An investigation has been launched into claims made by employees of Quality Services in Grand Bahama against the company’s management over charges of abuse, according to Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell.

Mr. Mitchell released a statement on the matter Monday as employees of Quality Services carried on a second day of industrial action in protest of the alleged treatment.

The employees claim that Quality Services is using to union-busting tactics to prevent them from acquiring union representation.

Furthermore, the employees said that relations between the union and the company were further strained when the company abruptly laid-off persons known to be union supporters.

The union’s petition to represent the employees has been challenged in court by Quality Services who maintain that the union does not have a 50.1 per cent representation count which in effect, would cause it to act as the bargaining unit for the workers.

The employees have also accused the company of denying promotions to Bahamian workers.

Mr. Mitchell in a terse statement Monday gave assurances that the matter is being investigated by the Departments of Immigration and Labour and he cautioned Quality Services to adhere to the country’s laws.

“I however wish to remind employers that the Code of Industrial practice in the Industrial Relations Act remains the guide for best practices when dealing with their employees,” he said.

“Further, employees should not suffer abuse on the job because of their national origin. The government remains committed to the spirit and intent of this code of practice and to the protection of the rights of both employers and employees in the workplace.”

Quality Services has been operating in Grand Bahama for more than 30 years and employees claim they have been forced to work in poor conditions for years.

The employees said they have tried repeatedly to have the company hear their complaints, however, they insisted that their cries and concerns have fallen on deaf ears.

The workers have not said whether they intend to return to work today.