By Youri Kemp Senior Business Reporter

Copyright thenassauguardian

The employees of salt producer Morton Bahamas Limited are concerned that the company’s sale to the Lusca Group will affect their insurance coverage and other benefits they enjoyed with Morton.

Richard Ingraham, president of the Bahamas Industrial Manufacturers & Allied Workers Union (BIMAWU), the union representing Morton Bahamas, told Guardian Business yesterday that workers are fearful the change in ownership will affect their way of life.

“We’ve been waiting to hear from the new owners, but as far as the workers’ concerns, they are concerned about their insurance. I met with the union members on Sunday to get their feedback and how they feel about the sale impacting them, That’s one of their foremost concerns, they are really concerned about their insurance benefits.”

BIMAWU members will continue working under the assumption that everything will be left in place with regard to the industrial agreement they signed with Morton in 2019, which is to remain valid until 2027. Morton pays for the insurance coverage of the employees, which has wide-ranging effects for families across Inagua. Morton employees also enjoy paid time off, an education reimbursement, and an employee assistance program. The company is a staple on the island, and everything with regard to Inagua’s economic vitality hinges on salt production.

Ingraham also said: “The only thing we heard from Morton Salt is through a meeting we had with the general manager, Jesus Rodriguez, stating that they would look into the insurance issue and after 60 days they would report back to us.”

Jennifer Brown, general secretary of the BIMAWU, said that she has been canvassing members about the potential loss of insurance coverage. She wants assurances from the Lusca Group on how employees would be treated moving forward, and if there would be a loss of their benefits.

Brown, who is also the immediate past president of the BIMAWU, said she is putting together a formal letter to Morton’s management, asking them to clarify a laundry list of concerns.

Lusca Group announced on September 17 that its subsidiary, Grand Bahama Salt Company Ltd, has entered into an agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shares of Morton Bahamas Limited.

The company in a statement said: “Morton Salt is excited to partner with the Lusca Group on the announced transaction. Inagua has long served an important role in helping Morton Salt meet its supply needs, and while the pending transaction will convert Morton Salt from owner to anchor customer, Inagua salt will remain a vital component of Morton Salt’s long-term supply mix.

“Equally if not more important, we believe that capital investments required to expand the Inagua operation, and potentially develop other business opportunities on the island, will benefit our Inagua employees and the local community. Accordingly, Morton Salt believes the announced transaction offers a ‘win, win’ outcome for all stakeholders.”