By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMASAIR executives and representatives of the Public Managers Union (PMU) yesterday signed a five-year industrial agreement aimed at "preserving the dignity and standard of living" for more than 60 middle managers employed by the ailing airline.

Bahamasair Chairman, Valentine Grimes, insisted at a press conference at the company's administrative office, that the deal showed understanding by both parties.

Mr Grimes said that neither side got what they wanted but that both were satisfied with the final agreement.

"My discussions with the managing director and my discussion with the president are that both sides are comfortable, that this is a document and agreement that they can work with and that is what is important in the final analysis," he added.

The bodies have been involved in discussions for nearly a year, working on an agreement that assured Bahamasair middle managers would receive expanded benefits ranging from Christmas bonuses to the establishment of a performance appraisal system in consultation with the union.

Leslie Munnings, the PMU president, admitted that the agreement signed by the two sides "doesn't fix". However, he said it provides a reasonable framework "upon which we can both build".

"When Christmas bonuses are being considered, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. If executives get - middle managers get." 

According to Mr Munnings, gone are the days of "take it or leave it". He added that the communication and understanding used to complete this agreement will be used to develop the next.

The agreement covers industrial operation from 2013 and 2018. It specifies that all bonuses incurred between 2013 and now, valued at almost $400,000, will be paid out in full with in the month.

Bahamasair Managing Director, Henry Woods, said he was extremely pleased to reach a conclusion on the industrial agreement because PMU representatives displayed understanding, maturity and co-operation throughout discussions.

"The contents, the conditions, salaries and conditions reflect consideration for the state of affairs in the country and, by extension, Bahamasair," he said. "Particularly, saying that it was accomplished without intervention on the part of the board of directors or government. This is very rare and I must express my gratitude to president Munnings and his team for being so co-operative with us."

Mr Woods said that throughout negotiations it was "mentioned and agreed that Bahamasair is ill, Bahamasair needs treatment and the consideration given by the Public Managers Union is much appreciated."