Union moves to reassure whistleblowers

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25: Poor communication and Ministerial influence have to be addressed to deal with breaches of Civil Service rules.

Kevin Grant, president of the Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU), said: “Far too often Civil Servants have been put in positions that end up in controversy that puts their employment into jeopardy.”

He added: “The Bermuda Public Services Union is becoming increasingly concerned about the number of Civil Servants who have found themselves embroiled in controversy.”

Mr Grant, the president of the BPSU, which represents many Civil Service employees, welcomed Government moves to introduce legislation to protect whistle-blowers — but called on those worried by what they have been asked to do to seek help from the union.

He said: “Whistleblowing has been put on the negotiation table by the BPSU during contract negotiations and we are happy to see that it is being brought to the forefront.

“However, if any of our members find themselves in precarious situations, they must realize that they have representation and must not hesitate to involve the union before it is too late.”

Mr Grant was speaking after Auditor General Heather Jacobs Matthews called on Civil Servants to “stand their ground” if asked to breach strict financial instructions or their disciplinary code.

Ms Jacobs Matthews said there was still too little accountability for the use of public funds, despite plans for good governance legislation.

And she called on Civil Servants to resist pressure from senior officials or Ministers to bend or break the rules.

Ms Jacobs Matthews spoke out after a series of shock reports criticized Government’s management of public finances and that the pace of change was too slow.

Mr Grant said: “Ministers who have been mandated to implement initiatives must follow protocol and policy and this has to be encouraged by the Permanent Secretaries who are charged with facilitating this process.

“Further to this, the department heads and Permanent Secretaries must be cognizant that they do not compromise the remit of their senior officers.

“All Civil Servants must be congnizant of the fact that they have protocols to abide by.”

He added: “The conditions of employment and code of conduct are clear on policy and, if used in conjunction with the collective bargaining agreement, will allow all stakeholders to govern themselves accordingly.”

Balance

Mr Grant said there was only a handful of Civil Servants who could not be represented by the BPSU — the Chief Justice, Deputy Governor, Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions, the Secretary to Cabinet and the head of the Civil Service.

He added: “There is a very high percentage of members who can and will receive representation. We are here in support for all our members and realize that there must be a balance established so that initiatives to be implemented will be achieved in the best interest of all stakeholders.”