UPDATED: Prime Minister Philip Davis has called a threatened national strike "unlawful". 

Mr Davis said the action had been announced by Trade Union Congress leader Obie Ferguson, adding: "It seems to me that in the face of this threat to break the law, the government must act."

Mr Davis said there had been days of trying to reach Mr Ferguson by phone and said it was curious to him that after "his apparent refusal to answer his phone, he now publishes a voice note saying with the untruth that my government has not sought to resolve problems". 

The prime minister said he had a meeting agreed on Monday at 2pm and asked "is it not in bad faith to agree to meet then tell his members to go on strike?". 

Mr Davis asked why the head of the TUC would "want to inflict harm on the nation when the problems can be solved by discussions". 

He added: "We must and will make every reasonable, fair and rational effort to provide proper health care and save our economy with the movement of visitors, residents, and products entering and exiting our islands with the controls of Customs and Immigration. We value all other civil servants seeking some level of negotiated resolve."

EARLIER: The government has called for continued negotiation amid reports of a possible "imminent" national strike. 

Minister of Labour Pia Glover-Rolle issued a statement on Sunday, saying: "In anticipation of an imminent strike, the relevant government ministries have been notified and advised to prepare for potential disruptions.  

"In the meantime, the Davis Administration remains actively engaged in addressing labour issues through open and constructive dialogue and proactive action."

The minister detailed discussions with union chiefs, saying the prime minister had reached out to Obie Ferguson and other leaders, "ensuring that every concern is given time and attention", and adding that discussions were ongoing and "there is an agreed timeline to resolve the majority of these issues by the end of this month". 

The minister denied there had been any breakdown in communication, and asked "what is the objective of a national strike when union leaders already have the ear and full attention of the government?".

She called on people to "continue to cooperate, negotiate and compromise for the benefit of Bahamian workers". 

Meanwhile, the Public Hospitals Authority issued a statement saying that it has "activated its contingency plans in preparation for potential industrial action scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025, which may impact services across its facilities. The authority remains committed to ensuring that patients requiring urgent and acute care continue to receive essential services."

The authority said patients with non-urgent outpatient clinic appointments at PHA clinics may be rescheduled as staff may be reassigned "to meet the needs of admitted and acute care patients".

The PHA said patients whose appointments are affected will be contacted with new appointment dates and times.                                    

UPDATE: The Ministry of Health and Wellness has also issued a statement warning of the possible impact of industrial action "expected to commence on Monday 13th of January through to the 14th of January 2025". 

The ministry said: "Emergency and essential services at the Princess Margarate Hospital, Rand Memorial Hospital and Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre as well as clinics across the country may potentially be impacted by the union action and services in particular at clinics delayed as a result of minimised numbers of health care team members reporting for duty. In the event of industrial action, opportunities to reschedule clinic appointments will be undertaken with the strictest of care to sensitivity and on a case-by-case basis."