FREEPORT, Grand Bahama ﾖ Later in the evening, members of the management team informed that they would not discipline the workers over the illegal industrial action. They told the employees to return to work and give them 72 hours to make a decision regarding Mr. Rolleﾴs termination.
However, executives of the National Congress of Trade Unions, who were negotiating on behalf of the Freeport Container Port Workers Union, had a proposal of their own.
They proposed that the employees reject managementﾴs offer, which they did.
As a result, the more than 100 workers now face termination.
Earlier in the day ﾖ around 6 a.m. ﾖ the workers formed a vehicle blockade outside the property, primarily demanding that Mr. Rolle be reinstatement and the companyﾴs Bahamian management team be dismissed.
The union president was fired Wednesday. He and his colleagues insisted that the Container Port management was using it as a union-busting tactic and were also trying to intimidate members of the bargaining unit.
In a press statement Thursday, Container Port management called the work stoppage and blockade illegal and irresponsible and stood by its decision to terminate the union leader.
Labor Minister Vincent Peet arrived at the site shortly after 1 p.m. and found the workers resolute in their decision to remain on strike until their demands were met.
When the Bahama Journal questioned Minister Peet about what happened during his over three-hour talk with Container Port management he said, ﾓ Nothing. I canﾴt report that yet, weﾴre still negotiating. We are making movement and thatﾴs the important thing.ﾒ
Prior to meeting with management, Minister Peet spoke to the workers.
At that time, Rudolph Stubbs, vice president of the Bahamas Public Services Union questioned him on the actions of the labour department with respect to Mr. Rolle.
Mr. Stubbs said the islandﾴs labour department was informed that the company would fire the union leader. He also asked Minister Peet why his officers refused to intervene.
Minister Peet, while confirming that his officers knew the termination would happen, quickly jumped to their defense, saying they should not be blamed for the current unrest.
After the meeting at the site, the employees took their protest from the Container Port to Workers House where negotiations between the Minister, union officials and management continued throughout the evening.
Throughout the two-day protest, workers claimed that their Bahamian managers were victimizing and intimidating staff.
Several years ago during an Industrial Tribunal hearing involving the company and the workers, Tribunal President Kelphene Cunningham reportedly told Container Port executives that putting Godfrey Smith in a managerial position would be the downfall of the company.
Mr. Rolle said he was terminated by Mr. Smith, one of the four Bahamian managers whom workers want dismissed.
Earlier this month, the company said it would layoff workers because its second largest customer cut back its business with the Container Port.
Last week, Minister Peet visited the property. He said Thursday that he met with management to discuss the slowdown in business and how it might impact workers.
Minister Peet declined comment on whether the company committed to keeping its present workforce during that meeting.
In addition to concerns related to job security, the workers also claim that their working conditions are not safe.
Some employees alleged that their jobs were threatened when they voiced concerns over unsafe working conditions.
Sharon Williams, The Bahama Journal
