Nine affiliates of the National Congress of Trade Unions (NCTUB) Bahamas yesterday lambasted the NCTUB’s recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), calling it “disingenuous action” that was not done on behalf of the majority of the umbrella union’s affiliates. 

The leadership of the NCTUB yesterday rejected the claims made by the unions.

On Wednesday, the NCTUB, which represents 21 affiliates, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) signed the MOU in which the PLP pledges to address key labor issues if elected to government.

In a statement, the affiliates said, “This disingenuous action of a purported signing on our behalf is the straw that has broken the camel’s back. This is in contravention of our constitution and we refuse to stand idly by and allow our members to be used as pawns.  

“We would like to reassure the members of our various unions that we are committed to continue to serve you and we are not involved in pushing anyone’s personal agenda.”

They said they were not involved in the signing of the document and said they had never seen it.

The affiliates said they are not aware of the contents of the MOU, which has not been tabled, discussed or ratified by the NCTUB.

“In fact, the NCTUB has only held two meetings since January 2020,” they said.

“The central council has not met and has not ratified any document much less a MOU. Hence, the purported signing is not on behalf of the majority of the affiliates of the NCTUB.

“We are disappointed that president Bernard Evans who openly announced more than two months ago that he was quitting the labor movement without even informing the affiliates is now making a mockery of the NCTUB.”

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian