TRADE Union Congress President and attorney for the Bahamas Hotel Maintenance and Allied Workers Union Obie Ferguson said he will file a writ today in the Supreme Court on behalf of the more than 600 terminated Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort workers for “union busting” and “unfair dismissal”.

One day after employees were made redundant and given severance packages, Mr. Ferguson told The Tribune he is seeking reinstatement for all of the terminated workers. He accused the executives at the all-inclusive, luxury resort of dismissing the workers for “being a part of a union.”

The resort closed on Monday to begin renovations. Officials have said the property will re-open in October.

Mr. Ferguson also said he is “very, very” disappointed in the government for allowing “these foreigners” to come into the Bahamas and treat Bahamians like dirt. He said with a general election on the horizon, workers should support those who support them.

“What we are doing now, we are filing unfair dismissal for every worker who was unfairly terminated and who was terminated as a result of union activities. He (Sandals’ owner Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart) cannot be allowed to disrupt this country. We welcomed him to the Bahamas we think he should make as much money as he should but he must respect the laws of the land,” Mr. Ferguson said.

“The employees were forced to sign a waiver but that will not affect his court action. That is illegal,” he said, repeating comments Labour Minister Shane Gibson made in the House of Assembly on Monday.

“Why do I need to sign something for you to give me my money? I am entitled to that. They paid them two weeks severance, unfair dismissal requires three weeks severance and up to maximum of 18 months. They gave them six months, what happen to the other 12 months? But that’s the way they treat Bahamians. People who are not familiar will jump and say ‘that is a good deal’ but that is not a good deal. They are entitled up to 18 months will all of their benefits.

Obie Ferguson

“What happen to the gratuity? That falls as a part of their wage. What happen to the meals? You must put them in the position they would have been in if everything had gone normal and if they were working there, what would they have gotten? That is what we are claiming, that is what they are entitled to.”

Mr. Ferguson said he believes the government is “too slack” with foreign investors and said he is disappointment that there has been no comprehensive response from anyone in Cabinet.

“The government seems to allow these people to do whatever they want at whatever cost,” Mr. Ferguson said.

“We are disappointed these people can come to the Bahamas and treat Bahamians in this fashion. I sent letters to everyone letting them know something was happening, the prime minister, the minister of labour, the minster of tourism, obviously these foreign people have more say than them. But I know one thing, election is coming and I am asking the workers, all workers of this country to support who support you. The government’s first obligation is to its citizens but these people were dismissed and we have still not got a comprehensive position from the government.”

On Monday, Prime Minister Perry Christie declined to speak on the Sandals matter when approached by reporters.

The Tribune understands that the rehiring process at the resort is already underway.

The repairs at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort are expected to cost $4m with a 14-week timeline.

By Sancheska Brown, Tribune Staff Reporter

Click here to read more at The Tribune