In response to the withdrawal of labor of the members of The Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU), The Bahamas Electricity Corporation advises its customers in New Providence and the Family Islands that it has contingency measures in place to ensure that any action on the part of the union does not severely impact the Corporation’s operations.
BEC further informs the public that the action of the junior employees of the Corporation is illegal and; therefore, in breach of the industrial relations agreement and is in direct contravention of the labor laws of The Bahamas.
The Corporation encourages the BEWU that, as with any employee related matter, to employ all legitimate and legal recourse afforded to them through the industrial agreement and the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Although there are instances when the Corporation and the union may disagree on certain matters, at all times BEC encourages the union to ensure that any action they may be considering is not to the detriment of BEC’s customers and by extension the entire country.
Finally, BEC reiterates its commitment to working with the BEWU, or any union, in the best interest of its employees, its customers, and the Corporation.
UPDATE: Police were reportedly called to BEC’s head office when workers demonstrating outside banged on customers’ cars as they attempted to enter the building.
BEC workers staged a second day of demonstrations this morning by walking off their jobs at the corporation’s head office on Blue Hill Road.
The workers blocked the gate at the headquarters, not allowing customers to enter the building.
BEWU president Stephano Greene said he does not support sabotage, but insisted that if the electrical supplies to the island were disrupted workers will not turn it back on.
