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News : Bahamas Information Services Updates Last Updated: Feb 24, 2017 - 5:32:54 PM


Griffin Challenges Union Shop Stewards to ‘Work for Positive Change’
By Matt Maura, BIS
Feb 24, 2017 - 2:32:01 PM

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Union Shop Stewards listen to Minister Griffin at the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) three-day Shop Stewards Conference. (BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)

Nassau, The Bahamas – Union Shop Stewards from across the Labour Movement in The Bahamas were challenged to be transformative and innovative as it is only through the concerted efforts of Unions, employers and Government that positive change and progress can be made in the lives of every worker in The Bahamas.

Addressing a three-day conference for Union Shop Stewards hosted by the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) at Workers House, Tonique Williams-Darling Highway, Minister of Social Services and Community Development, the Hon. Melanie Sharon Griffin said the Government of The Bahamas looks forward to continuing the relationship it has developed over the many years with the local trade union movement as it is only through a concerted effort between the three groupings that positive change and progress can be made in the lives of every Bahamian worker.

“Now is not the time to become content and rest on our laurels. We must continue to work diligently on behalf of the workers of our country,” Mrs. Griffin said.

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Minister of Social Services and Community Development, the Hon. Melanie Griffin addressing Union Shop Stewards attending the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) three-day Shop Steward Conference held at Workers House, Tonique Williams-Darling Highway. (BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)

“It is important that this union, and the others represented here today, remain relevant to its members and mindful of the ever-changing environments in which they find themselves. Change is the only constant and therefore you must learn to embrace it by adjusting with the times and being transformative and innovative.”

Filling in for Minister of Labour and National Insurance, the Hon. D. Shane Gibson, Mrs. Griffin said she was “thankful for the opportunity to address the Shop Stewards” as they are not only the “eyes and ears of the union in the workplace,” but are also the link between the Executive Board and membership and are the “glue that keeps the workplace running effectively.”

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Minister of Social Services and Community Development, the Hon. Melanie Sharon Griffin (second right) with (from left): Perry Cox, Third Vice President, Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union; Nicole Martin, President, Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union and Bernard Evans, President, National Congress of Trade Unions. (BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)

The BHCAWU has a membership base of 6,000 persons employed throughout the restaurant, hotel and tourism industry across the length and breadth of The Bahamas. Shop Stewards from the BHCAWU joined colleagues from across the Labour Movement for the conference held under the theme: “Strategic Planning for Future Positioning.”

“Shop Stewards are the truest forms of leaders as they are expected to give service to their employers while still maintaining a sense of commitment and service to the members of the Union,” Mrs. Griffin said.

Mrs. Griffin told the Union Shop Stewards that they have a key role to play in ensuring that the Union Movement remains transformative and innovative in order to “adjust to changing times.”

“Shop Stewards can no longer turn a blind eye to the bad attitudes in the workplace of some members. You cannot tolerate or condone blatant disregard for the company’s policies. You must take the bold and creative approach of working together with the employer to ensure that all parties – particularly members – follow the terms and conditions of employment contained in the respective Collective Bargaining Agreements.”

Mrs. Griffin applauded the leadership of the BHCAWU and colleague Unions for their “vision and foresight” in collaborating on the conference.

“The focus on strategic planning for future positioning is very timely as planning is an important element for any organization. It has been said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. The future of unions, as well as the professional and personal development of your membership and officers, is dependent upon the plans that you put in place at this time in your history,” Mrs. Griffin added.


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