Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) President Nicole Martin yesterday threatened action over the Bahamas Hotel Employers Association's (BHEA) attempt to "deny our members gaining better benefits".

Martin claimed that in response to a letter the union sent regarding a new industrial agreement in March, the association said no changes could be made and requested an extension of the previous agreement.

An extension on any previous agreement would prevent the union from negotiating better benefits for thousands of hotel employees.

BHEA President Robert 'Sandy' Sands, who was contacted for comment, acknowledged the association requested an extension and indicated that the union failed to submit a proposal within the agreed time.

A provision in the agreement notes that the union must provide a proposal 90 days prior to the agreement expiring.

"Their contention is that there are no changes that can be made because we did not follow that provision," Martin said. "It is not fair to extend a contract.

If we don't negotiate there [are] no more benefits to be had.

"This is a clear attempt to deny our members gaining better benefits."

When pressed for details about the matter, Sands said he was not prepared to negotiate the contract in the press. "We did that (requested an extension of the agreement) in an earlier letter, that is correct," he said.

"We will reply to the union when we meet with them at the appointed time and agreed time within the next week...or the following week."

An agreement must be extended for a minimum of two years, according to the union. Martin noted that the Industrial Tribunal never registered the agreement for the period 2008-2013.

Asked whether an extension of the agreement registered for the period 2003-2008 could result in the roll back of some benefits hotel employees currently enjoy, Martin said the union will not let that happen and is prepared to "play hard ball".

"You cannot raise a legal question without examining all of the legal ramifications," she said.

"If an employee is making 'x' amount today, you cannot reduce that. "There are a lot of questions that must be answered.

"In fact, this last contract took away a lot of benefits that our members were enjoying. It leans very heavily on the side of the employer."

Martin said while the union did not meet the proposal provision this time around, that has never prevented negotiations in the past.

She said the union is seeking legal advice to determine how to proceed. "We have had numerous meetings with our members, the most recent being last month, where we indicated what the position of the association is," she said.

"Our members are on alert. If we need to, we will heighten any action.

"Whatever action we need to take we will take because the employers association seems to have no regard for the good order of our industry."

Martin added that the union is prepared to negotiate the matter provided the association comes to the table.

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