Weeks after he expressed concern that there may be job losses at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) as a result of the management deal, Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU) President Paul Maynard said yesterday BEC management sought to ease those fears but advised workers against "making any large purchases" ahead of the transition phase.

The government revealed on April 30 that it had selected PowerSecure International to manage the transmission, distribution and generation of electricity at BEC. That deal is still being finalized.

Maynard said while it is still too early to determine how many jobs are at risk, there have been rumors within BEC that hundreds of employees would lose their jobs.

"The rumor mill is turning," he said.

Maynard added that those rumors appear to be "politically motivated". BEC General Manager Kevin Basden met with the staff on Friday in a bid to quiet the fears surrounding job cuts, Maynard said.

"He told them that nothing is known yet. He tried to assure the workers," Maynard said. "He also told them not to make big investments yet, or large purchases; and to save money."

Maynard added that the union also met with Prime Minister Perry Christie on Wednesday night to discuss the process and concerns regarding jobs.

BEC employs about 1,200 people. According to Maynard, Christie said the government will ensure that job losses would be at a minimum.
Christie confirmed yesterday that he met with the union.

Asked about the morale at BEC, Maynard said most people generally understand what's going on but are waiting to see what happens after the deal is finalized.

Earlier this month Maynard said if job losses are on the horizon he wants to negotiate exit packages for union members.

"We are very concerned about job losses but we're not backing away from it," he said. "I understand the government's view is they want as little job losses as possible."

Maynard said the union isn't interested in protesting the deal, acknowledging that BEC is in "bad shape". He said the union is willing to work with PowerSecure to reduce the cost of electricity in the country.

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