The management of Nassau Flight Services (NFS) has denied allegations made by the Airport Airline and Allied Workers Union (AAAWU) that the services of five employees were terminated for refusal to work overtime.

In a statement issued by NFS, management said, “The public should know that while the company does not wish to delve into the facts surrounding the employees’ termination, as they are the subject of legal review, and providing details on the matter may prejudice that process, it is important to state emphatically that the termination issues relate to aviation safety.”

NFS management notes that the union referred the termination to the Department of Labor for conciliation, and no consensus on the facts arrived during that process.

“The management of NFS wishes to stress that the company abides by all industrial laws, and as soon as the union president files an industrial dispute with the Industrial Tribunal, NFS will expedite the hearing of the matter, in the interest of determining the correct legal finding. It is regretful that the union has failed thus far to pursue due process in accordance with the law, but has chosen instead, by unlawful industrial action, to seek to coerce a result, through duress,” the statement explained.

“This is even more regretful at a time when the company is working with the Ministry of Finance to ensure the economic health of NFS, as the company’s current status requires subsidization by the government to maintain its operations.”

According to NFS management, the industrial action was taken during peak hours at the airport, and if preemptive steps were not taken by the company, it could have caused severe economic circumstances to NFS.

“NFS has and always will continue to work in good faith with the union, and in keeping with the Industrial Agreement made between NFS and the AAAWU,” the statement read.