Nearly 100 workers at the Registrar General’s Department at the Rodney E. Bain Building in New Providence walked off their job on Wednesday protesting what they claimed were unsanitary and unsafe working conditions.
The work stoppage stemmed from leaky water pipes, other plumbing issues and a reported rodent problem.
Bahamas Public Services Union Shop Steward Dwane Stephens told The Bahama Journal that staff members are fed up with all the talk no and no action from the government as it relates to the problems.
Mr. Stephens said that workers at the Department have been dealing with the issue of unfit working conditions since the early 90’s.
He said that with the latest round of flooding, workers have had enough.
“Right now [the] staff is really infuriated,” Mr. Stephens said.
“We have been working with this problem now for years. We have been working with the government because we know revenue has to be generated. This is the third leading revenue entity for the country and we are being treated like dogs.”
When workers arrived at their office following the Christmas break on Wednesday, they were met by flooded conditions and dripping ceilings. Union officials said they decided to call the protest after assessing the situation.
“We have female employees going to the restroom and there is sewerage water and ceiling tiles dropping down on them,” Mr. Stephens claimed.
“The men’s restroom hasn’t worked for weeks, but we continue to work. We are crying out to the Bahamian people who come here on a daily basis to sympathize with us.”
Around midday, BPSU executives lead by President John Pinder went into a meeting with Registrar General Shane Miller and the minister responsible for the Public Service Fred Mitchell, in an effort to resolve the problems.
Mr. Pinder told The Bahama Journal that the meeting was fruitful.
Minister Mitchell said in a press statement that he had been advised of the situation and added that the Ministry of Financial Services and Investments has reached an agreement on measures that should be taken to mitigate the ill effects experienced by the ministry’s staff and to its operation as a result of the water leak.
He acknowledged that the premises were not fit for workers.
The Ministry of Financial Services and Investments released a statement saying that the leak was not a sewer leak.
The ministry also said the Rodney E. Bain Building is closed until further notice as emergency measures are being taken to relocate the operation to the Beaumont Building located at #50 Shirley Street.
Leaks in water pipes in the building’s ceiling caused a growth of mold and mildew, according to Mr. Stephens.
BPSU Secretary General S.J. Miller said that the union is concerned about the health and safety of its members.
He said illnesses would obviously affect productivity at the Department.
“You can avoid all of this by doing something proactive,” Mr. Miller said.
By: Stephen Gay, The Bahama Journal
