My response to the Freeport News article of Aug 20th by Mia Whylly on our local unionist Mr. Leslie Lightbourne.
It appears that every time a person from the private sector enters front line politics they feel the need to attack the subject of the day in an effort to be recognized by potential voters.
It this case the brunt of the attack is on Sandals hotel as they lay off 600 workers.
Yes, Labour unions have been deemed “public enemy number one” by the Government and the employers, AND for good reason. Unions have been destructive and abusive in their attempts to manipulate businesses pretentiously representing the workers or their paying members.
Many years ago , unions were established as a tool for collective bargaining where abuses of low wages and poor working conditions existed.
Today, in many countries, especially in our Bahamas, we have strong labour laws favoring the employee over the employer. Unions are not only unnecessary; they have become abusive and destructive.
The employee pays monthly dues out of their hard earned salary so in the event they are laid off or fired with cause they can rely of their investment in the union to support them as they seek other employment.
The reality is that Unionist like Lightbourne take large salaries, wear expensive suites and drive new cars while the workers continue to struggle and waste money paying union dues.
Lightbourne uses Pindling as an example of strong arming viable, successful and honorable international companies, he need remember while Pindling understood the importance of foreign investors he only made noise to gain votes. The same thing Lightbourne is trying to do now.
This is not 1968, this is 2016 and Bahamians see right through this foolishness.
Sandals is a well-known and respected hotel chain recognized worldwide. Why would they do something detrimental to their market reputation that was not absolutely necessary?
I’m sure that while being temporarily unemployed is disheartening, most of the 600 appreciate their past employment with Sandals and look forward to being rehired in the near future.
I am equally sure that the many Bahamian workers hired for the renovations are pleased to be working for Sandals.
There is no disconnect between employer and employee. This is a normal business cycle based on market environments’ and the need for a hotel or any business to be profitable and maintain stability.
Certainly all of the 600 that performed their jobs well and with pride will return to the work force in short order. The slackers may have to stay home a little longer.
One of our many problems here in our Bahamas is the Government gets too involved in private business. This is not their job, as the Government has little to no expertise in business. Our Government has a history of sticking their nose into business situations to the detriment of all employees and employers alike.
Unions have become redundant. Their only purpose is to steal hard earned dollars, fees, from the employees so union leaders can live the good life paid for by the workers that get little in return.
All union members need to stop paying their dues and Government needs to stop interfering in private business. As long as our labour laws are complied with, the unions and the Government, needs to stay out of the people’s business.
Most business in this country, especially the large foreign corporations, are honorable and respectful of our laws. Like many countries, we have our share of lazy and dishonest workers, but most Bahamians only want a fair salary in fair conditions. Most employers recognize dedication and hard work and reward those that excel.
If a hotel or company is profitable, they expand and hirer additional people and give raises to those that excel.
If a hotel or company is losing money yet still stays open and employs people how can the union demand bonuses costing a million dollars as in the Our Lucaya situation. Bonuses come from profits.
Lightbourne states that the Government, FNM and PLP, have united for more than 20 years to stamp out labour rights for personal riches and mega lucrative profits. Not sure exactly what this means except Lightbourne is saying that the employer is paying off Government officials to not intervene. This is BS.
While we all understand corruption in Government, the hotels refrain from bribing officials.
I, for one, applaud both Governments for supporting our valued business sector whom are compelled to do the right thing by their employees.
Lightbourne questions where this war between labour and management came from. Firstly, the “war” is only perceived by labour unionists that fear the loss of their personal income.
Good business owners greatly appreciate good honest workers and many even tolerate the slackers, for a time.Leave well enough alone and as a country we will do just fine.
Jeffrey Butler
Grand Bahama
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