Dozens of Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) employees demonstrated yesterday against what the Bahamas Utilities Service and Allied Workers Union (BUSAWU) said was several outstanding industrial concerns.
When The Nassau Guardian arrived at the corporation's Thompson Boulevard location shortly after noon, scores of employees were gathered outside.
Some held up placards and chanted "no victimization".
Key among the union's concerns is an alleged attempt to downsize WSC, the termination of an employee in Inagua and issues related to making two employees based in New Providence permanent.
The BUSAWU also expressed concerns about the discontinuation of its members' sick benefits.
Employees were once able to collect their full salaries and National Insurance sick pay benefits.
In March, the benefit, which the government referred to as "double dipping", was discontinued at several public sector corporations.
When contacted for comment, WSC General Manager Glen Laville declined to comment about the union's threat.
"I am not going to comment on union matters in the media," he told The Nassau Guardian.
"There is a procedure to follow."
Pressed on the issues raised by the union, Laville said the Department of Labour and the Industrial Tribunal are available to resolve any legitimate issue.
Yesterday, BUSAWU President Dwayne Woods demanded that the government intervene before employees "take action customers will feel".
Up to press time, there was no reported disruption in water supply due to the protest.
"When a man has been home from work from August 5 without a payroll, someone has to own up to that," Woods said.
"The corporation is leaving the man no alternative, and we talk about crime.
"You leave someone without pay form August 5. The union has to do what we are doing."
Woods said the union's 300 members are prepared to ramp up action if there is not a satisfactory outcome.
"Everyone knows what happens when industrial matters are not solved," Woods said.
"Everyone knows what will happen. Just like BEC's (Bahamas Electricity Corporation) union said there would be no light.
"It may be a whole heap of sewage. If we withdraw our enthusiasm the sewer would not go the way it normally goes.
"It may come up rather than go down."
When asked about a contingency plan, Laville said the corporation is prepared.
"I would be surprised if it gets to that point," he noted.

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