NASSAU, BAHAMAS-Restaurants Bahamas Limited, the operator of the KFC Nassau franchise, expressed optimism yesterday that the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) will continue negotiations without resorting to further industrial action. 

The company claimed in a statement that after months of negotiations, both parties have successfully agreed on all contract terms except one. The company is urging the BHCAWU to continue negotiations.

Darrin Woods, the President of BHCAWU, issued a warning last week, stating that worker unrest could be a possibility if an industrial agreement is not reached imminently. Woods informed Eyewitness News that approximately 380 frontline staff members have grown increasingly frustrated due to the slow progress made by the company in finalizing a new industrial agreement to replace the previous one, which expired in 2015.

The company said in its statement, "RBL is surprised at the need for industrial action at this time however, we remain committed to resolving any and all outstanding issues.  Following months of good faith negotiations, both parties have successfully reached an agreement on all but one of the contract terms. This reflects our commitment to fostering good employee union relations in addressing improved terms and conditions for our team members. The only remaining issue of a lump sum payment can be addressed and amicably resolved and negotiations finalized."

It continued, "We understand the importance of this issue and are actively working to address it in a manner that is fair and in the best interests of the company and our team members. We remain committed to working together to swiftly resolve this point to the satisfaction of both parties. As we work towards finalizing the contract, we apologize to our customers for any inconvenience they may experience and thank them for their continued support at this time."

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