, as a matter of principle, I support them.  My support is not based on the fact that our constitution and laws permit them…I fundamentally support the philosophy of labourers acting corporately to represent their general welfare and interests as a necessary part of the production equation.

Similar to my support for organized labour, I support free enterprise and the right of investors to enjoy the rewards of their entrepreneurship as well as to form associations among themselves to represent their general welfare and interests.

The Greatest Concern

Of all the labour disputes, the dispute between BHC and BHEA is of greatest concern. There is a primary and simple reason for this: Our nation is highly dependent upon tourism as its economic lifeblood.  So we are all affected, perhaps not immediately but certainly inevitably, by how things go in the hospitality industry.  Therefore, the negotiators for both BHC and BHEA must see their stewardship beyond the immediate constituencies they represent and be conscious of the welfare of Bahamians in general as they adopt positions.

The Strike Vote

Recently, BHC members voted to strike but according to press reports, only 17% of the union members eligible to vote actually voted.  Obviously our laws allow for a simple majority of those who vote to determine whether a union will be certified to initiate strike action or not.  In this regard, I do not fault Mr. Pat Bain and his leadership team for using the results of the vote: They have a legal mandate to strike.  However, like many others, while recognizing the legal right to strike, I question whether 17% provides a moral mandate to strike.  In addition, I believe the results raise some other important questions related to the 87% of persons who, for whatever reasons, did not participate in the vote.  Is it that they are contented with their present employment conditions and voted by not voting?  Is it that they are indifferent?

The Infamous Go Slow

I share the view of many that the decision to call for a go-slow during the state visit of President Thabo Embeki was a national embarrassment and poor judgment.  This is not an attack on Mr. Pat Bain and his leadership team; it is just my considered view.  I do not know Mr. Bain other than in the press and he seems to be an intelligent, informed and responsible union leader who is genuinely concerned with the welfare of his members.

However, I believe the now infamous go slow incident raises a fundamental question: Is it fair for employees to intentionally reduce their work productivity and still expect to be paid normal wages based on the usual higher productivity?  The answer of all fair-minded people is a simple but resounding no.  As such I support relevant legislation to outlaw go slows and to make clear the right of employers to cut the pay of employees who intentionally produce less than they have been contracted for and are capable of.  After all, it is only fair.

Preview of Next Week

Join me next week when I will conclude my comments by addressing the practice of sickouts by employees and stalling strategies of employers, among other things.  Until then, best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2004!

Apostle Cedric Moss serves as Senior Pastor at Kingdom Life World Outreach Centre. Commentary and feedback may be directed to: apostle@kingdom-life.org