Talks have continued over the summer concerning a structure of Tentative Agreements. Before the Company could commit to any Agreement that we could submit to the membership for ratification, it had to again be reviewed and approved by a Bahamian Government Labor Sub-Committee. That process was completed recently and was then forwarded to the IAMAW International for approval. I am pleased to announce that we have reached a Tentative Agreement with Bahamasair for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Some of the details of the Tentative Agreement are as follows:
- We have again retained your hard fought rights to sick leave that the Company wants to gut
- Date of Signing Lump-Sum Payout for 2015
- Additional increases in base rates of pay for 2016 and 2018
- December 31, 2018 Amendable Date
As has been pressed by the Bahamian Government, a mandate to reduce overall expenses by up to twenty-five per-cent (25%) continues to be a challenge for your carrier. This Agreement in no way reflects any level of such sacrifice that the airline is trying to achieve and it is my hope that Bahamasair can succeed and remain a viable entity for the islands and for the Bahamian people. Copies of the complete Tentative Agreement along with information concerning ratification meetings will be released shortly. It is recommended that the membership votes YES to accept this tentative agreement.
If you have any questions, you may reach me directly at or by cell at (859) 653-4037. Your patience and solidarity has been essential in reaching a fair and equitable agreement in these negotiations. With best wishes I remain
Sincerely and fraternally,
James M. Samuel
GENERAL CHAIR
