Amid ongoing talks between the government and the Bahamas Electrical Workers Union (BEWU), the labor body that represents Bahamas Electricity Corporation (BEC) line staff, BEWU president Stephano Greene expressed confidence that a recently fired employee would be reinstated.
"We are confident because we feel the government is not in the mood for releasing Bahamians from jobs and just letting people go home for what we call for no reason," he said.
"That's not the government's position. The government is about securing jobs, finding jobs for Bahamians and making sure that the standard of living for Bahamians does not deteriorate, and we have gotten that from the government... With that assurance and speaking with the prime minister, speaking with the deputy prime minister, we feel the right thing will be done."
The union staged a heated protest on last week over accounts clerk Melinda Cunningham's firing and the suspension of BEWU chief shop steward Michael Edgecombe.
When senior police officers arrived at BEC's headquarters on Baillou Hill Road, a shoving match ensued.
Greene recently met with Prime Minister Perry Christie, Labour Minister Shane Gibson and Deputy Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis.
He said on Wednesday that the union has had several meetings with labor representatives this week, and Cunningham could have "justice" in short order.
Minister of Labour and National Insurance Shane Gibson told reporters on Tuesday that BEWU workers who walked off the job should expect a deduction from their pay.
In response, Greene said whatever the end result is the union is more than willing to accept the pay cut and will not fight the decision, though it is seeking to find an alternative.
"Once the members decide to withdraw their labor or the union decides to withdraw its labor usually that comes with some consequences, and for the most part the union is aware of what those consequences are," he said.
"And for the most part if you don't work you don't get paid and that is the natural order.
"But the union's position however, is that in the best interests of the corporation and its members you always try to negotiate the best deal and this would be no different."
Union and BEC officials have estimated that 150 workers took part in the industrial action.
Gibson could not be reached for comment.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian