New Industrial Contract for Middle Managers at University of The Bahamas
20th September 2022
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS – Middle managers at University of The Bahamas (UB) now have a new industrial agreement, with UB signing the contract with the Public Managers Union (PMU) during a press conference held on Tuesday 20th September.
The agreement is for the period 2018 to 2023 and, notably, has provisions to increase training, development and capacity building for managers; support paid sabbaticals for the first time; and refine the grievance procedure.
UB President Dr. Erik Rolland said the focus on the professional development of people who are integral to increased quality assurance and continuous improvement at the institution is significant. He said these objectives are particularly important given that UB is seeking international accreditation.
“Our number one strategic direction for the University is to become accredited. In doing so, we affirm the importance of our managers and will build a strong learning organization focused on professional development and opportunities for supporting a strong leadership programme to build excellence in leadership at all levels.
“The University will renew its focus on lifelong learning, and continuous improvements, training, and education that will be beneficial for our managers’ success in the workplace. We will ensure that managers are equipped with the tools necessary for their advancement and will provide them with cutting-edge professional development offerings,” he said.
UB Board of Trustees Chair Allyson Maynard Gibson, K.C., echoed those sentiments. Calling the PMU a vital partner, she invited the stakeholders to continue actively participating in the process of university-building.
“To achieve the university’s mission and mandate, we intend to leverage the knowledge and skills of every single member of UB, and especially our managers who lead the people on our team. However, we cannot do it alone. Our focus is on strengthening relationships with all of our partners and stakeholders. The call is for all hands on deck,” she said.
Mrs. Maynard Gibson also affirmed the collaborative relationship with the PMU.
“President Cassandra Lewis, and her team, from day one, made it clear to the Board that the PMU supports taking UB to the next level, which includes accreditation, as a strategy for the purposeful development of our people. As well as being transformational, this is fundamental to the progress that we all envisage,” she noted.
Mrs. Lewis said UB has also met its financial obligations to members of the bargaining unit and both sides have agreed to the review of increments for middle managers.
“This is a great pleasure for our Public Managers Union,” said Mrs. Lewis. “The management staff of UB plays a vital role in that they are the link between all aspects of the university inclusive of UTEB professors as well as the non-management staff. We are the glue that keeps the university together. We are also pleased to advise that the contract that we would have signed is a very good contract. We would have had the training finances increased, a mentorship programme for middle managers, a sabbatical for middle managers and we improved the grievance process and strengthened it.”
With this latest contract expiring in 2023, both parties said they expect to return to negotiations soon for a new contact.
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- UB President Dr. Erik Rolland addresses the press conference.
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- President of the Public Managers Union Mrs. Cassandra Lewis speaks at the press conference.
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- Chair of the Board of Trustees Mrs. Allyson Maynard Gibson KC addresses the media.
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- UB President Dr. Erik Rolland and Chair of the Board Mrs Allyson Maynard Gibson sign the industrial agreement.
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- PMU General Secretary Dana Knowles signs the industrial agreement as PMU President Cassandra Lewis and PMU representative Antona Curry look on.
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- PMU President Cassandra Lewis speaks during the press conference. At right is UB President Dr. Erik Rolland.
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- Standing from left: Dwight Grant, PMU Trustee; Trevor Brice 2nd Vice President, PMU; Ruth Nottage, Treasurer, PMU; Wilfred Munnings Trustee, PMU; Khadajh Johnson, Assistant Treasurer, PMU; Antona Curry UB/PMU Representative; Wendyi Poitier, UB representative and notary; Shandy Smith, Executive Assistant to the UB President. Seated from left: Phillipa Collie-Moss 1st Vice President, PMU; Dana Knowles, Secretary General, PMU; Cassandra Lewis, President, PMU; Dr. Erik Rolland, President, UB; Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Chair, UB Board of Trustees; and Vochelle Ferguson, VP, Human Resources, UB.
Office of University Relations
University of The Bahamas
2nd Floor, Michael H. Eldon Complex
University Drive, Oakes Field Campus
P.O. Box N-4912
Nassau, The Bahamas
Tel: (242) 302-4355/4354/4365
Chartered on 10th November 2016, University of The Bahamas (UB) is a beacon for national transformation. Approximately 5,000 students are enrolled in the University of The Bahamas system which includes campuses and centres on New Providence, Grand Bahama, and San Salvador, as well as UB online education. UB’s diverse academic programmes, research engagements, athletics and leadership development experiences equip our students to become global citizens in a dynamic world. For more information, visit www.ub.edu.bs.