Warns union of site closings, even shutdown Rejects BHMA claims on Christmas bonus
By NEIL HARTNELL
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
The Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) franchise warned trade unions over one month ago it was in absolute survival mode and may have to close locations or even shutdown with revenues off 50 percent.
The fast food outlet and its operating parent, Restaurant (Bahamas) Ltd, cited COVID-19 s devastating effect and the urgent need to make adjustments that cut expenses and conserved cash as it rejected assertions by Obie Ferguson, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) president, that it was acting in bad faith over plans to alter the staff s Christmas bonus.
krussell@tribunemedia.net
THE union representing Water and Sewerage Corporation line staff said it is disappointed in the water provider’s decision not to pay out Christmas bonuses this month, allegedly deviating from provisions set out in the workers’ industrial agreement.
Last week, WSC General Manager Elwood Donaldson said the bonuses would be deferred temporarily this year due to fall out from COVID-19.
However, in an interview yesterday, Dwayne Woods, Bahamas Utility Services and Allied Workers Union president, said BUSAWU was aggrieved for various reasons, including reportedly not being given adequate notice to allow workers to plan not to receive the bonus.