BPA: Update On Negotiations With Government
The Bermuda Police Association [BPA] provided an update on the status of negotiations between the Government of Bermuda and the BPA.
A BPA spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Association [BPA] was asked to give an update on the status of negotiations between the Government of Bermuda and the BPA.
“Firstly, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the independent Public Sector Negotiation Team [PSNT] made up of Mrs. Judith-Hall Bean [Chairperson], Mr. Vincent Hollinsid and Mr. Orin Simmons for their hard work and dedication.
“We have been negotiating in good faith with the independent PSNT, on behalf of the Government for the past eighteen months. Both teams have worked extremely hard, reaching a partial agreement on the 9th day of May, 2019.
“Notwithstanding the partial agreement, there are four outstanding proposals remaining on the table. These remaining proposals include Government Employee Health Insurance [GEHI] and legal coverage for police officers. It was agreed that these matters would be resolved after signing of the partial agreement.
“Despite official documentation from the Government stating that the PSNT had at the least, ostensible authority and at the most actual authority to negotiate and agree on items on behalf of Government, the Government is now refusing to honour the partial agreement.
“The refusal by Government to honour this partial agreement is a clear act of negotiating in bad faith and is unlawful under section 29 [a] [4]of the Police Act, 1974.
“The reality of the situation is that the members of the BPA are now becoming exasperated, with the real possibility of becoming demoralized. The members of the BPA are calling on the Honorable Premier of Bermuda to take control of this situation and ensure that the Government honour its obligations. We are eager to continue to negotiate in good faith.
“We are aware that the Government has recently entered into partial agreements with other unions. We strongly question whether the Government’s unlawful actions are as a result of the events of the 2nd of December, 2016. We are concerned that negotiations may break down due to the Government’s ill feelings towards the Bermuda Police Service following these events. We invite the Government to reveal their true motive for not wanting to sign the partial agreement.”
Minister of National Security Wayne Caines said, “We value the service of all the members of the Bermuda Police Service. All outstanding contractual matters, including salary and contractual negotiations, fall outside of my remit and come under the Minister with responsibility for Labour.”
“Outstanding matters are with the Public Sector Negotiating Team [PSNT] and are still being negotiated.”
It will all be done very very very soon.
“Outstanding matters are with the Public Sector Negotiating Team [PSNT] and are still being negotiated.”
Is that the same Team the PLP Government does not recognize as having authority to negotiate?
Plp Payback for dec 2?
Incredibly weak response from caines. He has become very poor
Min. Caines are you kidding me? You are the Minister of National Security with responsibility for the police. Did you read the article from the head of the police union? The cops are demoralized. To say it’s not your issue is absoultly rediculous.
A demoralized police service creates a dangerous situation for Bermuda. God forbid the cops go on a sick out or take other actions to be heard. Then it would be your issue then, right? You and your Government colleagues need to sort this matter out as a matter of urgency. I am sure that Government would not dear think about doing this with Chris Furbert and crew. Do not take the police for granted. If you push the most harmless dog into a corner, you sure will be bitten.