A memo, which was signed by General Manager Anthony Foster, did not give a reason for the delay, but senior officials at ZNS who spoke to the Bahama Journal on condition of anonymity said they were told that “the money just isn’t there at this time.”
A line staff employee said that he was told by management that the funds were not available at this time due to some technical difficulties.
He said he was considering leaving work Friday in protest of the delay.
Mr. Foster, meanwhile, who was facing mounting concerns from corporation employees anxious for their salaries, did not accept media calls into the matter Friday.
The memo he sent to all staff members offered an apology for the salaries not being paid as scheduled.
“The corporation sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience caused and thanks you for your understanding and cooperation,” the five-line memo read.
One manager said he was told that the salaries should be paid by Tuesday afternoon, but he said even that was “iffy”.
“It was shocking because this has never happened as far as I am aware,” the manager told the Journal Friday.
Another manager told the Journal that if the corporation had followed through with an FNM Government proposal to terminate 60 employees “none of this would ever have been necessary.”
“This corporation is in serious financial trouble and until we do something to start making some money, nothing is going to change here,” the manager said.
The official said that the salary postponement has already started to affect morale of employees who have financial obligations to meet.
The manager claimed that the delay comes as the corporation recently hired at least 15 people, but the other manager could not confirm this.
“This is so amazing,” the manager said. “Some people have mortgages due on the 15th and now they have to tell their banks they just can’t pay.”
The financially-strapped Broadcasting Corporation reportedly has a salary bill that exceeds $300,000 per month. The 2003-2004 budget allocates $4 million for the corporation.
One manager thought this was “pittance”.
By Candia Dames, The Bahama Journal
