Bahamas News
Bahamasair Execs say Flight Attendants sick out is “illegal”; COI Leader calls on Government to pay the Staff
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
The Bahamas, December 18, 2024 – A heated row over incremental payments when salaries of AAAWU members were raised between 2018 and 2023 has led to a major inconvenience to travellers on the national flag carrier, at least six flights were listed as cancelled due to an employee sick-out.
While Bahamasair executives, in correspondence obtained by Magnetic Media, have defended their position that every penny owed to the members engaged in the sick-out was paid, the Union leaders are adamant that monies remain outstanding and members want what is fully due to them.
It has moved from a row behind closed doors to an impasse which has now impacted public travel to destinations serviced by Bahamasair including Freeport, Grand Bahama; Ft Lauderdale, Florida; Rock Sound, Eleuthera and Marsh Harbour, Abaco.
In a statement from Bahamasair, the travelling public was told: “We regret to inform you that all afternoon flights scheduled for December 18, 2024, have been cancelled due to ongoing industrial action by Airport Airline & Allied Workers Union. We deeply apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and sincerely empathize with the disruption to your travel plans.”
The fiasco has ignited heated social media commentary and has elicited reaction from Lincoln Bain, leader of the Coalition for Independents (a political party in The Bahamas).
“The Bahamasair union has decided to hold a sickout. This has adversely affected my travel plans. That said, I SUPPORT THE ACTIONS OF THE BAHAMAS AIR WORKERS WHOLEHEARTEDLY. The government increased the PM’s record breaking travel budget but refuses to
pay the Bahamasair staff what is owed and due to them,” Bain chastised the government for its management of the country’s airline, “They can find the money to fly first class around the world eating steak and caviar but refuse pay the staff. The Government spent $1,500,000 on a trip to London for Brave and Pintard but can’t pay the Bahamasair staff! Stand your ground staff! They always have money for them but never have money when it comes to the Bahamian workers.”
“I can assure you that the politically appointed executives get their money on time. I am tired of Bahamians being treated like last class citizens in this country. Stand your ground Team Bahamasair. Either that money will go to you or it will go to more first class flights for the Politicians.”
Media reports indicate that 12 of 16 flight attendants assigned to the morning shift called in sick, in a move that “significantly impacted airline operations.”
Bahamasair believes the union is being unreasonable, calling the agreement struck two years ago “a very good one for the AAAWU.”
The document explains there was an 11.5% salary increase, four increments were added to salary for each year except 2020 and a lump sum payment was designated to cover the Covid year, 2020.
It was explained, in order to catch up on the payments as the contract was signed with only seven months remaining in the year, there were accelerated payments. Bahamasair itemises them as November 18, 2022; March 2, 2023; June 3, 2023 and July 4, 2023.
With the payments made, Bahamasair says that they closed the matter.
For the AAAWU however, there still remains some funds unpaid and members are unflinching on the point that they are owed six incremental payments. It is unclear why the two entities have recorded such a difference in accounting.
It was also explained that the Labour Department has mediated negotiations and a final offer by Bahamasair to end the dispute was proposed. The claim by the AAAWU was for six more incremental payments to be made to the staff in question; Bahamasair countered with an offer for two payments.
The correspondence from Bahamasair informed that there was no further communication from the union and the action taken on December 18 was described as, “surprising and not in the interest of good relationship. Management is demanding that all staff return to work as this in an illegal action by the union.”
We have not been able, up to publication time, to access comments from the AAAWU.
To customers of the airline, Bahamasair advised this: For further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Customer Care Center at 242-702-4140 or our Customer Relations team at 242-702-4159.
By Shakara Trott
Bahamas Information Services
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas – From Tin Tubs to Jacuzzis. From Kerosene Lamps to Chandeliers. From Hand Pumps to Running
Water.
As the nation reflects on its journey, these nostalgic comparisons remind Bahamians of just how far we’ve come. On the eve of July 10th, the Grand Independence Central Lawn was transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration as scores of Bahamians, families, dignitaries, and special guests gathered to commemorate the country’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence.
The evening featured a cultural showcase brimming with national pride—from lively food trucks to breathtaking fireworks—bringing the community together in a unified celebration of heritage, resilience, and hope for the future.
Dignitaries made a grand entrance, chauffeured onto the grounds in red-carpet, Vogue-style fashion, and introduced by the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Wilbert Stubbs.
The festivities began with an ecumenical service led by the Grand Bahama Christian Council. Bishop Barry Morris and Bishop John C. Wallace opened with a call to worship and invocation, followed by an uplifting session of praise led by Calvary Temple’s worship team.
In a stirring keynote address, Archdeacon Earl Hepburn reflected on the spiritual foundation of the Bahamian journey. “No matter how
much effort is put in, if God is not at the center, the foundation will falter,” he said, reminding attendees that the nation’s progress must always be rooted in faith.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere shifted to high-energy entertainment with performances by DECISION, Top Tier Band, RYCON, Sharade, The Bmes, Bahamas Dance Theatre Troupe, Wilfred Solomon, Nishie L.S., DMAC, and KB—offering a rich tapestry of Bahamian culture in music and dance.
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey, carried out the traditional Inspection of the Guard, setting the stage for the ceremonial highlight of the evening.
Finally, just prior to midnight, and as Independence Day, July 10, rolled in, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Royal Bahamas Police Force raised the National Flag, and sounds of the National Anthem filled the air.
With fireworks lighting up the sky, The Bahamas proudly turned 52—marking more than half a century of independence, growth, and national pride.
PHOTO CAPTION: Independence Park was abuzz with excitement as the nation celebrated its 52nd anniversary. The event drew hundreds of attendees who came to mark this significant milestone in the country’s history. Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey is pictured as she greeted uniformed branch officers, dignitaries, and members of the community at the celebration.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)
Bahamas News
Bahamas conducts grand 52nd Independence Anniversary celebrations despite turbulent weather
By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — Severe weather conditions forced the much-anticipated Independence Anniversary Celebration to take on a different format from the usual exciting lineup, on the evening of July 9.
The planned traditional Ecumenical Service and the Cultural Show set for that evening at 8:00pm were impacted by turbulent weather, and organizers pivoted to meet the nation’s expectations.
Gratefully, as the rain cleared and time progressed to just past midnight, July 10 — Independence Day — the Aquamarine, Gold and Black
National Flag was raised under a calm sky, with events unfolding serenely to usher in 52 years of Independence before scores of Bahamians who assembled at historic Clifford Park.
Just hours prior, the Department of Meteorology had issued a “Severe Weather Warning” for several islands including New Providence, cautioning residents against localized flooding, strong gusty winds and tornadic activity, and to remain indoors until the passage of the storm.
Out of an abundance of caution, The National Independence Secretariat, acting on the weather warning and in consultation with the relevant agencies, made adjustments to the Independence Calendar for that evening.
As a result, the Cultural Show would be held on a date to be announced.
The Bahamas Christian Council held its traditional Ecumenical Service at Bahamas Harvest Church on J.F. Kennedy Drive, which was broadcast live on ZNS at 9:00pm.
The Flag Raising Ceremony proceeded as usual at Clifford Park, where The Bahamas had become an independent nation in 1973, on July 10.
A number of clergymen participated in the Ecumenical Service, and choirs rendered melodious and spirited gospel songs – all with a common message imbued with this year’s theme: “Together We Rise.” In attendance were high-level Government officials, and members of The Opposition.
Pastor Mario Moxey of Bahamas Harvest Church implored Bahamians to not look at the theme as merely a slogan, but instead as a call for renewed hope for our Bahamaland.
In delivering the Independence sermon, Apostle Delton Fernander, president of the Bahamas Christian Council, said that independence came about by many, who believed in the cause. He said though much has been accomplished, there is still more to do.
Tying the line from The Pledge, ‘One People, United in Love and Service,’ to the theme, “Together We Rise”, he stated, “these words instruct
us to address many of the ills facing the nation. In this vein, he called for unity as a means to achieving this.
At Clifford Park, and the Flag Raising Ceremony: Her Excellency, the Most Honourable Dame Cynthia A. Pratt, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, carried out the customary Inspection of the Guard despite the soggy conditions of the grounds.
Witnessing the historic events were the Hon. Philip Davis, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; the Hon. Chester Cooper; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation; The Hon. Mr. Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder; Members of the Opposition, Cabinet Ministers, high level officials, guests, and spectators.
At midnight, with the Flag hoisted in the air by officers of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Royal Bahamas Police Force, the playing of the National Anthem by the parade band, and fireworks, The Bahamas became 52-years-old as an independent nation.
Following on — at 1:00am was ‘The People’s Rush’ by the various Junkanoo groups, which thrilled the crowds on Bay Street.
Independence Day will also be commemorated with the traditional State Reception at Government House, and a Family Fun Day at Clifford Park.
(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)
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