By Yasmin Popsecu

FN News Reporter

A union official cannot be terminated unless the circumstances of the case have been discussed with a full-time official of the BCPMU, said former Minister of Labour and Social Development Dion Foulkes in a recent statement.

The former Minister's statement came during congratulatory remarks to the National Trade Union Congress of The Bahamas (NTUCB) and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas Trade Union Congress (CBTUC) for joining forces and forming the Joint Labour Movement (JLM).

Foulkes said that this historical union is a very positive development for every worker in The Bahamas, adding that it is also good for industrial relations, peace in the workplace and the tripartite process.

"As I said in an earlier statement, based on all the facts before the public, it is clear that the termination of employment of BCPMU's Vice President, Elizabeth Thompson, was contrary to the Industrial Relations Act and the Industrial Agreement between the BCPMU and BTC" said Foulkes.

"There is no provision in our laws to terminate an employee without cause, as was done to Ms. Thompson, subject to provisions in the Industrial Agreement and I am advised that there are no such provisions.

"BTC did not follow the proper procedure in terminating Ms. Thompson and I urge them to reinstate her forthwith."

Foulkes commended Jennifer Isaacs Dotson, President of the NTUCB and Obie Ferguson, President of the CBTUC and their entire membership on the positive move to join the union.

"I fully support the JLM's continued efforts to secure the reinstatement of Ms. Elizabeth Thompson at BTC."