By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Union of Teachers (BUT) president Belinda Wilson warned of industrial action if government fails to address concerns over the proposed bi-weekly pay schedule. 

Her latest threat comes amid an ongoing dispute between the government and public servants over the planned shift.

Although Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle recently announced plans to introduce bi-weekly pay early next year, she later said the timeline for implementation had been extended for further consultation after union leaders expressed shock.

 However, in her latest update, Mrs Glover-Rolle emphasised that the postponement does not indicate the government has changed its position.

 She reiterated that the government believes bi-weekly payments will benefit public servants by providing more consistent cash flow between pay periods.

 In a voice note, Ms Wilson said she is still awaiting a response from the Prime Minister regarding concerns about the proposed pay schedule.

 She said she had been informed of a meeting for this week that would proceed without key stakeholders, including herself and Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) president Kimsley Ferguson.

 On Sunday, Mrs Glover-Rolle confirmed plans for a Tuesday meeting and noted that union leaders had been informed but were reportedly unavailable to attend. She indicated uncertainty about whether the Ministry of Finance had issued a response to the requested postponement as the union’s notice of their inability to attend was sent after the close of business on Friday, December 13.

As it was still the weekend, she did not anticipate any reply until the Ministry of Finance reopened on Monday.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis announced plans to introduce bi-weekly payments in June as part of a series of public sector reforms. 

Ms Wilson said many frustrated civil servants had reached out to oppose the plan.

According to the union president, a survey among BUT members revealed that most rejected the proposal to switch from monthly to bi-weekly payments.

She called for action from the “thousands of civil servants” who are against the planned pay proposal.

“I am requesting that you stay tuned for further information in the new year 2025,” she said. “If this matter is not satisfactorily addressed and resolved in a timely manner, you will be called upon to stand. It is time to stand.”

In response, Mrs Glover-Rolle said she was unaware of the “thousands of public servants” that Ms Wilson claims reject bi-weekly payments.

However, she added: “If that is the verifiable facts, I am certain that the government will be prepared to comply with the public servants wishes.”