More than 100 maintenance workers from the Ministry of Works protested in Rawson Square yesterday, demanding the government address their concerns.
The workers threatened to leave the streets dirty until the matters are dealt with.
The issues range from poor working conditions to senior staff not being permanent, according to several workers.
Karen Bain, a downtown maintenance worker, said it is not fair workers are forced to clean the streets without basic equipment and supplies.
"We don't have an office, we don't have any gloves, we don't have anything to take care [of us]," she said.
"Now do you think that is fair? We are working hard, sweeping the roads, picking up dead dogs and rats without gloves. We need help."
Bain claimed there are several people who have been working for more than a decade, who have not been made permanent.
Bahamas Public Services Union President John Pinder said it is unfortunate that the government has not made adequate resources available to the workers.
"These are people who have to clean the streets, pick up the garbage, and they are exposed to some unsanitary elements," said Pinder, as workers gathered behind him.
"Now what is also happening is some areas where they are supposed to be responsible for maintaining...we are made to understand that most of the parks have been privately contracted similar to how contracts were issued to private companies for garbage collection."
Pinder said that has resulted in job security fears among the workers.
As Prime Minister Perry Christie arrived outside the Cabinet Office, several protestors approached him.
He turned to reporters after briefly addressing the crowd.
"Over the last week we have been meeting with the leader of the TUC (Trade Union Congress) Obie Ferguson and the leader of the NCTUB (National Congress of Trade Unions of The Bahamas), Mr. John Pinder," Christie said.
"We have asked them to put in writing everything that they think is a grievance so that we can address them."
Referring to the matter involving the protesting workers, Christie added, "That was not included in it, so clearly he (Pinder) is caught by surprise as well."
Christie said the government will be able to "easily resolve" the maintenance workers' concerns relating to working conditions and equipment.
Pinder and Ferguson met with the prime minister on Monday to discuss general labor concerns.
Another meeting is planned today.

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