PM Davis pledges support for Bahamas workers amid salary review tensions

Bahamas Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis on Monday night addressed the nation on the ongoing National Salary Review for public service workers, reaffirming his government’s commitment to fairness, dialogue, and progress while responding to rising tensions with some union leaders.

In a televised address, Davis said he wanted to speak “directly” to Bahamians amid confusion surrounding union discussions and government actions. He detailed the administration’s record since 2021, including restoring public service increments, raising the minimum wage from $210 to $260 a week, increasing pensions, expanding health insurance, and regularizing hundreds of temporary workers.

“We didn’t increase pay to score points. We did it because it was time, because Bahamian workers deserved it,” Davis said.

The prime minister confirmed that the national salary review—the most comprehensive in decades—was complete and would be made public immediately. He said the findings showed that since 2021, public officers had received consistent annual salary increases, with entry-level workers benefiting the most.

While acknowledging a delay in the process, Davis stressed it was due to administrative checks, not financial shortfalls, and assured public servants they would be paid before Christmas.

The announcement followed tense meetings with public service unions, including the Bahamas Union of Teachers, where a strike threat was issued during ongoing talks. Davis criticized what he called “grandstanding and public drama,” insisting that “this situation is not about a grievance… it is about the Government doing what is right by its workers.”

He emphasized that his government would continue discussions with union representatives, including upcoming talks with the Bahamas Electrical Workers and Customs unions, but said progress must come through “respectful conversation, not confrontation.”

“I will not take part in any process where dark clouds of threats hang over the table,” he said. “We can’t do that by fighting. We can only do it by talking, by listening, and by understanding that respect must flow both ways.”

Davis closed by urging unity and reaffirming his government’s stance: “I will always speak to you directly. I will always fight for fairness. And I will always put the Bahamian worker first.”