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National Congress of Trade Unions Bahamas

Volume 3

Happy Easter

March, 2013

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Industrial Relations Deteriorate at BEC Believe in Bahamians? Top 6 reasons why people hate their bosses International Womens Day Ministers Message, Intl .Womens Day Economic Empowerment for Women BPSU hosts Shop Steward Workshop Upcoming Child Protection Month Educating Bahamians, a Priority? Oh, lets do it again says BHCAWU AIDS Foundation Outreach Mission BPSU Officers attend Conference Health & Wellness Corner BPSU Whist Tournament Report Child Abuse Flier Useful Links Pg. 2 Pg. 3 Pg. 6 Pg. 7 Pg. 8 Pg. 10 Pg. 11 Pg. 12 Pg. 13 Pg. 20 Pg. 22 Pg. 23 Pg. 24 Pg. 25 Pg,26 Pg.27

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Bahamas Electrical Workers Union Official Press Statement March 11, 2013
It is shocking to see the total disregard that Mr. Miller, Executive Chairman of BEC has for Good Industrial Relations or adherence to terms and conditions of employment as outlined in the BEWU/ BEC Industrial Agreement which must be discussed, consulted on, negotiated and agreed to by the Union, the Corporation and the Government. The Executive Chairman must be made to understand that he cannot unilaterally change or vary the terms and conditions of employment of any employee without agreement by the Union. On Thursday March 7, 2013 the Union was advised that Mr. Miller met with managers at BEC and instructed them to implement rostering throughout the Corporation knowing that the Union and BEC have not come to an agreement on rostering within the Corporation; and knowing that we are still at the negotiation table discussing BEC's proposed rostering. The BEWU is extremely concerned by the total lack of respect shown by the Executive Chairman, of BEC, towards the workers of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, and towards workers throughout this entire country and the region with the actions taken by him to instruct managers of BEC to directly violate the current Industrial Agreement between the BEWU/ BEC. We must advise that this action cannot and will not be accepted and we will not allow Mr. Miller to violate our fundamental rights as Bahamians, Workers and employees in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.
Hon. Leslie Miller Executive Chairman, BEC

Information submitted by Stephano Greene President, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union

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Photo from www.bahamasuncensored.com

During the privatization of BTC (Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation), members of the then Opposition, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), stood in solidarity with trade unionist against the privatization of BTC to Cable and Wireless. Today, the PLP is in opposition to the Bahamian workers at BEC (Bahamas Electricity Corporation). The Executive Chairman, Mr. Leslie Miller has been contemptuous and disrespectful to the members of the BEWU (Bahamas Electrical Workers Union) and the BEUMU (Bahamas Electrical Utilities Managerial Union).
Photo from www.bahamasuncensored.com

Rather than sitting down and rationally discussing the issues with the Unions, Mr. Miller has used his considerable influence to sour the Bahamian people against these members. Cognizant of the fact that the cost of electricity is a vexing problem, and many people are out of work and suffering financially, the executive chairman has given them a target for their frustration, the workers. Mr. Miller has blamed the workers for their high electricity bills and has publicly made disparaging remarks against them during his tirades in the media. His relentless onslaught has ensured that the unions will not receive the same passionate support from the public that BCPOU and BCMU enjoyed during the privatization of BTC, making them a softer target in the event the unions resist the privatization of BEC. One would guess it is only politically advantageous to support workers when one is in opposition, but, when one is

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the government, the concern and goodwill dissipates. Nevertheless, while politicians have the option of switching their support depending on which side of the isle they sit in Parliament, workers have one option, SOLIDARITY! The battle that is being waged against the membership of BEWU and BEUMU, in the opinion of many trade unionists, is the first step in a well orchestrated plan to privatize all public corporations in the Bahamas. The Union has not taken a position against the possible privatization of BEC, but takes grave exception to the vilification of unions in the name of political expedience. Community activist, Rodney Moncurs placard during the BTC demonstration was prophetic, the difference is, BTC was privatized against the will of Bahamians, but if or when the Government dispenses with BEC, it will not only do so with the support of the Bahamian people, but it will do so amidst cheers and jubilation thanks to Leslie Miller.

Community Activist Rodney Moncur and the Workers Party demonstrate against the privatization of BTC

Photo from www.bahamasuncensored.com

Photo from www.bahamasuncensored.com

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ZNS STATEMENT FROM THE PLP

PLP and Opposition Leader Perry Christie held a news conference at the House of Assembly on Tuesday 19th October on the dismissals at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas. Mr. Christie and the Party condemned the government for the "callous and heartless manner in which (they) treated the long serving staff of the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas". "This government", said the PLP, "continues to demonstrate an uncanny lack of respect for ordinary working Bahamians, a commitment for putting things before the welfare of people, and placing the desires and ambitions of special interests above the needs of the many."

Photos and statement from www.bahamasuncensored.com

Hon. Perry G. Christie Leader of the Opposition addresses the media

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Is your boss a bully, a liar, or simply clueless? Occasionally, we find interesting research...the following article by Ronald E. Riggio, Ph.D. in Cutting-Edge Leadership fits into Lighthouse Leaderships observations, so we wanted to share. Research on leadership and management has focused on best practices - what makes a leader exemplary. Unfortunately, many of us work for bosses who fall far short of the "leader" label. In fact, it has been suggested by psychologists Robert Hogan and Robert Kaiser that the majority of bosses are incompetent, primarily due to poor selection practices - the wrong people get to be bosses. Here's 6 reasons why bosses fail. 1. Doesn't Treat Employees Like Human Beings. The most hated bosses view employees as a means to an end. Bad bosses neglect employees' feelings and concerns, and never get to know employees on any sort of personal level. Has Completely Unrealistic Expectations. Some bosses believe that workers should be completely dedicated to their jobs, working 24/7 for the company, and reaching extraordinary levels of performance. The problem is, however, that the boss does nothing to build employee dedication, and rarely shows appreciation (or appropriate compensation/rewards) for employees' extraordinary efforts. Fails to See His/Her Own Shortcomings. Many upper-level leaders are narcissistic (they didn't get ahead by being shrinking violets). The most hated bosses are poor role models and they fail to own up to their own shortcomings or the mistakes that they make. Punishes First and Asks Questions Later. Punitive bosses are the very worst. They fly off the handle and start pointing figures when something goes wrong, instead of calmly analyzing the issue and fixing it. Is a Bully. Bully bosses pick out specific employees for cruel and unusual punishment and enjoy badgering and bullying these targeted employees, and justify their bad behavior by saying they are "making an example" of the individual in an effort to keep everyone in line. Is Dishonest and Inauthentic. A boss who lies, takes credit for others' work, and who "cooks the books" is always a disaster. However, two-faced bosses can be just as bad. Some of the most hated bosses appear honest, forthright, and fair, but will stab you in the back or throw you under the bus at a moment's notice.

2.

3. 4. 5.

6.

You may be fortunate and your boss is a gem. Or maybe you're an aspiring leader and understanding these flaws can help you avoid these fatal pitfalls. Elegant Courage, ~Mike and Jodi
Reprinted with permission from Lighthouse Leadership www.lighthouseleadership.com

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On Friday 8th March, 2013 the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development and the Bureau of Womens Affairs celebrated International Womens Day under the theme, Lets End GenderBased Violence at Saint Josephs Church Parish Hall.

Theresa Mortimer, 1st Vice President, NCTUB leads discussion

St. Johns College participates in International Womens Day

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Message from The Hon. Melanie S. Griffin, M.P., Minister of Social Services and Community Development on the Occasion of International Womens Day My fellow Bahamians, today, The Bahamians joins with other member countries of the United Nations in celebrating International Womens Day, which is held annually on March 8 to celebrate womens achievements throughout history and across nations. It is also know as the United Nations (UN) Day for Womens Rights and International Peace. The official United Nations theme for the celebration this year is A promise is a promise. Time for action to end violence against women. The observance of International Womens Day coincides with the Fifty-Seventh Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status on Women, which began on March 4, 2013. It was my privilege to lead The Bahamian Delegation to the first week of the session which also focused violence and indeed the priority theme for the Session is elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls. I had the opportunity to share some of the actions we have taken and continue to take to address this global phenomenon which threatens womens survival, economic empowerment and social development.

Hon. Melanie S. Griffin, M.P. Minister of Social Services and Community Development

These include the education of our population in particular young women and girls on healthy relationships and that no form of violence perpetrated against them is acceptable and the importance of involving men and boys in the formulation and implementation of policies geared towards the elimination and prevention of violence against women and girls. In this regard, the Bureau of Womens Affairs of my Ministry in partnering with the local chapter of the Caribbean Male Action Network (CariMAN) to create a network of men who will become advocates for change in their local communities for the prevention of violence against women. As a part of our local observance of International Womens day, we will in New Providence convene a Forum on

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gender based violence by bringing together women, men and young people to dialogue and make recommendations in the furtherance of ending gender-based violence in our country . In Grand Bahama, we are supporting the Join Me On The Bridge event, which is being organized by the community of non-governmental organizations. I implore all Bahamians to support these activities and the work of my Ministry as we seek to tackle this most vexing issue. I also implore you to let your voices be heard as we join forces to end gender-based violence.

Minister Griffin signing Peace Banner at Join Me On the Bridge event in Grand Bahama in observance of International Women's Day

Lillian QuantForbes Assistant Director Dept. of Social Services

Hon. Melanie Griffin Minister Ministry of Social Services & Community Development

John Curtis BPSU Vice President Northern Region

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Unemployment and underemployment lies at the core of poverty. For the poor, labour is often the only asset they can use to improve their well-being. Hence the creation of productive employment opportunities is essential for achieving poverty reduction and sustainable economic and social development. It is crucial to provide decent jobs that both secure income and empowerment for the poor, especially women and younger people
Poverty, Social Development Division Department of economic and Social Affairs United Nations

In her International Womens Day message, the Hon. Melanie Griffin spoke of the action her Ministry take and continue to take to address this global phenomenon which threatens womens survival, economic empowerment and social development. We at Workers Voice applaud her efforts, but encourage her to address some of the inconsistencies within the Department of Social Services. If Minister Griffin is truly serious about the economic empowerment of women, she should seek to address the economic challenges among her staff. A staff were nearly half are temporary and raising their families on minimum wage. A staff where many have gone for years without promotion, and opportunities for advancement seems slow. She would seek to work with her staff to improve the outlook for the profession of social work, which remains the lowest paid profession. She would make a Hon. Melanie Griffin greater effort to improve the working conditions of staff especially those Minister of Social Services & Community Development at the Clarence Bain Building where the air-conditioning system is unreliable and the bathrooms routinely malfunctions and management is reluctant to allow its female staff to go home. Minister Griffin must be encouraged in her efforts to protect women and children, but the rancid conditions of her staff must be addressed. Since her return, Mrs. Griffin has spoken of the challenges, and the need to address the long outstanding issues at Social Services, there have been endless meetings, a plethora of promises, but no resolution. What the staff awaits are the promotions, the appointments to the public service, the overdue career path and equitable treatment and opportunity similar to those afforded other sectors within the service. Enough promises!

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The Bahamas Public Services Union (BPSU) in conjunction with the BPSU Majestic Marlins Toastmasters Club #1360933 hosted a shop stewards workshop on Thursday, 14th March, 2013. Speakers included Mr. Rodney Moncur, Community Activist and Mr. Ivan Thompson, Distinguished Toastmaster and Director of the Technical Cadet Programme. Toastmasters Merrell Barnett, Glen Manson and Quentin Munnings also presented. Mr. Moncur reminded shop stewards that as the eyes and ears of the union, they ought to have genuine love and concern for the welfare of the members. He encouraged stewards to study, so that they would be knowledgeable to their responsibilities as well as the contracts and policies pertinent to their workplace as well as the law. Take the time to listen member concerns, and ask question so that you understand clearly what is being asked and are able to make rational and intelligent decisions. And above all, Mr. Moncur encouraged shop stewards to be committed, not only to the members they pledge to serve, but all workers who may ask or need their advice or guidance. Mr. Ivan Thompson is a veteran public officer, and stated that the key to the success of any organization is leadership, as the organization takes on the spirit of its leader. The way that individual governs, determines the success or failure of that department. As leaders, shop steward need to understand the important of communicate clearly, manage resources effectively and completing assigned task. To be knowledgeable about the rules that govern us and cognizant of our rights as union representatives and employees. Above all he stated, not to allow anyone to discourage you.

TM Quentin Munnings

Rodney Moncur Community Activist

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The Ministry of Social Services and Community Development in conjunction with the National Child Protection Council has designated April as Child Protection Month, this years theme is:

Protecting Children in a Changing World Together, We Can: Guide, Provide, Protect.

Throughout the month, the Department in conjunction with the National Child Protection Council have scheduled a variety of activities to focus the nations attention on the importance of protecting children from child abuse. Some of the activities include:
DATE 5th April 6th & 7th April 8th April April 9th & 10th 15th April 16th April 17th April TIME 10:00a.m.1:00p.m. 11:00a.m. ACTIVITY Fun Day for Child Care Institutions Blue Ribbon Saturday and Sunday LOCATION Elizabeth Estates Childrens Home All Churches throughout the Bahamas

1:00 p.m. TBA 10:00 a.m. 6:00p.m.8:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00p.m.

Say No, Then Go I Gat a Right Seminar Annual Child Protection Service Town Meeting on Parenting with Dignity I Gat a Right Seminar

School for the Blind, Mackey Street Abaco Southwest Church of God Cathedral TBA Marios Bowling and Family Entertainment Palace, Tonique Williams-Darling Highway Various Institutions Eleuthera

26th April 25th & 26th April 29th & 30th April

All Day TBA

Tee Shirt Day I Gat a Right Seminar

9:00a.m.2:00p.m.

National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect

Evangelistic Temple

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The following press statements were issued at the press conference for all major stakeholder at the College of the Bahamas (C.O.B.): BPSU COBUS PMU UTEB MARCH 10, 2013

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COLLEGE OF THE BAHAMAS UNION OF STUDENTS

2ND FLOOR, STUDENT UNION BUILDING OAKES FIELD CAMPUS P. O. BOX N-4912 NASSAU, BAHAMAS 242-302-4562 (TEL) 242-302-4539 (FAX) cobus2012@hotmail.com cobus@cobmail.cob.edu.bs www.cobus242.com

COBUS Press Statement March 10, 2013

In late December 2012, the Ministry of Finance informed all public corporations and statutory entities that in light of the current economic situation and associated fiscal burden, they were to submit a financial plan to the government for the implementation of a reduction in their subsidies to them by initial 10 per cent reduction taking effect in the 2013/2014 fiscal year, and an increased reduction to 25 per cent in total by the 2014/2015 fiscal year, including the College of the Bahamas. As a result, COB Senior Administration presented their recommendations to the College Council on February 12 th, 2013 to increase student tuition by $25.00 per credit per year for 2 years, to align contact hours with credit hours with no regard to the implications this may have, to orchestrate a discontinuation of programmes with national agenda, and to instill a moratorium (suspension) on new programmes without research and data, among other things. Since COBUS move to engage college stakeholders, government representatives, & college administration personnel in productive dialogue and educate the Bahamian people concerning these issues as well, the Minister of State for Finance, the Minister of Financial Services, and the Minister of Education, Science & Technology have each articulated several different perspectives on the same matter. We even have a College President who thinks that it is wonderful that these things are being interpreted differently. Along with an entire Senior Administration who have acquiesced the College Presidents every misguided decision, she feels that we should celebrate these differing perspectives that have caused much confusion among the college community and the general public. To even exacerbate this further, just recently, the Prime Minister claimed that there was no proposed budget cuts as far as he was aware and that there was no intention on his administrations part to compromise education. In all of this, we recognize that something is truly wrong. From our collective viewpoint, the demand for the budget reviews and subvention cuts went to all government agencies &public institutions without the Government fulfilling its promise of a public cost-benefit analysis of the educational system. The research and logistics necessary to inform the decision of budget cuts for all government and public agencies has yet to be seen by the public as well. The COB President and her Senior Administrations proposal to help the College weather the budget cut, particularly the tuition hike & other recommendations, were presented to the Colleges supreme decision-making body without research, complete inclusion, or all of the information necessary & suggestions from entities made. We also know of no measures being put in place to review government bodies specific to their culture and financials, the COB Budget still has yet to be made public, & the financials of the College have yet to be scrutinized by all parties on campus.

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However, we are receiving answers that highlight confused responses and illusory denotations: we have answers that address 'budget and not subvention, that do not see Education as essential; that request a 25% subvention reduction to be achieved without any reduction in quality and level of services to the public or any forced re-

duction in headcount and should cover direct cash transfer (recurrent and capital) and tax deferments your organization is now receiving in writing, but say that it means to submit a financial plan on how to be self sufficient & to cut down on extraneous costs, particularly tightening the expenditure processes of utilities like renting, travelling, lighting, cell phones, leasing, and others orally; that promise to abide by the principles of effective leadership, good governance, and a motto like Knowledge, Truth and Integrity but fail to show it; and that corruptively, vindictively, & dishonestly threaten disciplinary action for the sharing of information which involves stakeholders. However, while both Government officials and COB Senior Administrators continue to enjoy their 5 & 6 digit salaries, travel across the world on the money of the taxpayers, and speak around this vexing issue, the approximate 5,000 count student population are still shuddering from the impending tuition hike that would evidently separate many of them from realizing their dream of completing their tertiary degrees, as well as the doubts and uncertainty over the availability of scholarships & other programs for them. Not only that, but over 300+ faculty members are still unsure of how their course loads would be affected, & 400+ staff and middle managers have yet to hear how it would affect them either. From all that has been said, we as College stakeholders have had to sit back and ask the question: what are we to you, our leaders? As partakers, wheel-turners, and advocates of higher education across all boarders, why arent we being given the due respect & consideration we deserve? Why are our voices being met with confused responses, indirect statements, and no replies to letters, calls and emails? As the stakeholders of COB, Senior Administration should be including & consulting us on all decision-making matters, believing and investing in our worth and value, remaining responsible, transparent, and accountable to us & the general public, encouraging healthy debate and discussion, and remaining centered on us as we continue to be centered on the benefit of the College as a whole. As the leading public tertiary institution in the Caribbean, our Government & our College Administration should be seeking our informed, professional, and experienced intelligence & advice on any and all matters of national and local matters as opposed to foreign guidance. As the leader in producing top-quality employers within the Country, our Government should be investing hundreds of millions of dollars of subventions in the work done at COB, not cutting it. And as the reason why COB remains open, we as students should not be negatively charged for the misguided decisions of others or the visionless perspectives of outsiders. We encourage our leaders, both in the Government of the Bahamas and the Senior Administration, to explore and to garner avenues of cost-savings, revenue generation, and Bahamian-inhabitant investment. We pivot for leadership and governance on the principles of vision, collaboration, inclusion, transparency, accountability, teamwork, proactivity, human investment and relations, among others. We call for the truth. We petition for the sustainment and eventual increase of the Governments investments in the subvention & scholarships of COB & education across all borders in the country. And we strongly request the freeze on the current tuition until the College transitions to University status, the investment and advancement of programmes at COB, & the repair and improvement of infrastructural, academic, systemic, philosophical, athletic, technological, and service problems presently faced at the College of the Bahamas.

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The Union of Tertiary Educators of the Bahamas (UTEB) Stakeholders Press Conference March 10, 2013
TODAY we are here for a very serious reason. We are here to save our college. And Today we are here in a show of support for and solidarity with the brave student body of the College of the Bahamas and the President and Executives of COBUS for the actions that they have taken to protect the future of higher education from shortsightedness. We applaud them for their bravery and the nation should be proud of their efforts to bring about some sort of accountability in this institution, but and their efforts to also hold our national leaders accountable, particularly for promises they make, either in truth or in haste. More of this is needed in our country today, and I hope that the actions that these young people have taken today are only the start to a more promising tomorrow. It makes me proud to be able to say this, as their courage, their seeking of the truth, their courage to stand up for right and to demand their place at the decision making table is a direct result of the work we do her at the college. and it makes me happy to see them recognize that standing up for your rights is a responsibility and obligation we as citizens must have. And it is it appears a lifelong challenge For almost half of a decade, individually, and less so collectively, we - the faculty, staff, middle managers, and students at the College of The Bahamas - have expressed our concerns about the slowly deteriorating state of affairs at the national institution. We have expressed our concern at the quality of leadership that has come and gone in the College. We have publically expressed our concern over the lack of transparency and accountability in matters related to fiscal prudence and responsibility by the leadership at the College; and we have repeatedly expressed our concern over the inability of the past and present Colleges leadership team to devise and implement a vision plan that will lead us, progressively, to our intended goal as a national institution on the verge of becoming The University of The Bahamas. The decision of the Chairman of the College Council and the Ministry of Education to invest in a University Transition Team that is separate and apart from the President and her senior administrative team to create and articulate the vision and mission of the University of the Bahamas suggests, in some ways, the lack of confidence that the two bodies have in this present administrations abilities as well. For the most part, the style of leadership at the institution has been more about control of individuals than about service to individuals; it has been more about exerting power over individuals, as opposed to empowerment of individuals; the style of management has been more about manipulating individuals than about inspiring individuals; the style of leadership has been more about oppressing as opposed to uplifting, and as a result, the overall growth and progress of the publically funded institution has primarily been stagnated. More direct and to the point, as a result of the crisis in leadership, the College of The Bahamas itself is in crisis. This crisis is made even more noticeable as a result of the Governments proposed plans to cut its subvention to the College and President and Senior administrators lack of foresight in anticipating and planning for such an occurrence despite past indicators that such an event was looming. On February 8th, the President of the College, along with her senior team, held a special call meeting with Un-

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ion representatives to discuss the present fiscal crisis, asking for their suggestive input. At the time, the Union representatives suggested some cost cutting measures that the President could consider, but at the same time, they made it clear to the President that they could not make any informed decisions without current financial information, particularly spending habits and trends. On February 12 th, when the President met with the student body, the President of the student Union also made the same request of the College President. Further to our meetings with the President on February 8 th and 12th, the College of the Bahamas Union of Students (COBUS), the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas (UTEB), the Public Managers Union (PMU), and the Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) jointly sent a letter signed by all to the President of the College making a formal request for the following documents: 1. The College's budgets for the last three years (2010-2011, 2011-2012 & 2012-2013) 2. Details of revenue and expenditures for the last three years (the same as above) 3. The proposed College of The Bahamas Budget for 2013-2014 4. Projected revenue and expenditures for the next three years (2013-2014, 2014-2015 & 20152016) 5. The key development priorities, including executive appointments, for the College's advancement for the academic years 2013-2014, 2014-2015 & 2015-2016 In light of the proposed subvention cuts and a request by the President for all stakeholders to become more active participants in the deciding the future direction of the College, we noted in our letter to the President that we would not be able to realistically make helpful, informed decisions and suggestions and take seriously the collective need for fiscal prudence without this information being made available to us. But once again, other than the staged gestures of interest on the 8 th and 12th of February, this President or her administrative team have shown no interest in the kind of genuine cooperation with stakeholders that would warrant them being truthful, open, and transparent. Up to now, neither the President nor any member of her senior team has made any of these basic financial documents available to us, despite these being documents which should be public information in the first place. We have since sent a letter to the Chairman of The College Council expressing our concern over the lack of leadership, the lack of transparency and accountability within the College, and the lack of visionary guidance which characterizes the present leadership at the College. Collectively, we and many in our units, recognize that the President and the senior administrators who presently make up her team are not prepared to do what is truthful, expedient, necessary, and fiscally responsible to lead the College into the next phase of its evolution to The University of the Bahamas, and we have expressed our lack of confidence in the this administration to the College Council. In the interest of protecting the future of the College, we requested a meeting with the College Council to discuss these matters and the seeming lack of confusion over the governments planed cuts to the College. We are sadly disappointed in the Council Chairman as he has not seen fit to respond in one way or the other - to this urgent request made by the constituents whose interests we were made believe he is here to serve and protect.

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The Bahamas Public Services Union Stakeholders Press Conference March 10, 2013
The Bahamas Public Services Union would also like to respectfully congratulate the young men and women of the College of the Bahamas, particularly the leaders of the student Union, for their stance against the Governments efforts without stakeholder consultation - to cut funding to the public institution. As a result of your actions, the nation is now beginning to understand the significance and importance of higher education and bright minds such as yours to the evolution of our society into one that is built upon the principles of truth, honesty, integrity, transparency, and accountability For those who think this budgetary crisis and the proposed subvention cuts by Government is the cause of the present crisis that has galvanized the stakeholders of the college community, I would want to say that this current financial crisis is, unfortunately, just the latest in a string of arbitrary crippling, harmful administrative practices and irresponsible leadership decisions that has destroyed the moral of most working at and attending the College of the Bahamas. Not only is the moral of faculty, staff, and middle managers low because to date all three are without signed Agreements with the College, it is also low because they are forced to watch this college administration as it recklessly squanders and abuse college resources financial and otherwise on administrative appointments and acquisitions that obviously have not improved or substantively advanced operating systems within the institution. Staff major concerns are:

COB did not offer BPSU a counter proposal in order to start negotiations. The Industrial Agreement expired in 2009 and we have been in negotiations for the last three years. In the ongoing negotiations they have only completed fifty-one (51) Articles. The staff is seeing their benefits disappear. COB financial proposal is unacceptable to staff. The recent Promotions exercise completed was a fiasco, when they were finally done more than 50% of the staff who were recommended did not get promoted

A comprehensive salary review exercise must be done and implemented. In the midst of the confusion that is being created here at the institution, staff, students, faculty, and middle managers feel as if they have been left to fend for themselves. With the College Council and College administration silent on the mounting issues, many are wondering if leadership is on vacation or in hiding.

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The Public Managers Union (PMU) Stakeholders Press Conference March 10, 2013
The Public Managers Union too wishes to commend COBUS for recognizing the danger that the Governments proposed subvention cuts to the College of the Bahamas would have on the immediate future of higher education in the Bahamas. Like the Presidents of COBUS and UTEB, the PMU find the current state of affairs confusing. The Public Managers Union is disappointed that the Council Chairman has seemingly disregarded the request of this collective body to meet and discuss the future of COB. As a part of the College community, we were initially invited by the President (on February 8 th, 2013) to assist in helping to dig the institution out of a financial bind and thought the Presidents gesture was sincere. In that same meeting the President suggested that the last audited statement for the College was completed in 2010. We asked for a copy of this budget to be forwarded to the stakeholders present at the meeting, but this request remains outstanding. Lack of Audited Financial Statements We find it troubling that the President would seek our assistance in the resource management of the institution without providing us with the necessary data to allow for informed discussions. We also find it troubling on so many levels that the College only have audited financial statements prior to 2010. That leaves us to wonder how this administration will be able to make informed decision on the management of the College based on financial information that is three years out of date. It is inconceivable that this administration can submit accurate and beneficial projections for the Government 2013/14 Budget if it does not know its current spending and revenue trends; likewise, the College will not be able to rightfully determine where prudent measures can be taken in the best interest of cost savings and efficiency - if it only has audited financial statements up to 2010. It is almost impossible for the college to operate and/or plan without current financial data. If this is in fact true, we would like to know how long has this been going on? Lack of Vice-President of Finance It is also troubling to us that, at such a time, there is no current Vice-President of Finance at the institution to oversee the financial management of the College, leaving the President now with sole responsibility for the Finance Department of the institution. We ask the College Council to move quickly to resolve this matter, as it not only appears to be a conflict of interest for the President, but without the proper systems of checks and balances, it could leave the College open to compromise and future financial misgivings. The President and her senior administration have a responsibility to formulate the vision and mission of the College through the implementation of effective and efficient management and administration of Colleges resources. The failure of this administration to be current with its budgets, have current details of its revenue and expenditures and projected revenue and expenditures for the next three years, and more importantly, be able to articulate clearly key developmental priorities for the Colleges advancement over the next three years represents a failure by this administration to carry out its duties and responsibilities to the College students, faculty, staff, middle managers, and the general Bahamian public. Silence from College Council To date, there has been no word from the College Council on this or any matter at the College.

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At times the air waves exploded with accusations and innuendoes, with the various teams dominating the talk shows. There were also heated exchanges between supporters of the various groups, with the general public weighing in, and the question which loomed was, can she do it again? Could Nicole Martin hold on to her presidency given the massive downsizing and cutbacks throughout the industry. To add to her woes, at the height of the campaign, 140 workers were laid off from the Whyndham Hotel. There was no doubt that hoteliers were hard hit by the economic crisis leaving many to wonder if the vivacious young president could surmount such challenges, but on the 26th February, 2013, the members of the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) returned Nicole Martin and the entire A Team to office.

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Melony Munnings, Treasurer, NCTUB along with volunteers, AIDS Foundation

On March 2, 2013, The AIDS Foundation of the Bahamas assisted the Red Cross by providing a booth at the Annual Red Cross Fair. Despite the inclement weather, volunteers of the Foundation were assisted by the National Congress of Trade Unions of the Bahamas (NCTUB) in their efforts to stop the spread of AIDS by providing information on testing, treatment and prevention. The Foundations Mission is zero AIDS related deaths.

At the fair, pamphlets, condoms and other paraphernalia with the branding Condomize were distribute. A wide cross-section of persons visited the booth to ask questions, receive handouts and collect condoms so the foundation accomplished the first step in its mission. A group of young persons from the Red Cross also provided instructions on customized condoms and was very successful in attracting their peers to the booth. This was the first Partnership between the NCTUB and the AIDS Foundation in support of the ILO (International Labour Organization) initiative to promote testing and prevention measured to avoid discrimination in the workplace.

Young volunteers spread the customize message

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L-R , Northern Region Branch Chairperson Zeneth Rolle, Asst. Secretary General Verna Bonaby and Trustee/Young Workers Chairperson Cindira Bain at SUBRAC Conference in Grenada

Three officers from the Bahamas Public Services Union attended the Caribbean Public Service Associations (CPSA) Sub-Regional Conference (SUBRAC/SUBWOC), held in St. Georges, Grenada March 8th10th, 2013. The opening day of the Conference coincided with International Womens Day, and at the end of the days sessions, the Grenada Public Workers Union hosted a panel discussion on combating violence in women and children. At the end of the evening, a candlelight ceremony was held in commemoration of all of the victims of domestic and other violence. The sub-regional conference was attended by members of other Caribbean Public Sector Unions . Some of the areas discussed included: Collective bargaining - new/innovative approaches Privatization of water/energy resources by governments Public sector budget cuts.. doing more with less Union participation (or lack of same) in country meetings with regional and international financial institutions (IMF/ World Bank etc.).
Submitted by Verna Bonaby, Asst. Secretary General BPSU

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ney disease. Uncontrolled high blood sugar levels can damage kidneys. Controlling hypertension: Hypertension can cause chronic kidney disease. Or, high blood pressure can result from chronic kidney disease. Either way, the closer blood pressure is to its target range, the better for kidneys. Hypertension damages the kidneys' small blood vessels, so the kidneys don't work as effectively. The World Health Organization defines HEALTH as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. HEALTHY LIVING is defined as the steps, actions and strategies one puts in place to achieve optimum health. Healthy Living is about taking responsibility and making smart health choices for today and for the future. Eating right, getting physically fit, emotional wellness, spiritual wellness and prevention are all part of creating a healthy lifestyle. Daily physical activity, heart-healthy eating, and losing weight if needed all can help control blood pressure. Medications may be needed, too. Avoiding use of large amounts of pain relievers: Kidney damage may be caused by long-term use of various pain relievers in large amounts. They include aspirin; acetaminophen (Tylenol, others); ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others); naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, others) and others.

Eating for kidney health: Limiting the amount of sodium and potassium in the The month of March focuses on Kidney diet may help maintain kidney health this means a low salt diet. Health Awareness. Our kidneys do the important work of Not smoking: Smoking makes kidney filtering waste and excess fluids from the disease worse. body. Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart Know your Health Status! disease, smoking, obesity and high cholesterol can increase our risk of kidney disease and kidney failure a potentially fatal condition We can decrease our risk of kidney disease and kidney failure by: Carefully managing diabetes: Diabetes is the most common cause of chronic kidTo receive this and other health related information as a handout for your members, please email request to bpsucommunications@gmail.com.

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Child Abuse Hotline (242) 322-2763 Children Protection Division (Department of Social Services) (242) 397-2500 Police 919 911 (242) 322-4444 Crisis Centre (242) 328 - 0922

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ILO Turin Centre http://www.itcilo.org/en International Trade Union Confederation http://www.ituc-csi.org/rio-20.html the ILO Workers' Relations Bureau http://www.ilo.org/actrav/lang--en/index.htm Decent Work Country Programme, The Bahamas http://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/program/ dwcp/download/bahamas.pdf ILO Caribbean http://www.ilo.org/ipec/Regionsandcountries/ LatinAmericaandCaribbean/lang--en/index.htm Trade Union History, Bahamas www.nctu-bahamas.org www.sirrandolfawkes.com

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Dear Friends, We are very happy to have completed another edition of the newsletter for the National Congress of Trade Unions of the Bahamas and we would like to thank each and every one of you who took the time to make a contribution. The name of the newsletter is The Workers Voice which was a name that Sir Randol Fawkes gave to the Bahamas Federation of Labor's newspaper in 1959. This current newsletter gives to you, the worker, a voicea means to communicate with your fellow brothers and sisters in the union. Additionally, through the Workers Voice, you now have the opportunity of profiling your union and the work that you are doing. It is our aim to introduce to you all of the affiliate unions attached to the NCTUB. In each edition, we also will bring you content that is historical in nature. History informs us of the struggles that our forbears underwent and the debt of appreciation that we owe them for the sacrifices made. The newsletter will also enable us to document the history that is being made today so that future generations will be inspired by our efforts . Finally would you like to be a part of this communications venture? Do you have a story to tell, an opinion to share? Do you have English, photography, graphic arts design skills? If your answer is Yes! then we would appreciate hearing from you. With thanks, Sheleta Collie Chairman, NCTUB Public Relations Committee

National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas

Carter St. & Horseshoe Drive Ph: (242) 356-7459 Fax: (242) 356-7457 E-mail: ncongress@hotmail.com Website: nctu-bahamas.org