Union unveils multiple grievances with BPL

By FAY SIMMONS jsimmons@tribuemedia.net

UNION leaders yesterday unveiled multiple grievances with Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) relating to the processing of union dues, pension and medical benefits, and the re-engagement of retirees.

Kyle Wilson, the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union's president, accused the energy monopoly of non-compliance with "the terms and conditions" of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed by the two umbrella union bodies, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and National Congress of Trade Unions of the Bahamas (NCTUB), with the Progressive Liberal

Party (PLP) when it was in opposition.

Asserting that BPL line staff "feel ignored", he added: “The MoU clearly outlines the framework of conduct between unions and the various government agencies and related companies to avoid industrial disharmony. But it seems to have no effect and no value at BPL.”

The union's grievances include the delayed processing of union dues, while Mr Wilson alleged that BPL's staff pension scheme has been operating without a governing Board and deducting contributions prior to the required date. He said: “Some of the major issues are the delayed processing of union dues, which is currently creating a myriad of issues for the union's financial operations and obligations.

"The implementation of a non-contractual pension scheme without consultation with the union. It has been operating for five years without a pension Board. It’s alleged only to be established on paper in late 2019, notwithstanding the deduction of members' funds for this pension prior to.”

Mr Wilson also voiced displeasure with changes to the medical benefits offered by BPL, and the utility's purported refusal to shop for alternative providers.

Mr Wilson said: “Unilateral changes to the medical benefit, without union consultation or involvement in spite of a court order to do so. Also an absolute refusal to shop the medical with the