From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Bahamian Politics
Branville McCartney Statement on Labour
By Branville McCartney, Leader, Democratic National Alliance (DNA)
Feb 14, 2017 - 1:40:15 PM


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The People of this country is a reflection of the diverse groups that make up The Bahamas. We recognize, therefore, that while criminal laws are not being upheld, so are the country’s labour rights. Foreign employers, who feel entitled in their treatment of Bahamian workers, usually mimic the continued disrespect shown to the Bahamian worker by their government.

A government of the people will take a hands-on approach to our workers welfare. The workers of this nation should not be asked to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, unless they first be given boots WITH STRAPS. For far too long, they have struggled to prove themselves as upwardly mobile, hardworking and obedient individuals without getting or having the necessary support system in place to assist them.

The time has come when workers of this country and the leaders who are elected to represent their interests will be seen as partners with the government and not as adversaries to Government.

The next Government will come to power looking to foster an environment where the “individual and corporate productivity are equal with self- worth and where the love of work is esteemed as a national obligation.”

Therefore, a government, among other things, must ensure that the worker’s interests out-weighs politics. A government must begin to honor the tripartite Agreement that other governments have failed to honor. A government must include union organizations in the training and/or orientation of Public Service employees, facilitate the delivery of training and upgrading for workers at the University of the Bahamas and BTVI, appoint promotion boards with union representation to consider promotion for workers in their bargaining units and invite leaders of unions to have observer status at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings and other international meetings where the decisions and outcomes impact workers' rights.

It is time to pay some respect to the workers of this nation for their valuable contribution to national development and to the development of the dreams of all who come to our shores and use their labor for profit and gain. It’s high time the workers reap the fruits of their labor; you have toiled long enough!

If no one else will give you that respect, workers of this nation, have faith that the DNA Government will.

God Bless the workers of this country and May God Bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Branville McCartney

DNA Leader



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