Bus Drivers To Strike After Driver Fired
[Updated - scroll to bottom for latest]
Minister of Transport Terry Lister held a press conference this morning [Aug.17] and said the bus driver at the centre of the dispute has had her employment terminated.
On August 11, BIU President Chris Furbert said the BIU gave the Transport Ministry 24 hours to reinstate a bus driver who was suspended following an accident seven weeks ago.
Mr Furbert said their drug policy calls for urine drug testing, not hair follicle drugs testing which the driver was asked to take, and said although the accident involved two bus drivers, and only one was asked for a drug test.
The Ministry of Transport then released a statement saying the suspended bus driver will be reinstated after she takes a drug test.
The Ministry said an investigation concluded the bus driver in question was “solely to blame” for the accident as she failed to secure the handbrake, and that the bus driver has refused five opportunities since the accident in June to take a drug test.
At the press conference today, Minister Lister said that the bus operator will be terminated as of today due to insubordination because she refused on at least five occasions to take the drug test that is mandated under the existing BIU/DPT working agreement.
The Minister made the point that if the bus operator takes the drugs test and passes; she will simply continue driving. However if she takes the drugs test and fails it, then she must go to EAP for drug counselling after which she will be able to return to driving. In neither instance would she lose her job as a driver.
Asked by Bernews if the Cabinet backed this decision, the Minister replied that Cabinet had met yesterday and that this matter had been discussed.
Update 1:50pm: The BIU just announced they have called a meeting for all bus operators at 2:30pm today at BIU Headquarters. This will be the second meeting for bus operators this week, as they previously met this past Monday.
Update 2:20pm: Government confirms there will be an interruption of bus services this afternoon.
Update 2:36pm: A statement released by Government said, “The Ministry of Transport is advising that union officials have informed DPT management that a meeting has been called for all bus operators and allied workers. This meeting is currently underway. Due to the union activity there is an interruption of bus service which is affecting all bus routes. The DPT advised that it will update the public once services have resumed.”
Update 3:40pm: The meeting appears to still be underway. There appears to be other union members present in addition to bus drivers.
Update 4:00pm: A couple of bus drivers left, and told us the meeting is still in progress. Some buses are still being seen on the road, as some drivers have elected to not attend the meeting, and continue to work.
Update 4:32pm: The meeting is still in progress, however quite a few buses remain on the road.
Update 4:49pm: Statement from the BIU confirming that bus drivers will “withdraw their services effective immediately”.They also named the bus driver in question as Jennifer Harvey. The full statement from the BIU follows below:
The Bus Operators and Allied Workers Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union met this afternoon and after much discussion, a majority of the membership agreed, that in light of the termination letter received by their colleague, Sister Jennifer Harvey, that they would withdraw their services effective immediately.
The Union wishes the public to know that that over the past seven weeks they have worked diligently to resolve this matter with the Ministry of Transport, but to no avail.
President Chris Furbert is presently off island on family business, but he has been continually updated on the matter. Upon his return to the office, tomorrow, Thursday, August 18, 2011, the membership will discuss with him their next course of action.
Update 5:18pm: Video of the statement from the BIU:
Update 5:40pm: A female bus driver drove her personal car to the bus terminal in Hamilton, said she does not agree with the strike, and offered people waiting a free ride to Somerset. She loaded up her personal car and drove away. [cross-posted here]
Update 5:45pm: Some buses are still running, quick video below of the Hamilton terminal as of 5:30pm.
Update 5:51pm: A bus just pulled into the Hamilton terminal, unloaded the passengers and left the terminal empty to begin striking.
Update 6:01pm: Another bus came into the Hamilton terminal, and loaded up with passengers.
Update 6:15pm: The bus terminal on Palmetto Road is filling up with buses as drivers prepare to strike, it is pictured below at 6:10pm today
Update 6:33pm: The full statement delivered earlier today by the Minister of Transport Terry Lister regarding the decision to terminate the employment of bus operator is below:
-
Thank you for joining me.
As you are aware we have been engaged in an ongoing dispute with the Bermuda Industrial Union, surrounding a Department of Public Transportation bus operator who has refused to be tested for substance abuse after causing an accident that injured a passenger’s hand.
To be clear, in accordance with Ministry policy, the operator who caused the accident should have immediately reported the incident to DPT. This she failed to do. She should have submitted to an automatic substance test. This she also failed to do.
The submission to an automatic substance test is a condition of employment at DPT. If a bus operator is involved in an accident that causes an injury to a person and that injury requires the person to go to the hospital, then the operator must undergo a substance abuse test.
As was highlighted in our statement last week, the bus operator in question, a four-year employee, has been given at least five opportunities since the accident on Friday, 24th June to take a substance abuse test – in accordance with internal policy.
To be clear the initial test should have been taken on the date of the accident. However, the operator, after leaving the scene of the accident, called in sick and did not return to work until Monday 27th June.
To be clear, the operator was contacted by the supervisor and was instructed to contact Headquarters as the acting Operations Manager requested her to return to Headquarters. The operator agreed to contact Headquarters; the only contact was her notifying the department that she was sick.
I wish to make it clear that the initial suspension was with pay while investigations continued.
When she refused to be tested on Monday 27th, she was then placed on unpaid suspension effective Wednesday 28th June. It is important to point out that since which a Health and Safety investigation has determined that the operator was solely to blame for the accident.
I should note that if the tests results were positive, the policy would have been that the operator would not be automatically dismissed, instead she would have been referred to EAP with full pay and benefits while she receives the appropriate treatment and counseling.
DPT had given the operator another opportunity as recently as Friday, 12th August to take the test. And again she refused.
After a thorough review of the matter and numerous discussions with the BIU, a decision has been made by DPT to terminate her employment with the Department of Public Transportation on the grounds of insubordination in accordance with Article 27 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
I want to stress that the Ministry and DPT management has been more than accommodating to the employee, and has provided ample opportunity for her to be tested in accordance with our established policy.
And we don’t wish to see anyone at a loss of employment, however policies, processes and procedures are put in place to be held and they are put in place for the protection of the employee, the employer and the public…. and they must be followed.
As a final note, I can assure the public that this Ministry has worked very, very hard to ensure that a fair, just and transparent process was adhered to.
I will now take any questions.
-
Update 6:40pm: CruiseCritic, a very popular U.S website for vacationers, has already picked up the bus strike story, linking this article with a title ‘Bus Strike in Bermuda.’
Update 6:59pm: The St George’s depot is also filling up with buses:
Update 8:27pm: A Facebook page ‘Help give a ride to work Bermuda‘ has been started.
Update 8:40pm: Buses are still being seen on the road, indicating some drivers are ignoring the strike.
Update 9:22pm: Take a poll here on how you think the Transport Ministry should handle this strike.
Ah right….Red Bull time…….lets see what happens…………
hummmm….lets c if Lister gets his balls smashed again ;-(
How awlful. Our ancestors did not stand for such disgusted issues. I admire Minister Lister. He has the testicular fortitude, which you all who support stupid lady. PLp doing their job!
I’m going to work tomorrow to F my Boss off @ 9am, 12pm & 5pm. My ace boy Chris already told me “no problem your Boss can’t fire you, plus I’m going to get you your full pay check at the end of the month”. (joke)
THERE YOU GO!!!!! IF SHE CAN’T FOLLOW RULES, SHE DOESN’T NEED TO BE EMPLOYED. I AM SURE IT WILL BE EASY TO FIND A REPLACEMENT FOR HER.
THANK GOD!!!!
Lets all be rational.There is no need for bad language.
Common sense is not always a common thing,i get it.
Come on Mr Furbert do you really feel that because this person
was asked to take a hair folicle test instead a urine test
this is out of line?I guess i know what you will say in response,after all the bus driver who called in sick and went and did a night job was re-instated,so why in heavens name do we have policies in place,with every action there is a consquence…is the bottle half full OR half empty?
I would say the bottle is empty, she would not pee in it!
THIS IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR ANYBODY WHO HAS A CAR AND IS NOT WORKING TO GO OUT AND MAKE SOME MONEY. CHARGE A REASONABLE PRICE AND SHUTTLE PEOPLE AROUND. BERMUDA NEEDS TO SHOW THE BIU THAT WE CAN AND WILL LIVE WITHOUT BEING BULLIED BY THEM ANY LONGER!!!
I also find it quite interesting that as a bartender I see several of my customers in the pics outside BIU headquarters. I guess that really shouldn’t surprise me that since it may be them next they would show total support of this madness. I’m sure if you put her picture up, the date and time of the accident, some establishment would probably come forward with footage of her patronizing their bar shortly before heading out to drive!
Too bad I’m not on vacation this week because I would sure take the opportunity to make some extra change to catch up on my bills….
Election year and they decide NOW to fire someone becasue the public is outraged??? Sounds about right. So when is the strike gunna start????
Interesting. Keen so see what umm umm does next.
So what happens next? A strike in support of her loosing her job? Better not bloodly well likely….she was given several chances and refused so she must have a problem that would be found out through testing. I want to know i am safe when i ride the bus or ferry.
But it will not only be the bus passengers that are going to be affected but the ferry passengers as well.
Would you rather we continue to allow ourselves to be held hostage to the whims of a union that can’t be bothered to abide by a CBA they agreed to in the first place? This driver has no leg to stand on as the terms of the drug testing procedure in the event of an accident which injures someone is clearly laid out in their handbook.
Ummmm, let me look into my crystal ball.
1. Government fires the bus driver.
2. Bus drivers go on strike.
3. Government reinstates the bus driver.
That was easy.
yep – and people will still be surprised
DAGRON?
1. Government fires the bus driver.
2. Bus driver goes on strike.
3. Government back down and agree that she may take a urine test and passes (as it has been many many weeks now)
4. Driver is rehired.
5. Lister looks like he is deciseive and says “look at me I fired the driver”
6. Chris Furbert says he saved the bus drives job.
And they all live hapilly ever after.
Island wide ‘general strike’ in 3 – 2 – 1 ….
F u Terry, u fools need to know the whole story!!!!
which is?
That you “What da #%%^” are the bus driver in question who just lost your job for not wanting the rest of Bermuda to know what real drugs you are on?!?!?
What Da!*&7% get a life. The full story is the bull was taken by the horns. And don’t be such a potty mouth….jingus. You talk to your children like that?
I’m got a life just like you, puttin blogs up on bernews all day every day just like you f%##off !!!!!!!!!
Whats with the attitude???? you must be the dumb ass bus driver that got fired!!!! should have just took the damn test!
lmaooo….some people just can never be satisfied. Props to Terry Lister.
yes, she should have just took the drug test!!!!! look at all the wrongs she caused: injured a person, drove off after causing the accident, refused to take drug test numerous times, now having numerous people being stranded because bus drivers are at union meeting and wasting government money!!!! Let her go!!! End of story!!! there are numerous people who would take her job!!!!!!!!!!! She “f” up, so she needs to live with the consequences. It’s a priviledge nowadays to have a decent job!!!
YOU”RE AWESOME! NOT!!!!!
I am Got a life.
I am got a life..
I am got a life…
I am got a life….
I am got a life…..
I am got a life….
I am got a life…
I am got a life..
I am got a life.
I do not. You do not.
I am got no life.
Really!!
is that language really necessary!? Children view such sites as these! potty mouth!
Feet up waiting for Dereck Burgess’s imput….
SUCKING MY TEETH!!!! She’ll be back on the Job next week and thats the sad part disgusting absolutely freaking disgusting!!!!!!
Well if you are privy to it then please do tell us so we can stop making ASS UMP TIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOOD!!!! Right is right and wrong is wrong! Things are put in place to be followed!! I doubt bus drivers would support a strike on this as many were not in support of it!
Strike Strike Strike!!!!!!!!!!
Shut up!!!
This is the correct move by the Government. Let’s see if they stick to this decision or backtrack once the BIU calls a strike.
This is a set play people .. Wait for it . Here comes The Greater Amongst Equals to make calm out of chaos , to take the ease out of disease . And finally to once again belittle the beleagered .
I guess now the bus drivers have been found out taking extra sick days the drivers can have strike days!
ABOLISH UNIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!! All they do is protect the guilty!
ditto to abolish unions!!! no longer needed!!
ABOLISH UNIONS so that the working class can be taken advantage of without any hassle.
No to STOP crazy antics like what is going on right now! There are regulations that come with this and the BIU have not gone by them. They go by their own rules and regulations and to hell with everyone – INCLUDING the members!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree they could have held their meeting after rush hour to take in consideration all the workers trying to get home at rush hour. How selfish of the union and the bus drivers who attend the meeting!!!!
Agreed theses drivers are SELFISH CHILDREN!
Aaannnnddddddd the countdown begins…
yes you may doubt it but when a meeting is called by the great BIU and CF you BETTER attend!!!!
Well da #%%^…
Tell us what the whole story is then as you seem to know it….
I do not understand why they need to have a meeting with all of the bus drivers when the matter has to do with only one driver. Please stop messing with my transportation. I guess I will be catching the ferry today, or better yet, eff the public transport, I will get a bike. I do not like the way these bus drivers are. There are a few nice ones, but most of them are grumpy people that need a nice ringer. Last week i got on the bus and asked if I was on the correct bus because there usually isnt a bus going to Dockyard at that time and when I asked the bus driver she cut her eyes and me and got an attitude. I was not being rude, just simply asking a question. Why is it that the bus drivers who are like this or speed or do something else they shouldnt do never have their name up? One morning i had a great bus driver who greeted me and when we got into town he stood outside the door and wished us all a great day. Where are the bus drivers like him? There needs to be more people driving the bus who are respectful like him. Wish I got his name so I could applaud him here but I didnt get it. Happy to hear that they fired this woman because if she really wanted her job she would do it but I guess she doesnt. We do not need bus drivers that are on drugs to be driving our children to school, I even get worried sometimes when I see bus drivers speeding around corners and speedbumps. I even had an incident a few weeks ago when I was driving a friends car and a bus had just put on their indicator while I was just coming past it and the driver starts pulling out instead of waiting for me to pass. Why do they always do this? I know they have a Give Way sign on the bus but that does not mean that you can ram people out of your way. You wait until someone stops for you. Be considerate people.
I agree with you. Many are surly. Many do not speak. Many are haughty. There are some very nice ones. I ride the bus as infrequently as possible simply so that my day does not have to start potentially dealing with a service provider who acts like they are doing me a favor instead of providing a service.
Girl BYE!
What you need to do is grow some balls and get over it. Not everyone is going to be in a great mood all the greet you with a smile (which is what you expect. We all have our moods. And it appears you are TOTALLY missing the point here. The discussion should be about the driver in question. Not about how YOU and your feelings. And the fact that you think this woman WANTED to be fired only further irritates me…You know what?…I’m done.
I do not expect her to greet me with a smile but at least with some respect. All I did was ask a simple question. She did not have to cut her eyes at me. I can see you had a bad day and came on here to jump the first person to show some emotion. And I was saying that if she really wanted her job she would take the test and get it over with. She caused an accident and needed to do a test but failed to do the urine test so she has to do the hair follicle test. I don’t understand why they are striking over someone who clearly does not care.
@big meech – you are a blundering idiot. please continue to be “done”, nobody benefits from comments like this- ignorant and foolish. this woman may not have wanted to be fired but she certainly didnt want to keep her job. even if she didnt take any drugs
1) she didnt take the drug test, any of the 5 times she was offered to take it
2) she called in sick after the accident and went MIA for days………………………………… any Joe Blow could see what was happening…
i mean gimme a break like… she disobeyed the orders and didnt want to take the test so PEACE GOODBYE! enjoy your unemployment, at least she wont have to use any more of her continually decreasing brain power to think of more excuses as to why she cant go to work or obey the rules implemented for the safety of herself and her passengers. i hope there is an advertisement in the paper for her damn job!
smt
you didn’t say good evening
If Lister knew half the Sh%# thats going on at PTB, he would FIRE all the management staff!!!!!!!!
so if things aren’t put forward, how are they to be dealt with!!? dont be ignorant!
@ Peanut&Butter
SHUT IT !
I can’t wait to read how this gets written up in the Workers Voice.
I KNOW HOW IT SHOULD BE WRITTEN UP, YEARS GONE BY DER VAS A DONKEY AND GOD MADE HIM SPEAK AND DIS VAS VON OF DE GREATEST MIRACLES EVER SEEN, N VE BYES DAUGHT IT NEVA HAPPIN A GAIN BUT I VAS WRONG IT HAPPIN A GAIN DOWN DE ROAD UPSTAIRS THE OLE B.I.U SUPERAT AN SO THERE YOU HAVE IT,ONCE AGAIN GOD MADE A JACK ASS SPEAK
It is about time we see somebody with a set of balls to do the right thing,rules and regulations is the standard by which we set for our young people and we ourselves cant heed to the same rules that we have been given, then we deserve what comes our way,drug testing is one of the best regulations that was implimented and when those in key position refuse,especially operating a bus they dont deserve to be there,it dont matter who the individual is,rules is rules.if the union calls for an all out strike i hope the government decides to let it’s lover (B.I.U)be left in the cold and if we have major upset where the island comes to a halt,then i say let it,enough is enough and it’s time this government stand by a decision that will help all of its people in the long run,you cant keep letting the B.I.U continue to hold this island hostage, everytime they throw a temper tendtrum we have to bow and kiss their feet,Heck no, B.T.B STAND YOUR GROUND RIDE OUT YOUR COURSE AND LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MUST.
It’s ok guys and girls. I was just sitting and having a beer and I had a flash back to the 50′s………..
Mark my words……..Mighy Mouse Paula is on her way………….
Here I come to save the day……Might Paula’s on her way……..
By the way, is Derek Burgess still alive? Haven’t heard a word from him……I mean…jingus…he is Deputy Cog right?
Now..let me go to this meeting..almost time……..as for the rest…..let um walk……stoopid peeple……….
I dont know what worst..A drunk driver or someone driving High off THC?
After a day the alcohol will leave your system and take much longer for hair samples looking for weed.
Question is, which drug you think is safer to use while driving?
Obviously if she is on any kind of drugs, she shouldn’t be driving a bus and have all those peoples’ lives in her hands. But her behind the counter at the bus terminal and have her sell tickets.
@Street Talk “Question is, which drug you think is safer to use while driving?”
Neither. Either means you’re impaired. I’ve seen both instances for myself.
I bet she is p!ssing herself now
I hope she is slapping herself right now! she is a real ass whom ever she is! she is probably getting high to ease her mind!
To be honest I don’t care what the policy was, is or if it was followed . . . the fact still stands is that people’s lives were in her hands and she does not want to take accountability for what was done by not getting the test done then GOOD BYE!
The key word is LIVES. People’s lives were put in danger by HER negligence and people want to strike for this!! Lol at the stupidity of some, humans are difficult beings.
When it is hot we want it cold,
When it is cold we want it hot,
Always wanting what is not.
1. Now if this lady was able to continue her job at the DPT without taking the test and this incident occurred again the same people that want to strike would be singing a different story of “I don’t know why they gave her back her job . . .” (Would there still be a strike?)
2. Would these people feel the same way if someone was walking in between the buses and got crushed. (Would there still be a strike?)
3. The list goes on (Would there still be a strike?)
Sorrt PTB not DPT
@Just Different,
Agreed !!
What really needs to happen is the Public to boycott Public Transportation for a Day and make them come to a stand still so they and the BIU can get off of their pompass azzes. They have too much power over this Island and they seriously need to be regulated.
Now That’s What’s UP.
Well that’s just not practical because for many people the bus is their only means of transport. This is something that the BIU doesn’t care about when they have these strikes.
I agree. Infact the last strike, I said the same thing….No cahnge and here we are again. But, I did stick to my guns and haven’t caught public trans since. I refuse to give them a single penny of my hard earned money, for them to sh!t all over us whenever it strikes there fancy. As a buss diver has told us all before on Bernews “WALK” well I have, and I would rather walk the entire length of the island then get on a bus! YOU AREN’T GOING TO GET PAID WITH MY MONEY!
If you work and payroll taxes are deducted Gov supplements the transportation infrastructure with your money ,numpty ,ergo whether you take the bus or not you’re paying for the service .
Payroll tax is not option but choosing to catch the bus is. This numpty choose not too. This numpty choose to control things that are within numpty control.
Numpty? Why was that necessary? “Not Surprised” has principles. Do you know what those are?
Amen boycott
What angers me the most is the fact that there will be people who RELY on public transport without any means to get home today or how ever long it takes to sort this mess out. Take a risk bus drivers who are against this and STAY at work for the sake of your fellow bermudian brothers and sisters who NEED you!!!!
She could be lighting up a bongie right now as we speak…ready for her new job driving the west end shuttle!!!
Whats’ a BONGIE ?..PLease explain .
A bongie is a big marble. I think he is talking about a bong
My Boss said it looks like a moth ball .’ WHATEVER ‘ IDK
a bongie is……….a bongie…..stones are stones and rocks are rocks. In any case, several guys whose applications were rejected because they had failed a drug test…..she should be held to the same standard
a bongie is a piece of crack the size of a marble..lol
Good riddance
This is absolutely ridiculous!!! In every other country she would loose her job for not doing a drug test. Hello she is operating a large vehicle and should be required to a drug test!!!!! This is the crap the union is fighting for? Perhaps they ought to address more important issues!!! Like how to keep your job!!!!!Read the freaking handbook!!!
and Czar Chris Furbert will say, The government is wrong on this and we were not consulted in this issue! ….. do not forget this words!
No doubt the goons will call a strike. Anything to have a few days off resting on the couch.
HAHAHAH SHE SHOULD BE FIRED! WHY IS ANYONE MAD?
STUPID IGNORANT WOMAN
Just seen on Facebook deals 20% off of bikes until the strike is over yeah I think I will take myself down to Washington Lane and get me a bike.
Just posted!
KYMCO Bermuda
Fed up with Public Transport? Get up to 20% off a new bike at KYMCO Bermuda in the Washington lane! Don’t be left on the side walk!
Everyone lets not forget that another bus driver was fired not too long ago for doing something stupid and being completely in the wrong, and they hired him back.
I’ll bet $100 Paula Cox will tell Terry Lister to hire her back once the strike starts and good ol’ Mr. Lister will back down without a fight.
Big Wussies that they are!!!!!!!!!!
Wow what another sad day for Dpt and Bermuda. Here we go again round two. Not only do I agree with the firing of the sister or coworker but Minister lister sgould try and find away to rid this country of Chris Furbert our so called leader. I dont know how long it will take for the majority of the BIU to see that this is not the guy we need as our president. He has done a wonderful job of making a mess of the union and has led us only to financial ruins. I can assure you I as a driver wont be attending no meetint the has anything to do with this nonsense. I,ve told my coworkers many times we should,nt have a problem with being tested for drugs at anytime or anyway they choose to test us because we all know we are hired as drivers with the expectation that we remain drug free. I also throw some of the blame on management because they dont utilize the policy as its written as a deterent. We have a randon policy in place and we as drivers agree as apart of our employment to random tests yet they managment very rarely pull anyone to be tested. Its my prayer today that the Minister stands firm regardless as to whaty action my coworkers decide to take . Im prepared to lose my salary if it means the message has been sent that we as derivers need to finally stand up and be held accounable for our shortcomings. I like the rest of you will sit and see where we go from here.
I don’t know you Mr./Ms. Bus driver, but I am proud of you and your principled stand.
Very well said bus driver!!! I hope you and your co workers stick to your guns.
yur brave bie
Well said! Stick to your principles, you are doing the right thing. There are people who support you and any co-workers who share your view. Stay strong
Thank you, driver, for coming out with your good words. You should be proud, and I hope we can find a hundred more like you to rid us of the evident dangers in this dispute. Drug testing needs to occur at every instance of a problem, at least. I’m one of those who smiles and nods at you drivers as they pass me on my bike, just so you may have at least one good thought during your difficult day.
We need more people with principles like you…..
Well said and good luck! Hmmm anyone seen Hoffa?
FURBERT HAS TO GO. WHERE ARE FREAKIN ACCOUNTS? WHERE IS THE STIKE FUND? WTF?
I agree with you Chris Furbert has to go…. he so angry all the time, we need a calm and reasonable person to run the union. and thank God Terry Lister stood firm.
Dont think so—-this was probably a Cabinet decision!
“
meant for–Think about it
And here comes the PLP Monster- BIU!
Many drivers still behind the wheel.There is trouble in BIU country.Good on these ones for at least getting people home today.
EVEN MORE LAUGHABLE IS THAT EVEN IF SHE WAS FOUND TO BE ON DRUGS SHE STILL DRIVES!!! BERMUDA IN ANOTHER WORLD!! SICK JOKE! IF YOU DO DRUGS AND YOU DRIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT – YOU SHOULD BE FIRED ON THE SPOT. BUT HEY PLP POLITICIANS DONT SO WHY SHOULD SHE TAKE THE TEST?
Just wondering how chris furbet can represent the union and the plp at the same time.JUST SAYING!!
Im so glad you said that deallnighter. I,ve said it for years its impossible for him to represent both the membership of the BIU and his interest as becoming a member an elected member of the governmnet. Thats why he was kissing Doc Browns behind when he was our leader. When Doc Brown came to the Union to forgive the so called bond Chris Furbert and Glenn Simmons sat on stage like two idiots crying. Its time the BIU get a new bunch of dedicated people who are truely interested in good governence and represent the real meaning of trade unionism. But as I said earlier Im just praying that Minister Lister does not cave in this time. It just alloows the few bad eggs there show less repect for management, Its time again to allow management the oppertunity to do what they are hired to do and thats manage. Im just glad I was wise enough to save a little for times such as this. And to my coworkers just say no to drugs ,just say no to this continued nonsense and say yes to being the professional BUS DRIVERS and AMBASSADORS we all agreed to be when we all applied for our jobs at DPT. I know I,ll catch hell for my comments here but its ok .because I realoise those who stand for nothing fall for anything.
I like you bus driver!!
Stay with it – you and any like minded colleagues have the right thinking Bermudians behind you, and there are many more than the BIU elite!
Disgruntled bus driver or two please put her picture up on FB so we can see the lady who has caused folks like me who live in Southampton and ride the bus with no way to get home! There’s no way an entire country should be held hostage on an issue of one bus driver who didn’t follow the rules. Why is the BIU covering for folks that don’t obey the rules!!!! Strike action is for the majority!!! Terry Lister blow air into your cojones and STAY FIRM!!!!!!
I see a flip-flop in the making. Back to the Santucci debacle – Mr. Lister said Santucci was HIRED. The Premier via the Permanent Secretary said Santucci was NOT HIRED.
Bus Driver fiasco – Mr. Lister said Bus Driver was FIRED. Any guess what the Premier via the Permanent Secretary will say?????????
As they say at the Crown and Anchor – “As I raise, I pay and UP she comes!…”
“The Minister made the point that if the bus operator takes the drugs test and passes; she will simply continue driving. However if she takes the drugs test and fails it, then she must go to EAP for drug counselling after which she will be able to return to driving. In neither instance would she lose her job as a driver.” How big are these buses? How many people do they carry and pass on the street and the roads? There should be a zero tolerance policy for Drugs on people who are responsible for the care and safety of large vehicles. My kids ride those buses, so now I feel like I am playing roulette with their safety every time they get on one. Is today they are going to be transported by someone responsible or a drug addict? So what i understand the policy is go talk about your drug issue with a EAP councilor and go back to work. Why is rehab not mandatory?
You see, Furbet said it again, “Mr Furbert said their drug policy calls for urine drug testing, not hair follicle drugs testing which the driver was asked to take, and said although the accident involved two bus drivers, and only one was asked for a drug test.”
If this is the case, then by law, she is well within her right to refuse the testing. But someone on here said that Furbet is wrong with that statement. Someone please fill everyone on here in what the real policy says about testing!
And guess what, the second driver VOLUNTEERED to take a drug test! This stupid woman DESERVES to be fired! I find it REMARKABLY STUPID that Bermuda is being held hostage because of the IGNORANCE of this driver!
Was she well within her right to not report the accident nor go straight back and do a drug test? If she didn’t follow the law/contract, you can’t follow that procedure.
Are the buses out on strike AGAIN?
Yes
the idiot bus drivers left everyone stranded this afternoon.
Hopefully they will not get paid, and will come to their senses soon.
im drove high on weed for years and plenty of my friends ,,, dont compair it to drinking and driving cause im done that to ,,, trust me its not the same
Aren’t you just so proud of yourself! Talking about driving high isn’t the same as driving drunk, and you can’t even spell half the words nor use the right grammar! Go on wit ya bad self!
they hold so much hate from the past that they would defend any black person that gets in trouble,like its cool
man john u stoooopid…….hate from the past? don’t compare it to drinking and driving?
you stooooooopid!!!
REALLY john??? come one dude we are trying to move forward. With comments like that it’s no wonder we aren’t!!!!!!!!!
Uncalled for John. You must know all of the bus drivers to know that.
LOL
Bottom Line….The hang-up is on the method of drug testing, which is, by way of a urine sample or any other ordinary test for substances such as alcohol, mary jane and coke. Ok, the gov’t laboratory is closed and the only vendor conducting drug testing on island is KEMH. KEMH’s drug test is conducted by way of a Hair Follicle test. So we are all clear now, right? So with that said, the female bus driver has decided that she will risk her employment by not compling with company policy, which is to be subject to random drugs testing on ocassion and especially in the event of an accident. The result of not complying with company policy is dismissal for misconduct or insubbordination. BOTTON LINE – She should have taken the test, irregardless of the result she would have kept her job. Alternatively, she could have just resigned if she did not want to comply with the drug test. But instead she is FIRED as she should be for making a big stink about nothing. Moral of the story is: Keep it simple people. Ignorance is surely bliss!
Irregardless is not a word. Sorry, but it isn’t.
You’re so smart – thanks (I know that’s what you wanted to hear)
couldn’t resist…sorry…
Irregardless is an informal term commonly used in place of regardless or irrespective, which has caused controversy since it first appeared in the early twentieth century. Most dictionaries list it as “nonstandard” or “incorrect
Irregardless, stop being petty.
Look what happens when you don’t take a stand against this dumbing down of the language. You get meeting notices like the one published by the BIU the other day, or you have to sit through statements by Chris Furbert or Derrick Burgess where they mangle English to the point where I’d rather drag my fingernails down a blackboard.
Petty, not really, pedantic, maybe.
The country’s talent challenges aren’t just at the Cabinet table and in the House. They’re everywhere. Point well taken.
Irregardless is a word.
According to Wikipedia it is a double negative so will be part of Chris Furbert’s normal vocabulary.
Er..no it isn’t. It actually has no meaning. It’s poor English.
finally someone with the real story from the inside…..thanks for the clarification……GUILTY AS CHARGED AND……FIRED
I feel you on that one, but does the policy state that it must be a urine or hair folical test? because if it is just a urine test, then she is complying with company policy, its the organization that is not complying.
So I ask again, does the policy state a urine or hair folical test?
As per The Minister’s statement, reading from the drug testing waiver all bus drivers signed, it’s a urine test or “any test ordinarily necessary”. As the international standard is a hair follicle test, the bus driver is in non-compliance of company policy. Chris Furbert has a copy of this so I’m not exactly sure why he then said that it was only a urine test that may be asked for.
could be Christ needs a Consultant to help him to really read and understand.
I assume you meant Chris, but perhaps that’s how he sees himself!
Thanks for the clarification ‘alsys’. Had a feeling Butch didn’t read the whole policy, AGAIN!!!
‘a urine sample or any other ordinary test for substances’ – its the interpretation of ‘any other ordinary test’, which one with any common sense would interpret could mean hair follicle testing.
80s kid cant even spell and calling me stupid.
im just telling the truth kid
On another note: If they do decide to strike answer me this…you do not receive pay when on strike, so is the BIU going to supplement every union members pay (bills still need to paid, right) while on theis strike? IDTS – I don’t think so!! They (BIU) cannot provide the Gov’t with their financials, u know y, because they have no money!!! Question: what happened to all the $10 weekly membership dues paid over the many, many years by the many, many members since the Union has been in operation? Answer: They pay themselves top dollar while the membership take a licking everytime one does not follow or do the right thing. Right is always Right N Wrong is always Wrong!!! Go Figure People. Go ahead and follow the union right into bankrupcy:-P
Give me a bus. I’ll drive. I don’t have a PTB license but I do have many thousands of miles experience driving a vehicle far longer than anything regularly on Bermuda’s roads.
Just back from a 15,000 mile trip.
Don’t know if I am good enough to drive while having one hand on the token box while talking on my cellphone though.
Drug free but I like a Dark & Stormy every once in awhile.
LOL the ocean has no roads m8…..don’t think you can handle the restiction!
Haven’t sailed any ocean. I’m talking driving miles…55′ long vehicle.
My name speaks loud and clear.
WTH really she is fired move along!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay to do drugs aslong as you drive a bus?
This just in:
The Bermuda Public Transportation Board advises that, as of 4:10 p.m., the majority of Bus Drivers remain in a Union meeting and most Bus routes are currently not operating.
Here we go again on our own…
…goin down the only road they’ve ever known…..
Avoid waiting forever at the bus stop this afternoon! Daisy’s on Front Street (next to Ceciles) has late night shopping until 9 pm! 40% off our Summer wardrobe, and complementary cocktails and nibbles while you shop! We’ll even regularly check Bernews and let the shoppers know when the buses have started running again
That definitely beats waiting in the heat!
Classy……..
Are the ferries running?
Just saw the Dockyard >> St. Georges go by on schedule
Anyone who strikes should be fired too. Too many people out of work right now. I am sure we can find all new bus drivers and have them trained in one week. Back to work everyone, please! Cracka lackin!
OK, so now they’re on strike.
Who will break first, government or the union. Just once, I’d like to see the PLP do something I support. Call in the performance bond and screw the union once and for all.
Any bets on the outcome?
“The Union wishes the public to know that that over the past seven weeks they have worked diligently to resolve this matter with the Ministry of Transport, but to no avail.”
Hold up, diligently, in 7 weeks she still hasn’t taken a test!!!!! This is INSANE!
How The EFF this man can back up a woman who may have been using drugs while driving the public around? I for one would not want my child in the care of such a person …..I swear he must be on Crack himself!!!!…SMDH
Car drivers be considerate & pick up would be bus riders. Maybe put an ‘east’ or ‘west’ sign on the dashboard. Bus riders, be generous & offer some gas money.
This lot can be beaten.
ARE YOU FREAKING SEROIUS THIS ISLAND GONE WAYYYYY GONE!
DRUGS IS DRUGS….NOT MATTER WHAT TEST U TAKE
BE A WOMAN JENNIFER AND TAKE THE DAMN TEST
U WILL STILL HAVE YOUR JOB WHATS THE PROBLEM???????????????????????????????
Reedickluz….detz rite……Brother Chris returns…………..
No one ever answered my question…….or maybe it’s againgst Bernewws rules to publish if Chris and LaVerne are related………..
Sad!!
You pathetic lot at the BIU have ruined the Island for to long.
You ruined tourism’s hotel business and you continue to smash Bermuda’s tourism to smithereens.
You condone drunk ferry captains crashing into docks and you condone drug addicted bus drivers crashing their buses.
You try to hold the Island hostage with fear and intimidation like a slave master.
But now your slaves are going to rise up because we are FED UP WITH YOUR ANTICS.
BIU NO MORE. BIU MUST GO.
RISE UP BERMUDA.
EFF YOU BIU.
So agreed!!! Right lets fight back!!!!! So tired of this and BIU and the “membership” that elected to go out on strike, you should ALL be ashamed of yourselves!!!!!! It’s time we showed the BIU that their pouting days are over ABOLISH THE UNION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You got it No Respect.
Time to be like Reagan who fired all the flight controllers.
Paula – Man up and fire everyone who strikes.
BIU – your time is coming soon. You fat cats are out of touch with Bermuda and we are going to take back our Island one way or another.
Tune in tonight and listen to Mr. Chris Furbert say give her back her job or we will strike, he will do what ever it is to keep his job, cause as soon as he is out of a job we the people will see that the Union has no money!!!!!!Las Vegas will have a job for him!!!!!
I am so happy to see that gov’t has grown a pair. Let these idiots that support her strike.
this is crazy talk. the unions need to be shoved us someones you know what cuz all they seem to be doing is more bad than good! i say privatize public transport!
I am charging 5 bucks to anyone who needs a lift Smith’s at 5pm I have an extra helmet, and I go the speed limit
meet me for the bike service ouside of Masters
Yes BDA, great entrepreneurial spirit … a bike service …. way 2 go
Those who are out of work gas up and go make a few bucks.
i can’t believe this is happening.
can’t imagine some people will support this kind of being irresponsible.
i would be so ashamed if I am the person causing all these insanity.
the government should do it one time big time by firing anyone who will not report to work and hire new drivers or this will happen again and again.
The problem in Bermuda is that you lack qualified scabs to take the place of the strikers.
Call up the regiment and have them drive the buses… See how long the strike is going to last. It’s going to be cheaper too, call it a cost saving measure.
You got it Kjode.
Time for the BIU to go the way of woolly mammoth.
I say everyone it’s time to take back Bermuda for real Bermudians. Not fat cats who take a percentage of our pay checks and only have self serving interests.
Time for everyone to show the BIU they can’t keep holding Bermuda hostage.
It’s time for us hostages to rise up and show them they aren’t as powerful as they think they are.
The BIU thinks they are better than you and me. We need to rise up and take Bermuda back from the new slave masters.
I agree with you on calling upon the regiment transport unit. Some of those guys can handle a bus, and they’d probably be happy for another job whether it be the first or second. Heck, they’ve got the training. Might even land a full time job in the process.
Ay, what about the seven weeks pay she got? We (taxpayers) get that back?
She prolly already spent it on drugs and alcohol.
Announcement 10 mins to 5, disgusting!
get real if your a bus driver in any USA state the law is the law, break it and your gone.
with 3 cruise ships on island, what are these poor tourists gonna tell their friends after their vacation,,,, dont go to Bernuda they are always in strike mode
And their friends will reply:
“We warned you. We went there in the 1970′s and 80′s and they stood on tables in the hotel dining rooms yelling at us like we were the Devil incarnate. That’s why we never went back.”
BIU doesn’t care about Bermuda.
We need to get rid of the BIU BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY.
BERMUDA POWER. POWER TO THE PEOPLE.
Wow..from what I have read, Bermudians who are not in any form of power or authority are very smart people and I mean this in an good way. Some of you responding to the topic have been very valid points and comments. Applause to you!!
Now the others, what a comedy show.
This really needs to stop..every time someone is fired they go on strike regardless if the person fired is in the wrong or not. But looking at this here they’re in the wrong so STOP GOING ON STRIKE!!
Now the bus drivers are on strike…. Someone call Kim Wilson I think I know were she can fill some jobs. Enough.. Enough… In this present economy no one and no union should back that decision… The Bus Drivers have a code conduct and they must follow it…. Sad truly sad!!!
This is some BS! again the BIU goes around thinking they run things…I feel terribly for the people in which the bus is their main transport. Seriously Bermuda it is time to CARPOOL!! Pick people up if they need a ride into town over the next few weeks, months..wateva it takes…WE CANNOT LET THIS BS KEEP DAMAGING THE ISLAND and creating major inconvenience. Public Safety is number one!
Stand Firm
I NEED A JOB 234-0361 . Can’t drive a bus, but can help at the terminals!
Give the bus drivers 6 hours to return to work. Anyone who doesnt, Fire every single one of them and hire some cheaper labour from Europe or the Caribbean.
Digusting, challenging the rule of law and disrupting commuters for an employee that is a substance abuser who has risked lives (and the insurance coverage on the bus) if there is an accident due to the influence of narcotics.
Let the games begin!!
My Camera is ready
as member of the biu for over 40 years, stand firm my brothers & sisters for justice. i trust that all of the details of this dispute will come to light
So you’re IQ is low and you aren’t intelligent then. We get it.
Yeah like the account books keep dreaming brother keep dreaming!!
Well sir, Maybe you would like to help us understand with some details. From where we are sitting, there is nothing to justify this strike. It would Seem that BUI members all learn from the same book as they tend to say the same things, almost verbatim. So please, for our sakes help us to understand how what you are doing is right and if what you are standing for is right? I just don’t see it from where I’m sitting.
@Not Surprised, hopefully a public arbitration will be called for asap so the entire countrry will see what has lead up to this strike being called. there is never a 100% in favor of a strike vote because a show of hands is called & the majority wins the vote.
i don’t know what the full facts are as i was not at the meetings pertaining to this issue and neither were you. don’t forget that the strikers are loosing money as well by taking this action. nevertheless, sacrifices have to be made for goals to be achieved
What goals? Making sure no tourists ever come here again?
BIU already ruined the hotel tourism. Now BIU is after cruise ship tourism to ruin.
Your precious BIU is an ageing dinosaur just begging to be put out of it’s misery.
And guess what? Plans are being made to mobilise and do just that.
True Bermudian – you and me should sit down and have a chat!!! @George Courtney – trust is earned – as far as I can tell BIU has done nothing to earn my trust or anyone elses for that matter!
Kim, Paula….hellllooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo? Who will drive the buses today and tomorrow and for however long this strike drags on?
This is bullsh%t. It’s illegal. 21 days notice must be given…..
agree
fire them all. put ut an add in the paper im sure as hell all their possitions will be filled on their illegal strike.
Weather you aggree or not the Unions still play a vital role in this community
Please believe the many rights and benifits would never have been given by the employers.
So keep the discussion to this issue.
Ps. All workers benifited from the work of the unions and not just the unionised ones.
The role that Unions have played in enhancing employees’ rights is not in dispute here. What pisses me off here is their blatant abuse of the power to strike and the obvious shortsightedness of those that lead the lambs. Not to mention the damage this action will have to our already fragile economy. Let’s be honest, Unions are become less relevant in our modern world. It would behoove the BIU to think about being relevant, but that would mean them having a vision and not living in the 1960s.
AMEN!!
I seriously think that for all of us that are fed up should do something any takers???? I’m so tempted to go and stand in front of BIU headquarters with my sign and take back what is NOT theirs to take!!!!! This island belongs to ALL of us LET’S TAKE BACK OUR ISLAND folks!!!!
I’m with you. Time to get some momentum going.
Let’s get it together!!!
We need Bernese to get us together!! Can you make it happen Patricia????
Sorry BerNews
im with you all!
LETS GET TO IT!
We need a plan – help out please Patricia!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok. What should we do? Set a new post for car-pooling discussion maybe?
Yes! Suggested that last strike…happy to help in whatever regard to get it organized. (And, FYI, I’m coming from East End, Route 10/11, Baileys Bay area, and will happily pay my part of a reliable ride share to and from downtown, heading in anytime between 7 and 8.15, and back anytime from 5.15 to 7.15.)
something do you have our emails??? You have my permission to give it for people that need a ride from Spanish Point leaving at 8.25am!
There are lots of out of work heavy truck drivers around right now who would love to sit in airconditioned comfort with an automatic tranny. How easy & pleasant is that?
Dockworkers, you want to be next? There are plenty of heavy equipment operators who would love your job. Working Sunday evening when it nice & cool & take a midweek day off in lieu? Can’t get much better than that? Unpacking containers sure beats lugging 50# bags of cement to the unskilled.
Go ahead, strike…Make our day. Strike yourselves right out of a job, just like the hotel workers did in 1981.
Any truck drivers please come to the rescue!!!!
@ Triangle Drifter,
“Automatic tranny etc?” Freudian slip maybe? Just kidding!
I was hoping to hear from Madam Premier…but wait she is over in the Czech Republic signing a tax treaty. Let me compute this: Bermuda #4 on the World’s List by GDP is signing a tax treaty with the Czech Republic on the same list at #51…oh right, this makes sense.
Idiot, the signing was in Bermuda. Must you really show your silly anti-PLP bias all the time. Stick to the issue.
And we’re not #4 GDP, we’re number #4 GDP per capita. But i guess that means we shouldn’t have signed one with India or China either because they are lower than 41….
Sometimes you people make me ill.
You provide a service that holds you responsible for people’s lives, but you want the right to not be held to a standard? Not only do you have a steady job as a government-employed civil servant (with the benefit of overtime), you have steady pay which is more than a few thousand people on this island have. And I bet that many of them would drive a bus and take a drug test whenever so they can make money to live.
To all those that are offering transportation to those that would usually catch the bus, you embody the meaning of community. Thank you.
D’yever notice – as the temperature and humidity rise in Bermuda over the summer, the level of stupidity and militant-like behaivour from leadership of the Bermuda Institute for the Useless follows suit?
Happens almost every year. D’yever notice that? :-/
Wow what happened to the 21 day notice funny how the union supports someone who did not take a drug test drink and smoke on
Strike is a few days off! Bunch of lazy fools! I still say, start another Union that will actually manage our money properly and get the respect required.
CLAMP the bus drivers cars as well as union officials lets see how they get home!!! bet they wouldn’t like it one damn bit!!!
LIKE!!!!
I guess the big question is………..who is gonna blink first!
Third world status here we come! Current labor unrest in Bermuda include Bus Drivers, Customs Officers, Prison Officers, Corporation of Hamilton workers & dock workers. All under a ‘supposedly’ LABOUR friendly government. It is hysterical and tragic at the same time. There have been announced staff reductions at Berkely. Wait till school starts and the teachers get a gander at what they won’t be working with this school year. I hope you all are prepared for some lean times cause we are headed down the road to ruin.
Government NEEDS to put their foot down and stop this nonsense. No more pussyfooting around and letting these IMMATURE CHILDREN tell you how to run a PUBLIC SERVICE. What kind of LEADERS are you?! Have the BALLS to stand up for what is RIGHT!!! That’s what a GOVERNMENT is MEANT TO DO.
somebody pay the women.
the government can’t stop it, and they don’t understand economics anyway.
a urine vs. hair drug test?
jenifer harvey is threatening my livelihood.
It’s all so unfair ,cause while people loose money going on strike for The Weave , she goes to work at a part-time J.O.B. So no matter what she is stacking paper non-stop .
Drivers I encourage you to get back in the seat and serve the Public , supporting The Weave will not benefit you in the near or distant future .
Think about it , She has brought nothing but trouble to you and will continue to do so . If you must strike turn the tables and strike IN FAVOR OF THE RULING .
GO to Cabinet Grounds and Support Min.Lister on this one . Be a part of a Progressive History going forward . Send a message to other fools so that they Will see the error of their ways .
Why dont you all do a “Mob Job”……..text, Blackberry, cell phone,…..have a little bangers and mash up dee place………..
And then wake up to nothing……….
Terry – That is EXACTLY what’s happening now. Waking up from the near brain-dead slumber only to realise that…… surprise surprise…. there’s simply NOTHING LEFT! GREED AND THE DESIRE FOR POWER HAS DRIVEN IT ALL AWAY!!!
Chris Furbert needs to be fired. He has a hidden agenda, Derrick Burgess did as well. The BIU is a mess, where is the union money? If members get fired unjustly they don’t care! When members deserve to be fired they want to strike! BIU members it is time for a change, vote his a** out!
So as I hear on the talk show the bus drivers are NOT essential workers to the community, so, they do not need to give the island a 21 day notice. My question…. What services are essential to this island?
Police, for one…
Clearly..
PROUD TO BE BERMUDIAN . hogwash maybe 25 years ago
SHE GOT JUST WHAT SHE DESERVED ……..FIRED…….. why can’t we just move on.
I bet most of the BUS DRIVERS THAT ARE BACKING HER UP ARE ON DRUGS TO …..how sad
Imagine if all the Portugeuse went on strike? No work would get done in this island at all! Bermuda would have to be shut down!
Govt Cave in by 9:00 AM tomorrow … Again !! yawn!!
Then again the Conspiracy Theorist in me says “Govt stands firm (I Know I Know giggle) and Union accept less than ‘Publicly’ asking for and settles for a compromise deal, Govt looks tough = adoring public … election soon anyone ?? ;o)
Paw Paw, give someone a lift tomorrow.
LOVE IT Oniion!!! BRILLIANT!!!!!
Mama there are bad men at the prison i cant do this job any more ??????
looks like the union is falling apart…some drivers working, some not…….ohhh sounds like Chris Furbert’s job there.
Chris Furbert sits there and says we put it to the members but we all know that he and his cronnys spin things and persuade these idiotic bus union members to act like they do..this is just another nail in Bermudas coffin..and our visitors will leave with a sour taste in their mouth. Can’t these numb skulls sort this out without such drastic action. Is their a lack of intelligent here. We have to look at the IQ of the people who are participating in this work stoppage. I hope minister Lister stands his ground. People we need to help others with transportation and show these idiots we can do without them..and their incompetence…SMH!!
The incident involved a rider being sent to the hospital with an injury caused by the bus not being correctly braked. This now seems to focus primarily on the driver and her refusing to be tested, which has caused all this ruckus, striking, countless people stuck/stranded/stressed over finding alternatives to relied upon transport throughout the island. But why?
Considering there was an injury that involved a trip to the hospital could this be more about CYA against being sued or maybe even for insurance purposes?
What if the driver was found to have drugs in her system…how would that affect matters with the injured party and/or other damages?
Is it possible she was advised to refuse the test by someone in the union and this is why there seems to be a lot of ‘going to bat’ for what most reasonably minded folks think is a bunch of nonsense?
It all just makes me wonder what might really going on here.
Julie you make a very valid point If she was to be found with drugs in her system during the incident I don’t think insurance will pay She may have to pay out of her own pocket. Some one has given her advice not to take the test. Could be in order to escape liability.
Ridiculous and Embarrassing!!!!!!!!!
TIME FOR A PROTEST ON BIU GROUNDS! THEY DO NOT NEED TO BE CALLING THE SHOTS IN THESE SERIOUS TIMES! WE NEED SOME MOMENTUM GOING HERE!
I know I’ll be pulling over and picking up people on my way in to work tomorrow! Stand firm Government … you have most of Bermuda rooting for you on this one.
My hearts go out to those GOOD bus drivers who also don’t believe the crap this woman is putting this island through with her pathetic and childish behavior.
Julie, spot on. The Union is broke. Like I said before, the monies are gone, they have not submittted anything for years. Higher strings are playing with the puppets. Sad.
In true Bermuidan fashion, I will be having my vehicle available starting tomorrow morning for ANYONE who requires a ride. The car running to Hamilton from Sandys starting at 7:30am. After 8am, it can be requested via Facebook. More info will be provided shortly – - – all rides will be free.
Down with the BIU – we will not be held hostage!
AWESOME – what a fantastic idea!!!!! Keep it up my friend, keep it up!!!!!!!
Excuse me… but you need to find another moniker to use.
True Bermudian is taken.
@Chris Sherbert. What about all the union workers who rely on the bus to get to work? Are you going to pay them for lost wages as well?
Well this is one time that Terry Lister didn’t drop the ball. Guess he had to actually use his scrap paper and map out his thought process to make sure he circled in the correct option. The bright side is there is now a position available for Santucci.
On a more serious note, I agree that the buses should not have gone on strike for this and should have considered the public and the tourists because everyone will be affected. Its time for the community to pull together and make a stand on the decisions that are being made on this island.
If I was the person whose hand was hurt in this accident I would be lining up a list of ambulance chasing lawyers and taking action against everyone involved in this.
PLP, for once I support you. But if you back down like every time before, you risk the wrath of thousands. You created this mess by giving in to the union over many years. Now is the time to stick it to those bastards.
By the way, this is an illegal strike. What legal action are you going to take against the BIU? If none, why not? Most importantly, are you going to reverse the forgiveness of the $7 mill bond? Ig not, why not?
Waiting for an answer.
I think that was 5 mil, but whats a couple of mil between friends.
Update….It’s all a joke. Bus drivers will get a 3% raise and you can only do crack once a month.
Sign me up!
BRAVO to ALL of the bus drivers who are taking a stand!!!!!!! You guys/gals are sending a very strong message!!!!! Do not give up – you have so much support and we WILL stand with you!!!!!!!!
BRAVO! Just what we need! Lister is erect now…..BUT Paula has this historic emasculating way about her….alas – will he again end up “Terry Listless”….???
Do you know what, and I know this will sound stupid – but maybe this is a blessing in disguise…look at what is going on what we have here is a coming together as humans and not for the colour of our skin. We are all passionate about this cause and I as read some of the things I can honestly say that at this moment in time, I am PROUD to be Bermudian!!!!!!!
CAREFULL HOW YOU SAY YOU PROUD TO BE BERMUDIAN,SOMEBODY MIGHT CALL DOWNSTAIRS TO THE B.I.U AND TELL SENATOR FURBERT,SHE DONT LIKE PROUD TO BE BERMUDIAN.
LOL you are too funny…I wonder if Senator Furbert will be giving anyone brave enough a ride tomorrow…hmmm
Hey i finally get it, i was sitting here and the light went off in me head and said,this is election mode and the Hon Paula Cox Madam premier and dat bye from somerset was having a time when he was trying make her look bad running for premier,but she still give him de job as a minister of transport and he had shree dispute so far that he cant resolve and cost de island dearly,Bus driver stole from government (getting paid sick time) and working somebody else shift while recieving sick pay and den ve could not keep up with the demand for service and tourist left standing shree hours at de horshoe beach cussing off the island on facebook an now de voman dont want take drug test, i think it good time for de Premier get back in de ring fire de minister and she make him look incompintent and dont know cat he doing so people loose trust in him and she put that bye down de road in hamilton parish in de seat even dough he cross the floor with de broom from th who B PEE,an he use to sit in transport before so he know ver de cub webs be an he take same broom from who B Pee an clean shop,man dat a brilliant idea an premier come out smelling like de rose an de day saved an election called an ve vote P.L.P ALL DE VAY
All this pressure from the uproar – I bet ace girl driver REALLY needs something now to loosen the tightness in her head! Betta hold off chikka…..it’s not ova!
The injured person should sue the ‘fired’ bus operator, the union and the DPT. Why didn’t the police give the bus driver a ticket for Due Care and Attention? Seems to me that the ‘ball’ was dropped by many people.
Good thing I have car, it’s nasty and dirty, and smells like dog, no one wants to get in it.
lol
You’re asking for a lot! I got hit by a bus driver on King Street a couple of years ago (no major injuries), had a full report done, a police statement etc. I was walking on the side of the road near the fire station and the bus came off the road and struck me – not one wheel of the bus anywhere near the main road. I have never so much as received an apology, a letter, a phone call, a follow up. Nothing. It’s like it never happened. Police aren’t going to help here i’m afraid.
Pathetic is all i can say! Does Bermuda really need this right now with the state we are in trying desperately to raise our tourism figures!
If she has nothing to hide then why not take a test. Why put the island thru all this unneeded stress. Come on girl, is it that serious! You got in an accident and injured somebody. I just don’t get it!
Bermuda it is time. How can we as a people stand and allow a union decide what is best for us. Here we are in these hard economical times and we are talking strike. We the Bermuda people are always the ones to suffer, how many are going to have to take sick days tomorrow or risk being terminated because they have no means of getting to work, or taking their kids to daycare. Bermuda wake up you all think it is the hard times now, wait until there is no food in the cabinets or god forbid other countries decide to place an embargo on all goods coming to Bermuda. Chris Furbet has a vehicle, he has means of transport around the island, so he doesn’t give a —— about you and me. We have the power as a people to change the way in which Bermuda is run, the Government works for us, let us remind them by supporting the stance that they have taken against the Union.
Bermuda Island Paradise Still
I will be visiting Bermuda in the fall…and you can bet that each time I get on the bus, I am going to check the name of the driver…if it’s the driver in question, I will not ride on the bus.
No worries, if you are interested I can direct you to a couple of Companies that will make transportation arrangements for you. Friendly and affordable. Screw the bus drivers and their so called service. Sorry to all of the good drivers but the majority are lazy and rude.
Post some names/numbers or website for sa. Your post is no good as it is now.
Just saying..
I said IF she/he was interested! Just saying.
Don’t bring any drugs with you. Check all bags for guns, bullets and drugs. $1000 fine and maybe a little jail time.
Enjoy your time here. Be safe and lock all doors and windows when you leave the hotel room/house.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-give-a-ride-to-work-Bermuda/252118261476780
Hope they pull a Ronald Reagan on them!
People People People!!..This dumb a** bus driver was told by some one not to take the test for insurance reasons..she obviously has something to hide..why didn’t she just agree to the test. Note: Marijuana stays in your body for up to 6 months. If you are caught DUI and you refuse a sobriety test you are still found guilty. Chris Furbert cannot blame minister Lister for this one. He can blame his incompetent shop stewards. Minister Lister don’t give in..we and many other bus drivers got your back on this one. Chris Furbert the village want their idiot to come back. SMH!!
…………..its 8:42 right now chris and there are still buses running you fool….hahahaha
Well done, to the Minister. I’m so glad to see you stand up – now that we have their attention and are showing them that we will not put up with their crap. I want you to do something, DO NOT BACK DOWN. We did with the ferry driver, the ptb employee, and now this one also feels she can do as she likes. I believe they are called employees for a reason and have to follow the rules at one time or another. A wise man once told me that to be a civil servant is a lonely job, you will never be able to make everyone happy.
Keep up the good work!!!
First I must applaud Minister Lister for taking a stance, whether it will stand, only time will tell. We’v been down this road before and in the end, they gave into the BIU. This is just another one of those Party Politics by-product which we as Independent thinking people don’t like.
We need to start a movement to I identify independent minded people and get them elected to Parliament, not just one or two, but at least twenty. This is the only way, we will get the representation we need and the power to progress.
It is time to end Party Politics. The PLP is in bed with the BIU and all to willing to suck up to their demand, even when those demands are not reasonable. Not to mention the fact that they have failed us miserably. The last election they got Five votes from my household. I am here to say, that’s not happening again and the OBA has no vision, contrary to what they might say. We who really listen, have heard them and it’s the same old stuff. And based on the present political model, it is what they are supposed to do, they are supposed to be adversaries of the present Government and as such, not offer any meaningful suggestion, just show what’s wrong with them and say vote for us.
We are saying, enough is enough. Lets have a government, that is not controlled by the Unions, the Churches or any special interest what so ever. Lets have a Government, that will put policies in place which will benefit Bermuda as a hole.
As far as the Unions go, I think they are more of an hindrance to progress than a benefit at this stage. We have quite a few good labour laws on the books, which prevents people from being exploited. I don’t think we need any organization that has the power to cripple our economy. This is what they have set out to do and we should not be ok with that and most people are not.
And to those who say, where are these Independents, I say stay tuned.
I forgot to commend these BRAVE DRIVERS, who stand in defiance of this wrong. I only which there were more like them. Thanks to you all, keep up the good work and most of all, be true to yourselves. Not because the majority are following Furbert down the wrong path, doesn’t make it right.
The DPT needs to give ALL the bus drivers an ultimatum; you can either return to work first thing in the morning and have a job driving those pink and blues, or you are no longer employed and your contract is ended! There are plenty of willing and able bodies out there that i am sure would gladly train to become a bus driver. This has escalated un-necessarily into the situation that we are in! Teach those little cry babies at the unions a lesson… shape up or get out!!!!
I have always said these bus drivers are not the sharpest knife in the drawer. And they are showing it to be true. Unfortunately there are many union members who like to battle with the government and try and show that they are in charge spear headed by the empty minded thinking of the BIU shop stewards and chief village idiot Chris Furbert..and some of them may even have a chip on their shoulders towards their employer. “United we stand,divided we fall” is what the say..Well I say “you get knocked down for your ignorance”.
Fire all the bus drivers who don’t show for work tomorrow. Invite them to re-apply for jobs. Tell them there will be a mandatory drug test.
We will have Phillipino bus drivers within a year. Stupid Bermudians will wonder why. Bermudians have to be the most over entitled ar$e holes the world has ever seen. What stupid s%it heads.
This will never happen tho cos MP Listless with cave in to the b#stards. This is because he has no male genitals whatsoever. Cupid stunt!
(I’ve posted this in three different places in the hopes that members of the BIU and the government will see and access the link. It’s time to get serious about Bermuda’s slipping reputation…..)
The government and the BIU both need to read this forum thread on CruiseCritic.com posted JUST this evening. It begins with someone warning about the bus strike, and then……all the posters following who have cruises booked over the next weeks — they don’t seem too confident about their destination now.
This entire situation makes no sense to me, and I support unions unless they’re being blockheaded or crooked. WHY has this driver refused to be tested 5 times???!!! As I understand it, if the result was positive she was promised rehabilitation and reinstatement. So can’t the BIU see well enough to question her? Either her drug habit is so bad, or she is so hooked on recreational use that she has absolutely no intention of getting straight. Are they allowing 1 person — who doesn’t seem on the surface to deserve the support — to pound another nail in Bermuda’s coffin?
READ, you elected and appointed fools!
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1464981
@ Have some sense,
This is most disturbing. Looks like Minister Minors has been thrown under the bus—again!
As a Bus Operator there are about 80 percent of us that do not agree with the stance taken today but because there was a last minute meeting called today and the majority we’re on the line and did not know what was transpiring at the time that the union meeting was called the ones that were there out ruled the operators that were against any type of stoppage. (allied workers majority) therefore majority rules. Most of the operators would have rather taken a work to rule as we would still have been able to work and at least get a paycheck because as of now we will not be paid by being out on a strike. Most importantly the public would have been able to still have service as we would just be able to work our seven and half hours per day hence the visitors and locals alike would have no problem moving about the island via Public Transport. There are many comments that we have to see and hear that is really unfair to us especially when there are so many of us that are so accommodating to you all when you expect us to transport you when you are late and running for the bus, no correct fare and even no fare at all, not to mention no bus pass as it has expired. You love us when we accommodate but curse us when we say no. Can I say dammed if we do, dammed if we don’t!! We like you have rent, mortgage, children in school and our hands are tied. Even if we did want to work management
will not sign us on. Please stop the name calling because most of us are on your side and you would still want us to smile at you when you do board the bus. Wishing for things to change REAL SOON!!!
@Wise Up…Hold up “Accomodate”? That attitude right there is why we call you names. You work in a public service and are paid by taxpayer money you technically work for the public. You’re getting exactly what you deserve. You guys pushed this envelope way too far.
Well come tomorrow, the 80% of you just show some balls, show up to work and defy the BIU. Make it right. Understand that this action will only serve to compound the recession we are currently in. Don’t think for a minute, that the BIU can secure your Job if we enter into a depression. If that happens, the Gov. will be so broke, you wont have one. The employment act will take of you, you don’t need the BIU.
Interesting that it is 80%. I heard that 20% fail the drug test every month! I guess those are the drivers that want to strike!
@Wise up
i respect what you’ve said, and yes perhaps people are saying some harsh things considering the large number of drivers that are uninterested in the strike..especially the great drivers that are friendly and do indeed help out with the minor day to day issues you’ve mentioned.
that being said, if you strike together, you take the heat together. If all those who disagree with the strike go stand outside the depot, or biu headquarters, or cabinet for the supposed rally today. .then i can guarantee you’ll receive nothing but praise
but whoever goes with the biu because they cant turn their back, then they are effectively turning their back on the passengers.
No more BIU.
Tear it down.
Rip it apart.
They are the new slave masters and we their slaves.
Rise up people.
We don’t bow down to corrupt fat cats with their own hidden personal agenda.
Assemble en masse and show them that True Bermudians through and through are sick of being held hostage.
The BIU is solely responsible for ruining Bermuda’s hotel tourism trade.
The BIU is solely responsible for leading Bermuda’s cruise ship tourism trade to it’s inevitable and current demise.
Bermuda has lost to much because of the BIU.
Our economy is collapsing and the BIU is directly responsible for a large part of that.
We shall tolerate this NO MORE.
12:30 PM Friday, August 18. Let every right thinking Bermudian who cares about Bermuda and our future assemble in front of BIU headquarters and show them they can’t push us around any more.
BIU your time has come.
No Justice. No Peace.
We SHALL overcome. We WILL overcome. We MUST overcome in order to be free.
By ANY means necessary.
Bermuda Power. Power to the people.
Correction: Friday, August 19!
seriously? abolish unions? boo if it wasn’t for the unions we won’t be protected when it comes to the foolish and unjust actions of some of our bosses. what you want is a capatilist society and that just doesn’t work. greed will always win out. now i’m not saying that i agree with everything the union does, especially when it comes to the idiocy that goes on with the bus drivers. quite frankly i’m fed up with how they become bullies to protect these guilty children. but i must say that i’m glad unions are in place. they do come through to protect the innocent. i love your “united we stand” attitude but let’s face it…not every bermudian is out to help other bermudians. i’ve seen what unions do when they work together for the good of everyone and right now the bullied need a voice. as for this foolishness…they just need a stronger opposer and terry lister is not it.
not abolish unions, abolish the BIU. there are others that to go bat for legitimate reasons. The biu does not…
Who said “UNIONS”??? Read what is written properly.
The BPSU is just fine.
It’s the BIU that’s wrecked Bermuda and thoroughly destroyed tourism.
When is the Union going to stop backing workers who decide that they are not going to follow the policies and procedures of their employment. She caused an injury to a passenger and all she had to do was go and take the test. Now weeks later we are still discussing this madness because BIU decides yet again to show their ignorance and allow an employee to dictate to her employer. BIU if you ask employers to abide by the collective bargaining agreement and employment act than you should be telling employees to do the same. RIGHT IS RIGHT AND WRONG IS WRONG. SHE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN THE TEST RIGHT AFTER THE ACCIDENT INSTEAD OF CALLING IN SICK! Pissed off igornance keeps prevailing!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ok So now we know the bus drivers name. She was nasty anyway. Good!! BYE
all the bus drivers who support this strike should be ashamed of yourselves. shame on all of you. if this woman has nothing to hide than she should have taken the damn test so all of this could have been avoided. this is affecting the whole island. do you realize that public transportation is the only means of transport some people have? so what’s next if she doesn’t get her job back then what all government workers strike? get a life people you are all setting a bad example for the children.
jennifer harvey do you see what you have caused. i am glad they fired you,you are obviously not playing with a full deck of cards. it doesn’t really matter what type of test they wanted you to take,you should have just taken it so all of this could have been avoided.it is people like you who give all government workers a bad name. biu come to your senses and get these bus workers back to work,cause all of this is crazy. look at the big picture people don’t have any way to get from point a to point b cause public transportation is the only way to get around. do the right thing
Thats where we are headed “down de toilet”! I cannot believe the bus drivers would pull a strike and cause the upheavel to those who require bus transportation to get to work and for the tourists who require it to get about this island. I am disgusted and fed up with unions. By the sounds of it a few bus drivers are too! They dont support this action and I personally think its time to privatise the bus and ferries and fire the whole lot and hire people who really want to work. Do these people not realize they are putting in jepordy the businesses that are domiciled here and the visitors who visit us? There is only so much people will continue to put up with. A suggestion when they finally do go back- lets boycott the buses and see how they like driving around with no passengers. No passengers mean no jobs! Oh by the way who is going to pay you for your job action while you are out striking? Wake up and smell the roses- you all have famillies that need food on the table and the rent needs to be paid. Settle this stuiped issue another way. The woman deserved to be fired – leave it be- justice has been served.
First; I want to say, that overall I have a good experience when using the public bus system. I am lucky to most often have a nice driver, and only occasionally get that driver that seems like a stick is some where it shouldn’t be.
Now, to the Union. I agree with several of you that commented, we are slaves to them and their actions. Why, because there has never been consequences. They do what they want, Government shakes a finger and says “We can fine you for striking without proper notice”, then government backs down because the union stops it workers from working. It’s extortion if you ask me. So, Union says it will give 72 hours notice since 6.8 million of the Bermuda Tax Payers was written off. A 6.8million dollar obligation, that they did not have to live up to. So why do we think they would live up to any other obligations when government has taught them they do not have to. Should have made them pay it, as broke as they are, they would have gone bankrupt, and boom, no more union, no more interrupted bus services. Behavior like this, it’s all a trickle down effect. Government shows no responsibility and has no issues being unethical, I watch policemen and women witness laws being broken and they do nothing about it (e.g. 3 way stop intersection: policeman at one, myself at another, and a truck across but directly in front of policeman, that does not stop and runs through intersection. Policeman did not stop the man for running a stop sign. Just cruised on down the road, doing nothing), I see GP cars parking where ever they want (crosswalks, across 2 parking spaces, on yellow lines, etc.). If they can’t even follow the rules, how do we expect government to enforce them. Most people see how the government behaves and how the police lack the initiative to enforce the rules and laws; and they say to themselves, why should I have to follow rules, I’ll do what I want, they do. This in turn, gives examples to our youth that they don’t have to follow the rules. It is time for some ACCOUNTABILITY. People are so quick to play the blame game for their own actions. To everyone on this island, Show us you are a Human Being and Take Responsibility for your own decisions and actions, as well as backing off and letting those who have made bad decisions, learn from their mistakes. To those that already do this, help with spreading this belief to those who are quick to blame. We do not grow if we do not learn from mistakes. There are way to many adult children on this island, and unfortunately; those immature and quite often ignorant adults, have children of their own that they are teaching to behave the same way. Let’s stop breeding Ignorance and start teaching Respect, Responsibility, and Accountability. I have to stop now, I could go on forever. Thank you for allowing my opinion.
Bermuda to be a 3rd world country in 10years.
Only in Bermuda, does a Union control a country, this nonsense would not be happening
in the real world, shut down the union, and take control back!
The sad thing is that the PLP will give in yet again, they’re all-in-bed-together anyways, it’s all about The Vote! The people of Bermuda should no longer stand for all of this madness. People only have power over you if you allow it. Boycott the whole Government, and then see what happens. Have a Bermudaful day!
This is the most retarded thing I have ever heard/seen! You bus drivers are stupid! To bad all of you striking for this dopey woman cannot lose your jobs!If only there was time and money to train others who actually deserve to have your positions. The woman was plain old irresponsible, and clearly did not appreciate her job how she should have!
BIU use to actually stand for something…now it seems as though they are just protesting for anything! Whether it is right or wrong! SMH
I can’t tell!
hope you have accomp what you and your driver are done