Minister of Labour and the Public Service, the Hon. Pia Glover-Rolle provided an update on the government’s negotiations with the doctors.  Last week doctors withdrew their labour as part of industrial action called for by President of the Bahamas Trade Union Congress, Obie Ferguson.

Glover-Rolle told reporters on Thursday she was happy to have the doctors back at the table after negotiations resumed on Wednesday.  “We made some progress.  We have some other items that we’re still working on we’re both hopeful, the union I think I can speak on their behalf this morning to say we’re all hopeful that we will have a resolution very, very soon,” she said.

The doctors are seeking resolution on issues such as health insurance, the finalization of agreements and overtime pay.  A point of contention has been revealed to be time verification.  Glover-Rolle said, “we can’t continue to allow a grouping, out of thousands of other employees in that same system, to not do what is policy, what is stated in policy.  A policy that they all signed when they signed their policy document, so we’re also wanting to include it in our industrial agreement.”

The Minister revealed the junior doctors have not followed the policy of clocking in.  “I understand the doctors unions and where they are with that particular policy but there is again I say the process of accountability.  Now we have to make sure we’re bring our public service in line with the policies.  We are also simultaneously reviewing policies because some policies may not make sense or may be antiquated so let’s fix it, let’s not ignore it.”

Minister Glover-Rolle could not provide a date when an agreement can be expected.