New Industrial Contract for Middle Managers at University of The Bahamas

Wed, Sep 21st 2022, 02:43 PM

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – Middle managers at University of The Bahamas (UB) now have a new industrial agreement governing their terms and conditions of employment, with UB signing the contract with the Public Managers Union (PMU) during a press conference held on Tuesday 20th September.

The agreement is for the period 2018 to 2023 and, notably, has provisions to increase training, development and capacity building for managers; support paid sabbaticals for the first time; and refine the grievance procedure.

UB President Dr. Erik Rolland said the focus on the professional development of people who are integral to increased quality assurance and continuous improvement at the institution is significant. He said these objectives are particularly important given that UB is seeking international accreditation.

“Our number one strategic direction for the University is to become accredited.  In doing so, we affirm the importance of our managers and will build a strong learning organization focused on professional development and opportunities for supporting a strong leadership programme to build excellence in leadership at all levels. 

“The University will renew its focus on lifelong learning, and continuous improvements, training, and education that will be beneficial for our managers’ success in the workplace. We will ensure that managers are equipped with the tools necessary for their advancement and will provide them with cutting-edge professional development offerings,” he said.   

UB Board of Trustees Chair Allyson Maynard Gibson, K.C., echoed those sentiments. Calling the PMU a vital partner, she invited the stakeholders to continue actively participating in the process of university-building.

“To achieve the university’s mission and mandate, we intend to leverage the knowledge and skills of every single member of UB, and especially our managers who lead the people on our team. However, we cannot do it alone. Our focus is on strengthening relationships with all of our partners and stakeholders. The call is for all hands on deck,” she said.

Mrs. Maynard Gibson also affirmed the collaborative relationship with the PMU.

“President Cassandra Lewis, and her team, from day one, made it clear to the Board that the PMU supports taking UB to the next level, which includes accreditation, as a strategy for the purposeful development of our people. As well as being transformational, this is fundamental to the progress that we all envisage,” she noted.

Mrs. Lewis said UB has also met its financial obligations to members of the bargaining unit and both sides have agreed to the review of increments for middle managers.

“This is a great pleasure for our Public Managers Union,” said Mrs. Lewis. “The management staff of UB plays a vital role in that they are the link between all aspects of the university inclusive of UTEB professors as well as the non-management staff. We are the glue that keeps the university together. We are also pleased to advise that the contract that we would have signed is a very good contract. We would have had the training finances increased, a mentorship programme for middle managers, a sabbatical for middle managers and we improved the grievance process and strengthened it.”

With this latest contract expiring in 2023, both parties said they expect to return to negotiations soon for a new contact.

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