By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

MEMBERS of the Bahamas Customs Immigration and Allied Workers Union (BCIAWU) will take a strike vote on Friday to decide if they will strike to protest the government’s “failure” to address their concerns.

Union vice-president Sloane Smith yesterday said there is widespread agreement among union members to strike because after the union filed a trade dispute against the government last October concerning the same issues that have led them to now schedule a strike vote, the government has merely provided excuses for why their issues cannot be resolved in their favour.

“The dispute dealt with medical coverage for non-uniformed staff, payment of all utilities for persons on transfer and transportation allowances of persons required to travel distances other than their office,” Mr Smith said.

He explained that uniformed workers in the Customs and Immigration departments have medical insurance, but the departments’ 300 non-uniformed workers – including secretaries and file clerks – do not have medical coverage.

Some of these non-uniformed workers, he added, have been working in their departments for more than 10 years.

Winfred Lynden, a union trustee, added that the morale of union members is “six feet below the ground.”

“Workers feel this is a government that doesn’t care at all about them,” she said. “Perry Christie and his government care about investments, but they are not investing in the people of this country that makes this country what it is.”

Mr Smith said union members have several other pressing concerns that the government must address.

These include, he said, “the unholy length of time taken to promote workers in both agencies.”

“Many have worked and earned that right to a promotion,” he said, adding: “We encourage the government to promote according to the rules of justice and equity.”

He continued: “Based upon numerous complaints of ill health reaching the union, the union now demands that the Occupational Health and Safety Standards be vigorously enforced in respect of workers in the CA Smith complex in Freeport, Grand Bahama. We are requesting that an urgent investigation be conducted, inclusive of an independent body with observers, to ensure the safety and security of workers, who appear to be working in a very hazardous environment – demonstrated by the removal of Ministry of Health some months ago.”

He also asked that the government give “resources and benefits that lend to enhance workers’ morale and productivity.”