Agitated employees at a local company have sought Union advice because of upcoming changes to how they are paid
Agitated employees at a local company have sought Union advice because of upcoming changes to how they are paid.
Bermuda Industrial Union President Chris Furbert turned up at BGA this morning for a meeting with its members who work at the Pitt’s Bay Road wholesaler.
The complaint is that a new payroll system could effectively leave employees short for the month of September – although the company has made efforts to support its staff through the changes.
All the companies in the BDC2000 family – such as BGA, Brown & Co, Phoenix and Pitt & Co – have, up until now, paid employees their monthly wages three weeks in advance – including weeks that were still to be worked…
However, the company is now updating its payroll system to pay in arrears, or, after an employee has worked for the full month for which they are being paid.
To adjust to the new system, BDC2000 is only going to pay its employees a week’s remuneration for the month of September.
Acknowledging that an employee may find themselves suddenly short on money, a BDC2000 spokesperson told us that they are offering an interest-free loan to cover the three week’s wages, and repayments won’t start until after six months.
Employees with large amounts of accrued vacation can also exchange that for three weeks’ wages to cover the gap. Alternatively, those who have saved money in the company’s Christmas Gift account can withdraw an amount to cover the gap, without any penalty for withdrawal.
However, the spokesperson told us that employees must choose one of these options by signing the relevant agreement before September 9th. If not, they will receive a week’s remuneration for the month of September and nothing else.
The spokesperson said they felt they were acting fairly and with consideration for BDC2000 employees, while aligning the company’s payroll with how most modern businesses operate.
We understand that the BIU had been called upon to represent its members in the matter, and that there was concern from the union that the company was bringing hardship on its staff. However, we have sought comment from BIU President Chris Furbert following the meeting today, and had not received a response by newstime.
WATCH the report above.
