By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The creation of a Bahamian National Productivity Council was yesterday described as "sorely needed" by trade union officials.

A two-day National Tripartite Council Productivity legislation workshop, sponsored by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), was launched yesterday.

Dion Foulkes, minister of labour, said the workshop was designed to give social partners a better understanding of national productivity legislation in the region, and assist in formulating recommendations for the same in the Bahamas.

"The end result is the promulgation and enactment of our own productivity legislation, and the establishment of a Bahamian national productivity council," said Mr Foulkes.

He added that during the workshop, social partners will evaluate the state of productivity in the Bahamas and be given an overview of how productivity councils in Barbados and Jamaica operate.

"In order for the Bahamas to compete in the global arena it is essential that our productivity is increased in both the public and private sectors," said Mr Foulkes.

Peter Goudie, head of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation's (BCCEC) employment and labour division, told Tribune Business: "It is a step forward in making the Bahamas a productive and profitable country to do business, and consequently increase employment numbers, which will assist in reducing crime and poverty in our country."

He added: "Together with the soon-to-be-launched apprenticeship programme, we hope the two initiatives will work hand in hand, and also with the Chamber and Government's plans to assist SMEs. It should also assist in increasing employment and bring much needed investment by both Bahamians and foreigners to our country."

The National Congress of Trade Unions' (NCTU) president, Bernard Evans, commended the Minnis administration for committing to establishfa national productivity council.

"We need to boost productivity levels and propel the Bahamas' economic competitiveness," said Mr Evans. Trade Union Congress general secretary, Tyrone 'Rock' Morris, said a national productivity council is "sorely needed".