By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FRUSTRATED employees of the University of The Bahamas (UB) protested yesterday over mouldy classrooms, poor working conditions, and the university’s failure to carry out a promised salary review.

Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) President Kimsley Ferguson joined staff who demonstrated outside the university. Some employees held signs calling for fair treatment and payment of money owed to them.

Speaking to The Tribune, Mr Ferguson said an industrial agreement covering 2020 to 2024 between UB and the BPSU included a commitment to conduct a salary review for staff. Although both parties signed off on the review, he said the university has failed to uphold its end of the agreement. The review should have been implemented in 2023 and made retroactive to July 1, 2019.

Mr Ferguson claimed that other unions linked to the university, such as the Public Managers Union (PMU) and the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB), have already received their salary reviews. However, BPSU members have not received one since the College of The Bahamas transitioned into a university.

“It's important to have the salaries assessed,” Mr Ferguson said.

Mr Ferguson said he has written to Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis about the matter but has not received a response.

He also criticised Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle for “bragging” about the number of industrial agreements signed without ensuring institutions uphold their terms. He called on her to intervene so UB workers receive their salary review and other benefits owed to them.

Mr Ferguson questioned how UB could seek accreditation while failing to meet local standards for staff welfare.

He claimed employees continue to work in mouldy classrooms and buildings and often struggle to access basic supplies such as tissue and hand sanitiser. He claimed some staff members have been victimised for refusing to work in unsafe conditions.

About 350 UB staff are represented by the BPSU, including security officers, administrative, clerical, and support staff.

Mr Ferguson said UB President Dr Robert Blaine III recently promised to meet with the union regarding the salary review but has not followed up.

University of The Bahamas officials did not respond to requests for comment before press time.