Union fears job losses from merger of LIME, Flow

The Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), which represents employees at telecommunications companies LIME and FLOW, is worried that there will be negative implications for the work force at both entities, now that approval has been given for them to be merged.  

Technology Minister Phillip Paulwell on Monday gave the green light for the transfer of  control of  FLOW to Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC), parent of LIME.

According to the BITU, when the merger plans were announced late last year, it raised concerns with both companies about the possible impact on the employees.

In light of  Monday's announcent, Kavan Gayle, BITU President General, wants a detailed response from the companies, particularly regarding job security.

Acknowledging that there will be a "streamlining (of) new systems, new procedures and cultures," along with "shared responsibilities" in respect of some elements of the job, he said it was important to meet with the management of both companies, as soon as possible.

The union represents more than 300 workers at LIME and approximately 70 at Flow.