After months of negotiations the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas (BCB) and the Bahamas Communications and Public Managers Union (BCPMU) signed a $2.4 million, four year deal on Monday.

BCPMU President, Kendrick Knowles was at the signing ceremony held at BCB headquarters where he outlined some of the benefits now available to middle managers. He said, “first year is a lump sum payment of $1250. The second year is an increment payment being added to the salary. The third year is an increment payment plus a $1250 lump sum payment and the fourth year is a single increment payment being added to salary.”

BCB Executive Chairman, Picewell Forbes shared that the new deal also focuses on mental health and well being. It includes five mental health days, access to mental health care and paternit leave. Forbes said. “What I like about this new contract is on of the key elements we are facing especially as men, mental health and psychological assessment is going to be a critical component in this contract going forward. For many, many years many men in our corporation and also our society as large and at the world or international level are being challenged with psychological depression, the list goes on. And this is going to be a key component for persons to get time off for assessment.”

Also on hand was BCB General Manager, Clint Watson who shared his excitement about the training opportunities offered in the new contract. He said, “we’re not just giving a financial package but we’re also making an environment and an arrangement that’s conducive to their continued learning and development as professionals in the industry.”

Currently there are forty four middle managers at the BCB.