An Industrial agreement deemed ‘acceptable’ to bothparties was signed between University of The Bahamas (UB) and the PublicManagers Union (PMU). The event was held at the Michael Eldon Complex on theUB campus, September 20, 2022.

President of the University of The Bahamas, Dr. Erik Rolland, expressed hisenthusiasm about the new agreement.

“I am most encouraged by the level of collaboration that has transpired betweenthe University and the managers union. Today, we commit that the Universityrecognizes the importance of joint consultation and agrees to consult with theunion on matters that affect the working conditions of managers. We will ensurethat managers develop the skills necessary to lead others, and the security andemployment of managers covered under this  agreement will be upheld,” saidPresident Rolland. 

He also discussed the top priority for the university. “Our number one strategicdirection for the university is to become accredited,” he said. “In doing so, weaffirm the importance of our managers and will build a strong learningorganization focused on professional development.”

He said the university would renew its focus on lifelong learning, and continuousimprovement, training, and education that will be beneficial for the success ofmanagers in the workplace. 

“We will ensure that managers are equipped with the tools necessary for theiradvancement and will provide them with cutting-edge professional developmentofferings,” he stated. “The university recognizes the commitment of ourmanagers at all levels, and values their efforts demonstrated over multiple years.

I must reiterate that UB managers are not here to just do a job. The managers ofUB have a goal in mind. That goal is to ensure that the university is the first choicefor students who seek higher education at the tertiary level, and also the firstchoice for employees. We thank you for all that you do.

“The University will continue to support our managers through learning,leadership, and service. As a result, this creates a diverse workforce, dedicatedstaff, and a harmonious workplace where people can thrive! We value ourpartnership with the Public Managers Union. And, through this partnership, wecontinue to build a mutual and beneficial relationship as we promote the bestmeans of enhancing the dialogue between management and workers.”

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mrs. Allyson Maynard-Gibson said she looksforward to partnering with the managers in order to reach the goal ofstrengthening the University’s position in the region. 

“With God’s help, together, we are building a strong university, a center ofexcellence, where our people lift their heads, to be recognized in the region, andbeyond. To achieve the University’s mission and mandate, we intend to leveragethe knowledge and skills of every single member of UB, and especially ourmanagers who lead the people on our team. However, we cannot do it alone.

Our focus is strengthening relationships with all of our partners and stakeholders.The call is for all hands on deck. Each of us has a role to play in this extraordinarywork of university building.”

President of the Public Managers Union, Mrs. Cassandra Cartwright Lewis, saidthe new agreement was a very good one for the managers. She said that inaddition to the favorable financial negotiations, other areas of concern wereaddressed and allocated for in the new industrial agreement.

“There are several components that were addressed in this current industrialagreement, including development and training opportunities, mentorshipprogrammes, sabbatical allowance for additional training, grievance processes,and increment administration.” 

She said the Public Managers Union accounts for some 54 members at theuniversity. The current agreement is for the period 2018 - 2023. A new industrialagreement will be negotiated when it expires and a determination will be made atthat time as to whether it would serve both parties to continue a five-year termor to transition to a three-year term as in other industrial agreements.”