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Bahamian Politics Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


DNA: Your work is not in vain
By Branville McCartney, Leader, Democratic National Alliance (DNA)
Jun 5, 2015 - 9:03:40 AM

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The last 40 years of labor relations in the Bahamas has seen many strides. Our country’s history reflects clearly the important role which the labor movement played in the early development of our democracy, acting as a catalyst in the push towards independence and later women’s suffrage. Upon the shoulders of great Bahamians like Sir Randol Fawkes – the Father of Labor – the dreams of a free and empowered Bahamian work force, was carried from the days of Majority Rule into the 21st century; the foundation of which was built on the idea that every Bahamian, male or female, is able to take advantage of employment opportunities at every level and that he or she be fully and fairly compensated for that work.

In recent years however, the labor movement has been beset by trials. Undervalued by the political elite, and underappreciated by profit hungry entities, workers in the Bahamas are under attack and that foundation laid by our forefathers threatens to crumble beneath our very feet.

The inability of the government to address lingering economic concerns has created an environment ripe for the mistreatment of workers. One where hard working men and women are forced to endure less than ideal working conditions in a bid to feed their families. On countless occasions the government has failed to protect the rights of workers – evident from the scores of layoffs recorded in two of the country’s major economic sectors – tourism and banking – where foreign companies have been allowed to deprive workers of their due under the law.

For years now, political elements have used workers as pawns to further their private agendas, making promises which often go unfulfilled. The lead up to this year’s observance of Labor Day has been no different. During the prior election season, the unions representing workers across the job spectrum were promised many things: salary increases, improved benefits, greater consultation and dialogue. Unfortunately, workers in this country have gotten the exact opposite.

In fact, labor relations in the past three years of PLP governance has been more strained than ever before in our country’s history with the country’s umbrella union agitating for a country wide shut down of essential services. We have witnessed countless labor organizations protest, demonstrate and merely seek dialogue with the country’s political directive only to be met with arrogance and defensiveness. The government’s dismissive approach to dealing with labor relations has dampened the morale of workers leaving them discouraged and disillusioned.

The leadership of the current labor movement have an enormous challenge. With the rights of workers being infringed upon daily, we as a nation find ourselves poised for battle; Unionists and Laborers stand ready to fight for the freedoms which were first secured by our forefathers. To that end, thousands of workers are expected to take to the streets to march in solidarity with one another – as is their right - pledging their ongoing commitment to securing the rights of ALL WORKERS! This show of strength should not be tainted by the presence of political figures, or partisan politics. If the Bahamas is to prosper, the political element must remove itself from the business of labor and allow the movement to thrive, flourish and live up to its original mandate: TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF WORKING BAHAMIANS!

This labor day, the Democratic National Alliance encourages the hard working men and women who make up the our labor force to remain committed to the tenants upon which the labor movement was first founded knowing that their work will not be in vain.

Branville McCartney
DNA Leader

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