By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 100 employees from the Ministry of Works’ Road and Parks division protested in Rawson Square yesterday morning demanding more pay and better equipment.

Several of the angry protestors explained their situation to Prime Minister Perry Christie, who was on his way to a Cabinet meeting, and expressed discontent over what they called the government’s failure to address their concerns.

At one point during the protest the workers started singing that they are “overworked and underpaid”. They also said that their jobs are being out sourced to private contractors.

The protestors also said that they are made to work in unhealthy environments without hazard pay and that they do not have the necessary equipment to do their jobs.

Several people in the crowd chanted “no promises” as the prime minister told reporters his government will immediately seek to gain a better understanding of the protesters’ concerns.

The prime minister has had recent talks with Trade Union Congress leader Obie Ferguson and John Pinder, the leader of the National Congress of Trade Unions, about labour issues.

Mr Christie said the issues raised in yesterday’s protest were not included in recent discussions, but added that the matter could be easily resolved.

“And ordinarily I would’ve anticipated that this matter would’ve been brought to the attention of the government and that the government would’ve addressed the matter. But this is the way they have done it and this is what it will have to be,” the prime minister said.

The demonstration follows a March protest by employees of another department within the Ministry of Works.

Mr Pinder, who is also the leader of the Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU), said while his union did not authorise yesterday’s demonstration, “fed up” workers exercised their constitutional right to express themselves.

Works Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he was made aware on Monday that some workers had frustrations, but did not know the details of their concerns.

“A lot of them have been on (temporary) pay for many years and they want to be made permanent,” Mr Davis said. “That’s an exercise that we’re doing in any event. They’ve been complaining about the conditions under which they work and those conditions have been (around) for a number of years. I’m still trying to get my head wrapped around why they’re here this morning. It really doesn’t help the situation. I thought there have been some constructive discussions within the ministry to try and resolve the issues.”

Mr Davis also confirmed that some of their tasks have been contracted out to private workers.

“The reason why works are being contracted out is because (the workers) are unable to complete the work that they already have there for them,” he said. “There are 900 miles of roads on the islands to be taken care of and 400 persons, just under 400 persons can’t take care of it. We are finding it a bit more efficient to sub-contract persons to take care of it.”

However, the workers claimed the government has failed to act in accordance with their industrial agreement.

Kingsley Ferguson, executive vice-president of the BPSU and an employee of the Roads and Parks area, said workers have been disfranchised.

“There are a number of issues that concern us. Persons have been here 16, 17 years and they’re still weekly paid, unable to get monies for homes and loans,” he said. “We have had general increases over the years and it’s not impacting any of these persons. That’s a major concern for us, so is the health and safety of these individuals. Also, the private contractors are being brought in to do what we do.”

He said workers deserve better salaries.

“We keep this country clean. If we didn’t keep this country clean, it would be chaos for every other Bahamian citizen. We make this country what this is so the tourists could come and enjoy themselves.”

Mr Pinder agreed that the workers deserve a raise.

“These are some of the hardest working people physically in the public service,” Mr Pinder said.

As for discussions with the government over their concerns, Mr Pinder said: “What kinds of results have they been getting? Nothing’s confirmed, nothing concrete. The union doesn’t know what’s going on. We had meetings with the prime minister, but this didn’t come up; I didn’t have the opportunity to discuss this. Fundamental changes are being made to impact people’s lives and they’re not sure of their fate. Dialogue doesn’t mean you made a decision and then you come and tell me. Dictation is not dialogue.”

According to the 2012 Industrial Agreement between the government and the BPSU, increments are awarded to “deserving employees provided their overall performance during each year fully meets the objectives and accomplishments established for the review period and increments are available inter respective scales.”

The agreement also says: “The government undertakes to review in a systematic manner in the regularization of all sundry and general service workers who have been in the employ of the government for a minimum of five years, subject to budgetary constraints.”

As for hazard/risk allowance, the agreement says: “The employer shall in the case of inclement weather or hazardous areas, provide employees who are required to work outdoors in any such condition with the necessary gear. Safety equipment and protective safety clothing shall be provided and maintained when it is deemed necessary by the employer for maintaining the safe and healthy conditions.”

The agreement says hazard allowances are payable at varying rates to persons who work “in or around septic tanks; pits; sewer; at heights of 30 feet or more; with dusty substances; in wet excavations, drains, etc; civilian staff at prison; Gladstone Road Agricultural Centre; Jack-hammer operator.”