The Hon. Dion Foulkes, Minister of Labour, described the signing of an industrial agreement between Morton Salt Ltd. and the Bahamas Industrial Manufacturers & Allied Workers Union as a “good” day for the employees and management of the Inagua-based salt company.

The five-year agreement was signed Monday, October 21st, 2019 at the Department of Labour, Rosetta Street following two “marathon” sessions on September 30th and October 1st.

Health insurance, production bonus wages, shift premium and holiday pay increases are included in the agreement. Among those present for the occasion were: Reginald Saunders, Acting Permanent Secretary; John Pinder, Director of Labour; Vivian Moultrie, Human Resource Director, Morton Salt; Obie Ferguson, President, Trade Union Congress and Jennifer Brown, Union President.

Minister Foulkes congratulated the management, owners and union of Morton Salt for reaching the “historic” five-year agreement.

“This is a good day for the workers and management at Morton Salt. As you know, Morton Salt is the largest private employer at Inagua and it was very essential for the government, workers and management that we reach this agreement for the sustainability of the economy of Inagua. A s Minister of Labour, I am very pleased that this happened. During the negotiations the talks were very frank and at times very times tense. As I always say, once we continue to talk we all can reach an agreement,” said Minister Foulkes.

Scott Nixon, Morton Bahamas Ltd. General Manager said the company is excited about the agreement and is committed to fostering a “productive” working relationship with its employees.

“Our continued support of the community of Matthew Town is unquestioned. We are the number one employer on the island and continuously take great measures to support the local community and economy,” he said.

 

(BIS Photos/Raymond A. Bethel, Sr.)