OUTRAGE over the staff shake-up at ZNS has reportedly reached a new pitch with the revelation that hirees include relatives of a Cabinet minister and a senior executive appointed by the PLP.

This follows claims that seasoned journalists were reassigned, allegedly because of their political leanings, to make way for a number of PLP supporters and operatives.

When asked about the two new employees, ZNS chairman Rev Dr William Thompson would neither confirm or deny the reports.

He said: “I think it’s best for you to call the human resource people on that. I don’t want to get into this. Contact the human resource department and they’ll be able to answer any questions you want.”

Meanwhile, according to inside sources, ZNS staff let the senior management know exactly how they feel about the changes last week.

One source said: “As you know, the sales department conducted their own 
sick-out last week. Well, the rumblings have gotten even louder in other areas.”

The source said staff put questions to the executives at a meeting, but were not satisfied with the answers.

“Staff were candid about all the new and returning employees while people on the inside are being overlooked, in the way of upward mobility and salary increases.

“Staff asked for an explanation for hiring a bunch of less experienced people in news, while getting rid of more experienced staff.

“The answer was, they’re looking for the best around the country – at which point the staff all burst out laughing.

“One asked, ‘How the hell could you tell the staff you have no money, yet hire all these people and bring them in at senior posts and big salaries?’ The answer was something about how you have to spend money to make money,” the source said. “Staff have now asked the union what’s next, as even more people line up to get hired.”

However, the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU) has continued to maintain its silence on the progress of talks with ZNS management.

The union became involved after members officially complained that the changes were politically motivated and amounted to “victimisation”.

When union president Bernard Evans was contacted for an update he promised to call back, but never did.