NIB Responds to Potential National Sick-Out, Reaffirms Commitment to Service and Negotiations

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NIB Responds to Potential National Sick-Out, Reaffirms Commitment to Service and Negotiations

1/12/2025 9:10:09 PM

The National Insurance Board (NIB) has been informed of a potential national sick-out involving members of the Union of Public Officers (UPO) over the next three days as a result of stalled negotiations. It is always our goal to reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement with our valued employees, and we remain committed to that goal. Our priority is the sustainability of the Fund.

We are pleased to announce that we have successfully concluded negotiation with the Public Managers Union (“PMU”) and will this week sign a five-year agreement with PMU. We thank the PMU for its continued support and look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with them.

We remain optimistic that a resolution is within reach with UPO and look forward to the next steps in the negotiation process. The only matter outstanding between UPO and NIB is a financial matter pertaining to the fifth year of the proposed industrial agreement. We firmly believe that good faith negotiations remain the best path forward. We met with UPO early last week where we discussed probable resolution and as late of Thursday past, we reached out to UPO to discuss a probable resolution to the issue in dispute but have not received a reply.

We encourage the Union of Public Officers to return to the table with the same commitment to collaboration and mutual respect that has characterized our discussions thus far.

We assure the public that NIB has proactively taken steps to minimize any disruptions and to ensure that essential services continue for those who rely on NIB in their times of need. Business operations will remain open as usual, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at all offices across The Bahamas. To reduce delays, customers are encouraged to: