New Public Service Negotiating Team Named
[Updated] The Ministry of the Cabinet Office with Responsibility for Government Reform has announced the appointment of Jonathan Smith, Vincent Hollinsid, and Orin Simmons as the Government’s new Public Service Negotiating Team [PSNT].
“The PSNT will be responsible for leading future union negotiations,” the Ministry said.
“To date, Government has completed negotiations with the Bermuda Public Services Union [BPSU], the Fire Services Association [FSA], the Bermuda Industrial Union [BIU], and interim agreements with the Bermuda Union of Teachers [BUT] and the School Principals who are represented by the Bermuda Public Services Union.
“Negotiations with the Prison Officers Association [POA] and the Bermuda Police Association [BPA] are currently in progress.
Minister Lovitta Foggo with the newly appointed Public Service Negotiating Team which comprises of Vincent Hollinsid, Jonathan Smith and Orrin Simmons
Minister of Cabinet Office with Responsibility for Government Reform Lovitta Foggo said, “I wish to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the outgoing Public Sector Negotiation Team – Gary Phillips, Martin Law and John Harvey.
“We are thankful for their hard work in guiding the negotiations to a conclusion. Their work verified for this Government that the application of a negotiations’ model that relies on non-Union members to represent the Government’s interest is a reasonable approach.”
The Minister continued, “We are grateful to have the services of Mr. Smith, Mr. Hollinsid, and Mr. Simmons. They each have a wealth of knowledge and negotiations experience. We very much look forward to seeing the positive results of their engagement with our unions.
“This Government remains committed to engendering a respect for the workers in the public service. In that regard, we will continue to work with our unions to cultivate improved organizational performance, which will ultimately benefit the Government, the employees, and by extension the people of Bermuda.”
Update 2.32pm: Shadow Government Reform Michael Dunkley said, “Thank you to Gary Phillips, John Harvey and Martin Law for their dedication and progress in this important matter.
“I note that negotiations continue with the Prison Officers Association and the Bermuda Police Association.
“I would have expected in announcing the new negotiating team the Minister would have provided a detailed update on the current state of affairs.
“I quote the Minister when in thanking the prior team she remarked…”We are thankful for their hard work in guiding the negotiations to a conclusion.” Clearly that is not the case as the POA and BPA negotiations remain in progress. But if they are concluded as the statement says then why the need for a new team?
“In addition what is the mandate and terms of reference for the new team? How much will they be paid and what is the length of the appointment? What are the terms of any settlements reached? Has any harmonization been reached amongst various union agreements?
“Providing these answers allows accountability and transparency which this government always talks about.”
Are the members on this team paid using public funds?!
if I’m not mistaken, all members of such committees are paid a stipend.
Friends & family
Mr Simmons is a good person to have on this team
he has pratical hands on labour experience and a BA in labour studies
A ‘BA in labour studies’. Says it all.
More money wasted by PLP.
What nonsense. The OBA had a PSNT in place and they were paid a stipend too.
It’s now OFFICIAL “foxes” – now in charge of the “hen” HOUSE!! This will cost us Taxpayers a hellava alot $$$!!
FRIENDS AND FAMILY…Jonathan struggling to be relevant hahahahahha
hmmm….He’s on a committee and you’re sitting there Jus’ Wonderin’
Excellent thoughts put into this plan.
Great move, P.L.P.
Money definitely well-spent.
Brilliant!! Intelligent minds devised this.
Oba did not have any care or concern for Bermudians.
So a labour/union government gets to appoint a team to negotiate on the peoples behalf with labour/union???? well FMG.
Power to the People
As usual you fail to understand.
No, taking from the many to give to the few.
Unless it was the 626 “people” that wrote in against the ATVs. Burch just listens to the 2 “people” who supported the idea.
Every Government has the prerogative to appoint a PSNT including Labour in the UK, the Democrats in the USA and the PLP here.
It baffles me… on one hand one of these new members negotiated on behalf of the people against government. Now they have crossed the fence and will represent government against the people. Is this a reality show. Bottom line at the end of the day everybody is out for themselves and will do whatever gets them over. Bluff! Bluff! Bluff!
I mark it down to be who is really sincere.
Fox in the hen house. Anyone in that group experienced in large employee management in the private sector?
Yes.