PSU Accuses Transport CEO of Disrespecting Union Consultation Process

The Public Service Union (PSU) sent a message to Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Transport, Chester Williams, over decisions affecting public officers.  Dean Flowers informed colleagues at a press conference yesterday that he was to meet with transport officials this week, but there was a clear disrespect on the part of CEO Williams for the unions’ established structures and proper consultation. He told Williams that the unions are organized bodies and cannot be randomly summoned to meetings without adequate notice.

Dean Flowers, President, PSU: “I was informed this morning that my presence was needed in a very important meeting currently being held by the Department of Transport. Now I was invited to a meeting to address those workers’ situation and this $19 million loan that they now have at their disposal, they got  $19 million in our money. I was invited to a meeting a couple weeks ago, we had to postpone it because I wasn’t in country. We set Thursday for that meeting. This morning they told me the meeting is happening and I need to repot. I want to throw caution to the wind I hope no crazy decision is being made in that meeting. And of course my good friend the former Compol will come back shooting and flinging and throwing tantrum. I’m saying my brother we operate in order and organization here. You do not just to get pop up and summon people to a meeting as perhaps would have been the norm and is the norm within the police department. I expect that the Public Service Union will be adequately consulted. Honorable Zabaneh , and respected as we move forward to ascertain the rights and the benefits already accrued and earned and deserved by the officers within that department. So whatever decision you’re taking this morning please pat your breaks because the last thing I want is to have another issue with you because of the way you treat public officers.”

The warning follows a dispute over the recent report that the ministry is hiring two Assistant Deputy Chief Transport Officers. Several weeks ago, Flowers accused Williams of going against the Public Service’s established hiring policies in filling those posts