Bahamas braces for nationwide strike as unions and government clash

At least 14 labor unions in the Bahamas are poised to launch a two-day nationwide strike today, according to Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Obie Ferguson.

The strike comes after years of unmet demands, with union leaders accusing the government of failing to honor commitments made in a 2021 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP). “For three and a half years under this administration, we have held up all parts of the MoU agreement,” Ferguson said in a recording. “Despite regular meetings with the Honorable Prime Minister and ministers, we have not been able to get the respect and support necessary to resolve many of our labor issues. All we got were promises. Well, we are not fools. Tomorrow, we will demonstrate that we have had enough. The powers that be will feel the might of the workers.”

The MoU, which was controversially signed ahead of the last general election, included a “Workers’ Agenda” aimed at addressing labor disputes. According to Ferguson, unresolved issues involve customs and immigration officers, the Bahamas Hotel Managerial Association, and national insurance workers.