In a significant development, Prime Minister Philip Davis, in a meeting with leaders from the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) and the Bahamas Electrical Utility Managerial Union (BEMU), assured that no one at Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) would lose their job or benefits.
The meeting, which included President Kyle Wilson, President Christopher Hanna, and Trade Union Congress President Obie Ferguson, focused on addressing concerns amid planned changes to the energy sector.
Prime Minister Davis emphasized, "There will be no layoff of workers at BPL, industrial agreements will continue to be honored, and commitments made to workers, including pension benefits, will be met." He highlighted a pivotal element of the government's plan, emphasizing the training and upskilling of specialized line staff at BPL.”
“This initiative aims to modernize the electricity infrastructure, aligning with energy reform goals such as lowering costs, increasing reliability, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources,” according to Davis.
Speaking on the commitment to collaboration, Davis expressed gratitude to BEWU and BEMU leaders and workers, acknowledging their expertise, hard work, and dedication.
He emphasized the government's dedication to consulting closely with unions and other stakeholders throughout the process of working towards a brighter and more sustainable energy future.
The assurance that BPL is not being sold was also reiterated, reinforcing stability and continuity for the utility company.
As the government moves forward with its energy reform agenda, he said the emphasis on supporting and investing in BPL workers positions them for success in an evolving energy landscape.
The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of working together towards shared goals, expressing gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with union leaders and workers.
We need a national plan....No government should be allowed to sell the peoples assets that is considered a part of our national security. We experimented with BTC and look what we got in return. Our health system is falling apart, crime is on the rise, the cost of living has skyrocketed and we have a migrant crisis, just to name a few... Sir Lynden O. Pindling once said, “If Bahamians are not prepared to stand up and defend their own Bahamas, then you don't deserve to have it.”