Two years of intense negotiations between management at the Aquapure Water Limited and representatives from The Bahamas Beverage and Water Distributors Union ended on Wednesday with both parties signing their first industrial agreement.
Minister of Labour and Immigration, Vincent Peet said at the signing said that such a partnership augers well for the promotion of industrial goodwill and harmony between management and labour.
“Of significance too, is the fact that a 12 per cent salary increase over a three year period was secured for all employees. In addition, inherent within the agreement is The Productivity Income Enhancement Scheme, where employee’s income can be improved based on their level of productivity, along with other significant benefits,” informed Mr. Peet.
The Labour Minister also thanked the Chief negotiator and advisor for The Bahamas Beverage and Water Distributors Union, Mr. Huedley Moss for the “maturity” the union displayed to eventually arrive at an agreement.
“Let me again commend both sides for doing what is clearly in the best interests of both the workers and the owners of this distinguished Bahamian company, which is involved in providing an essential service,” he said.
Mr. Moss, in his comments said that as Aquapure is competing with some 15 other bottled water companies, it was against this background that they wanted to establish a contract agreement.
“We have subsequently reached this agreement and it is pleasing to both sides and so we are looking forward to having an harmonious relationship with Aquapure,” he said, adding that the union has shown Aquapure that they are not inflexible.
According to Mr. Moss, a similar agreement is expected to be signed with Pespi Cola Bahamas.
Director of Aquapure Water Limited, Mr. John McSweeney, said he was very pleased that both parties have arrived at a “closure” and officially has a contract and an industrial agreement. He mentioned that for the last year and a half, Aquapure has been operating under the guidelines of the contract through negotiations.
“The professional side of Mr. Huedley Moss and his colleagues is greatly appreciated and I think this is the beginning of a very great step for our company and many other manufacturers here in The Bahamas to follow. We are committed to improve benefits for the company and for employees especially and we hope that the union will work closely with the company in time of need and during the good days for the betterment of the country and all parties concerned,” said the Aquapure Chief.
Meanwhile, the Labour Minister said that upon going forward, “productivity” will be the watch-word for all industrial agreements, as without productivity, there is no business, salary, nor workers. He said as the country moves into a more competitive world sphere; productivity must be the watchword and how we are measured with other countries, will determine to a large extent, how productive we are as a people, how competitive we are as a country and how well trained we are as a workforce.
Minister Peet also challenged all employees throughout The Bahamas to remain cognizant of the need to significantly improve their level of productivity, as it bears a direct relationship between significant input and successful output. He further stated that it is also the avenue through which value is added to the delivery of goods and services to customers.
“It also provides the impetus The Bahamas need to enhance its competitive edge in both the national and global arenas,” said Minister Peet, who added that he couldn’t over-emphasize enough, the importance of maintaining unity and harmony in the workplace.
“I challenge all workers in our country to continue to display excellent work ethics within the workplace and join the government in a spirit of cooperation to ensure the continued growth and development of our beloved Bahamaland,” he said.
By Tamara McKenzie, The Nassau Guardian
