Parks Department & Ferry Workers Off The Job
[Updating] The ferry service appears to still be suspended this morning [Feb 21], with an ongoing labour dispute causing interruption to the service.
We are unable, at this time, to get official confirmation, however the Hamilton Ferry Terminal has a sign saying “All Ferries Cancelled”, the Ferry Terminal phone is not being answered and there is no sign of any activity.
This is the third day of disruption to the ferry service, with Marine & Ports staff citing longstanding issues with management and ferry maintenance that they have been attempting to resolve for some time.
Sign on the Hamilton Ferry Terminal’s door this morning:
Minister of Tourism & Transport Shawn Crockwell obtained an injunction from the Chief Justice, which specifically related to those workers engaged in port and dock services including pilotage, tug and line boat operation.
“It is understood that pilotage services in this area have largely resumed. However other workers remain out,” a Transport Ministry spokesperson said.
The Hamilton Ferry Terminal this morning, showing no signs of activity:
Shadow Transport Minister Lawrence Scott said this industrial action Bermuda should have been avoided, saying “Minister Crockwell’s continued mismanagement and inattention to ferry worker’s legitimate concerns at the Ministerial level was a significant contributing factor to this labour action….”
Update 8.37am: The Transport Ministry confirmed that ferry service remains suspended.
Update 9.24am: It appears there may be another labour dispute brewing with the Parks Department, as Parks workers could seen gathered outside Union headquarters this morning, and were just called inside. Unofficial reports indicate they have downed tools.
During the industrial action over the Hamilton Princess issue earlier this month, BIU President Chris Furbert had warned that there were concerns with both Marine & Ports and the Parks Department.
Update 4.17pm: The Ministry of Public Works confirmed that there has been an interruption to services today as a result of what they termed an “irregular industrial action” by Department of Parks staff.
“Areas affected primarily involved Parks employees working out of the Marsh Folly Facility. It is understood however, that some staff members remained on duty,” a spokesperson said.
“The Ministry advised that discussions are underway between representatives from the Department of Workforce Development and the Bermuda Industrial Union to seek a resolution. The Department of Parks is also willing to continue discussions with the Union.
“As it relates to Ministers of the Government being involved in dispute mediation the Government wishes to clarify that there will be no direct involvement or action taken by any Government Minister in the discussions surrounding the dispute as Ministers do not have authority or responsibility for staffing issues. Such matters are the responsibility of the Public Service.
“Government also clarified that those workers who engaged in today’s irregular industrial action will not be paid for the work hours missed – this is in keeping with Government’s “No Work; No Pay” Policy.
Minister of Home Affairs Michael Fahy assured the public that he is monitoring today’s developments closely.
Minister Fahy said, “Today’s actions are regrettable, as there should have been adequate notice given to management about any proposed industrial action. We’re hoping that we can resolve this matter as soon as possible to avoid any further disruption of service.”
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- Scott Expresses Concern About M&P ‘Inattention’ | Bernews.com | April 3, 2014
Dear PLP. Instead of being part of the problem, why don’t you help, as this problem started under your reign.
Dear OBA you made so many promises election time. Here’s what I think about your promises ..i.,
Dear plp/biu you put us in a hole, would be nice to HELP get us out of it
I hate to think what you thought of the PLP?
When was the last time there was a legal strike in Bermuda?
Please make sure they are not paid.
Parks out too.
Will anybody even notice??
…they will have to wash their cars at home instead of beside Camden!
Dear Bernews , thanks for letting us know about AG and Fish on strike. The public couldn’t tell otherwise. Was W&E on strike too? I didn’t see any street work getting done.
We should give the guys that do garbage collection and operate Tynes Bay a raise and fire the guys that that do the road works.
Shut de whole Island down.
A** H*** type of comment
Just think! the things you take for granted?someone else is praying fot it!!
So, whom gets fined for this breach of the law? The Union or the Workers or both?
Since the Berkeley bond resolution saw the Union promise not to engage in any wildcat strikes can we have our $14 million now?
Come on, you know that agreement was with the PLP and not the government.
So then Government should be able to get the $14 million right?
Come on people. Let’s act like adults.
Highly unlikely with the BIU involved
Unless these knee jerk stoppages are nipped in the bud, this could escalate into a general strike. You know that’s what Chris and his henchmen want. They love to flex their muscles. No common sense or intelligence required, and they don’t care about the consequences.
The general strike of 1981 killed off the tourism market, and only the introduction of International Business kept Bermuda afloat. Another strike would see a mass exodus of IB and a withdrawal of other investors in things like hote;s, casinos etc. This would be the death knell of Bermuda. I guess the strikers will be delighted with the end result, when the BDA Dollar is only worth about 10c.US
I don’t understand why the BIU needs to know the answer to the questions! How is that better representing their Brothers? Let the unions strike! Let the coffers run dry then let Bermuda move on in a union free world!
They don’t it’s just an excuse to pull the carpet out from under the People of Bermuda!
“sacred values” produce “devoted actors (as opposed to rational actors), who are willing to resort to extremes with little regard to risks and rewards or costs and consequences.”
The unionized workers are now ignoring a court injunction!!! This surely should be reason enough to replace them with workers that are willing to work!! Also why is the minister the only one being blamed for this ??? I can only surmise it is too make it easier to made a political issue?? Why is the CS worker heads in the marine and ports department not held accountable???? I am now just sick and tired of all this BS from both sides and until we all learn that because of the dire financial situation the plp put us in, we ALL need to be prepared to do more with LESS!!! This is a shameful position the union is taking!!!!!!
Just too clarify when I said, I am sick and tired of this BS from both sides, i am also disappointed in government not making the union accountable for their actions!!!
this ^
Not a oba supporter at all.. but im sure they said they have had a issue wit goverment for the last 4 or 5 years.. so why is minster scott pointing fingers at mr crockwell. .. that means it was issues under the plp
I guess it’s true, the PLP / BIU are still in charge. No one is listening to the OBA, what a shame. PLP/BIU = Lions OBA = Lambs.
Let’s add some more fun to the equation UBP=BDA=OBA=UBP. There is only one winner UBP
Looking at the photo of the personalities in the Cabinet and The Premier (the only person not connected to the UBP) being thrown under the bus by some comments made by a sitting Cabinet Minister on a talk show coupla days ago, indicates he is on a short lease with one peg holding him on a cloths line equals:
UBP=BDA=OBA=UBP.
Did I miss something? Wasn’t there an article yesterday stating that since a certain injunction has been “Officially Gazzeted” that ferry service employees will be “officially breaking the law” if they don’t return to work?
Now I may have misunderstood what I read but can’t they now be arrested? Or in the least, summonsed to court or fined or something?
Someone help me out here please…
Yeah you clearly missed it…the injunction was for the Marine & Ports essential workers. They are the pilot boat crews, tugboat crews and line boat crews. Ferry workers are not considered ‘essential services’. The funny part is that it’s only the ferry guys that have downed tools so the injunction was only needed should the other decide to join the strike at a later time. Pilot, tug and line operations have continued as normal throughout this dispute even before the injunction.
Your statement seems to apply that you read the whole story but lack the capacity to understand the contents. Actually the law states in clause 16 of the 1925 Row Boating Act, they could be shipped to Russia for an indefinite period of eternity. The Government and courts are in the process as we speak to enact the law
Bring in the suits from the UK. Time and time again both governments have been proven to not have the kahunas to sort this nonsense out!
Such sad times in Bermuda when a union and their members can stop public transportation at the drop of a dime! Not fair for locals and visitors alike who rely on these services! No problem is too big to discuss and come up with a win-win solution for everyone!
Signed: Saddened
Ok here we go again. Again we’ll probably have another illegal strike down Front Street.
This behaviour is insane.
There was no illegal strike down Front Street, there was a legitimate march down Front Street. Your Interpretation of events is insane.
Required notice not given. Illegal.
Other workers not contracted to FHP downed tools in sympathy (again, required notice not given). Illegal.
smfh its not a strike A– they are having meetings DAH
The ferry’s are on strike and are in breach of their notification requirements as well as the injunction granted by the Chief Justice.
It is a strike. Period.
Did they give notice? If not it is illegal/wildcat or whatever you wish to call it. I suppose, if notice is not given, it cannot be called a strike.
On a side note, I’m interested to know where your last tour of duty was?
I have a huge amount of respect for soldiers and all of the armed forces.
………and did they obtain a permit for the march?….again illegal.
You may not know this but the BIU had to seek permission from the government to march the other day. As spontaneous as it may have seemed, things aren’t as reckless as they may appear. Also, approval must be sought from the Cabinet Secretary for union meetings to be held during work hours. This time, as the workers are meeting with government officials to seek answers to their questions i’m sure it was probably a little easier to grant their request to attend as it would probably prevent an escalation of industrial action if denied.
Headline:
Minister obtains injunction in ferry dispute
Content:
“Section 19 of the Labour Disputes Act 1992 is clear – that after notice is published in the (Official) Gazette, a lock-out, strike or irregular industrial action short of a strike is unlawful. It is expected that since the Notice has been issued, all non-essential service workers should withdraw any action and return to work.
So ………. am I to believe that we are allowed to do unlawful things without consequences now? Because if that is the case then I have some money making ideas of my own ….
What bie… A long weekend. SURE!!!!!
We can kiss this Island bye bye!!!!! I have friends who are due to arrive on Sunday they have cancelled!!!!! When are you people going to stop these labour disputes!!!!!You all have shop stewarts let them sort matters out. Keep doing these wild cat strikes and see where its going to get us. Do you really think investors are going to invest in purchasing Belmont/Newstead and Tuckers Point think again!!!!!
“You People” . Who exactly are you referring to?
Coffee You know darn well who you people are!!!!! The ones who want to strike whenever CF feels like bringing this country down.!!!!! I guess you need more coffeeeeee to wake up!!!!!
lmaro lol lol
Macphee is that You ?
In the context of her post I think it’s safe to assume “you people” refers to ‘labour’ persons, especially those involved in industries related to the recent strikes and who’s affiliation is with the BIU. What were you thinking?
In context I would wager they mean union members involved here. Seems clear to me or did you have another spin on it.
LOL if who do you think they mean?
My guess is the people striking
Likely plp, oba and biu supporters. Wasn’t that obvious to you?
@ bdagirl. Just because the ferries are on strike your friends didn’t have to cancelled their trip. Since their your friends you can transport them around for the weekend like you probably would have. There is still the bus and the taxi service. And who are you referring to when you say “you people”? And your assuming that investors will think twice about purchasing Belmont/Newstead or Tuckers Point. I think you need to think again.
Likely plp, oba and biu supporters. Wasn’t that obvious to you?
Investors WILL still invest here….Bermuda is NOT the only place in the world where industrial action takes place. Airlines go on strike do we stop flying?
“……you people”??????????? Please explain….I’ll wait……
This is illegal industrial action.
London Tube workers participated in a strike a few weeks ago AFTER issuing the reuqired notification as prescribed by their laws and CBAs.
Why can’t the BIU (as no other Union so regularly incites wild cat strikes in BDA) adhere to the law and CBA? Why did they admonish HP for not abiding by the CBA standards, but then turn around and continuously break their CBA clauses regarding proper strike notification? Why should one Party be made to follow an agreement why the other feels they aren’t required to meet their legal requirements?
Can you honestly not see the blatant hypocrisy?
You people…probably means the Unioners who continually strike illegally and disrupt our island, inconvenience our people and bring down our reputation. But you can take it how you want as I am sure you will.
I’m not sure I have ever witnessed a legal strike in Bermuda.
@ Tricks Are … Yeah like all these investors currently building all these hotels here right??. LOL
When an Airline goes on strike around the world people fly other airlines.
When the local buses and ferries go on strike Locals & visitors are able to get on other Ferries and… err Duhh!!
You cannot make this stuff up lol
I agree with you %100
My guess is that she has a job and responsibilities which is probably prevent her from taking them around. Usually when ferries strike, buses are not far behind. These unpredictable groups downed tools for KFC before!
I tell all my friends and acquaintances don’t bother, to expensive and a country run by clowns in both parties and unions that do what they want. The Bermuda union work ethic is do less for more but be sure you don’t WORK for real, get your freebies and F*** the island. Why would you want to come here
This is ridiculous!!!! Chris Furbert is the problem, instead of dialogue, no lets strike, lets inconvenience the tax payers!!
Fire them all, they need to stop having this country hostage every time!!!!
you don’t have a clue what your talking about, your sound worst than me 2yr old grand, real a** you are.
@ Soldier-
Read your comments again and see who sounds like a 2Yr old.
Just saying
also please learn grammar and proper use of the language A88
When there are no jobs for you all go ask the Union for some money!!!!! See where thats get you!!!!!
The union has money? So you’ve seen up-to-date financals nice when will they make it to Government?
LOL
This needs to stop. Absolute bull&@%#. BIU we are tired.
Thanks BIU/PLP!! – you’ve just saved me a couple grand in airfare and hotels – not to mention another couple of grand in spending money. I was just about to book flights and accommodation for a 10 day break in Bermuda.
I’ve chosen (and booked) a 10 day break where I won’t have to worry so much about wildcat strikes disrupting my hard-earned vacation. Like many in the world – I look to get (and ensure) as much value for money as I can. I don’t mind paying a premium for great service in a beautiful destination. Bon Voyage Bermuda and hello Lanzarote!
Thanks again BIU/PLP. I’ll be sure to raise a glass in your honour when I’m sat next to the private pool in the villa I’ve rented for 50% of the cost of a hotel room in Bermuda. Cheers!
Once again what the BIU does shouldn’t reflect on the PLP. two different parties. So should we say since OBA has mostly UBP old members then they are still UBP!!
The BIU is not a political party. It’s supposed to be a union. So your analogy is inaccurate.
good you cant afford to visit Bermuda anyway & you know it, so stop trying to act all dam cute, just remember you are only 1 person. smfh,lmaro
That one person will probably influence 100 others. That is called the SNOWBALL EFFECT. At least you had a better grasp of the english language in that rant.
Be interesting to see what Bermuda does better:
The Bermuda ruined by intentional union strife under the OBA (BIUplp will never work with the OBA)
The Bermuda with exodus of International business and 0 tourism development under the PLP (investors and IB will have nothing to do with the PLPbiu)
not looking good for either Bermuda.
What are the next steps in terms of the injunction? If the union and its members have breached the Court order to go back to work, what happens next????
Can we all organize a protest against the BIU. Our tax $$$ are paying these people. Do they not realize that they are taking money from us, each and every day. They are a minus to our economy, they do not contribute economically, they take out of the economy. Thus we are currently in debt and close to a national crisis because of them. But they are happy to do as they please.
Although, today is a nice day, I would want the day off to.
I hear u and totally agree with somehow boycotting The BIU but not sure how to do it. Any suggestions? The “downing of tools” has got to stop – it hurts innocent people. What if all the ex-pats / IB boycotted eating in our restaurants or buying alcohol for a week – that would hurt innocent people too. It would make one heck of a statement though.
The pic of the ferry dock coaght my eye. It really a good example of the state of neglect & disrepair that Bermuda has become.
We were once a desired destination with first class facilities. Now look at us. Oh well, with all the contentious issues going on , the lawyers are happy.
TD, the photo of the dock says it all. Crumbling away at the foundations and a thin veneer of cement covering the surface. Meanwhile all the little Neros are fiddling whilst Rome burns. How’s that song go? ‘Bermuda is another world’?
So very sad to watch this once great place being systematically disassembled by a small yet destructive minority.
There is no cure for “IGNRANCE”
If and when our fragile economy goes trure dee trees they will be the ones screaming the loudest,but it will be too late then.
FIRE the lot…everyone of them!
Get out and try to live on NOTHING coming in like many are doing in Bermuda.
You people make me sick!
Bermuda politics is all emotion and absolutely no logic and fore sight.
Politics is not destroying,it has already destroyed this once prosperous,envy of the world,one of the highest per capita places to live in the world.
This destruction was all done on purpose and there are a few,that are so proud of this.
@Sheeples they cancelled because its not the first time they have been here and there is transportation crisis. The last time they were up at Dockyard on a cruise ship and were stuck up there cause they couldn’t get a bus.!!!!! And as you know its not cheap to get a taxi back and forth. They read all our news on line and they saw that Minister of Tourism & Transport Shawn Crockwell obtained an injunction, and that it is not being followed. Hell if I was planning a vacation to the Bahamas and saw there were wildcat strikes I would cancel also.!!!! And you have no idea how many times investors have pulled out of buying the Newstead/Belmont property!!!! I bet the “Greens” are wishing they put their money elswhere. Oh you know darn well who “You People Are” CF little soldiers!!!!!
Where are the people who were self-righteously whining loudly when the HP didn’t do things exactly by the book?
Another case of “it’s ok when we do it”.
@Tricks Are For Kids
Airlines go on strike but there are a lot of more Airlines to still take you to your destination!!!! When BDA has a industrial action and the buses and ferries stop the tourist are screwed. You compare hundreds of Airlines with BDA what a defense!!!! LMAO!!!!And I will say it again “you people” are CF little soldiers!!!!
@Tricks Are For Kids
Airlines go on strike but there are a lot of more Airlines to still take you to your destination!!!! When BDA has a industrial action and the buses and ferries stop the tourist are screwed. You compare hundreds of Airlines with BDA what a defense!!!! LMAO!!!!
let’s start with privatizing this segment of public transportation ASAP………..
Enough of this BIU/PLP stupidity…….
-FWB jr
March 10 – 13th 2014 is when the BIU and BPSU will hold their Delegates conference at the BIU headquaters. So all the people who wish to march against what the BIU represents do it on that date!!!! I bet all CF little soldiers will be at work that week no mattter what goes down!!!! I just called my friends and told them if they still want to come to BDA come for like March 9th to March 14 because BDA will be in order that week no matter what!!!!!
Hi Bernews…. any more to add to this story? You mentioned that the Parks workers went into a meeting, do you know the outcome?
No, sorry, not yet. We had to leave the Union to cover the budget, so we not sure what happened with the meeting. We do have some questions out and are hoping to get some answers soon!
This is absolutely unacceptable. This beautiful weather and visitors to the island cant get out on the water or use the ferry to commute. Yet we want to be a competitive tourist market??. This island just keeps shooting itself in the foot over and over again. When will Bermudians stand up and stop tolerating this BIU NONSENSE.
So sick of strikes! Fire them all and hire someone else!
And see similar of 1984 from we never recovered.
Evil hands at work.
Fire them all. How do you not show up to work for several days and still have a job?
These workers have legitimate concerns like not having the proper tools to work with and proper maintenance not being done to conduct their jobs in an efficient manner. If the ferries are getting holes put in them when the pilot is half hot and slammin’ a dock up west after a “liquid lunch” and the mechanics are not able to fix those holes correctly…legitimate concerns people…legitimate concerns!!
Businesses in Dockyard just hanging on. Guys, you have kicked them while they are down. Bermudian employees stand to lose their jobs if these businesses fail.
It will work out for those that like chub, bananas and carrots and prefer to never leave the island.
Fire these clowns, non of the jobs they do are difficult and could easily be learned in quick time by the hundreds of willing but unemployed Bermudians
I will offer to WORK as a grounds keeper for Pontoons park in POINT. Where do I apply.
For all u dat don’t kno u prob think we MnP members r scared of wat u think about us on striking how bout u ask ya gov. Dat u praise so much were is our 2 motors they lost that cost $250,000 per motor or how you spend $900,000 on a tug boat to fix n cums bac worst n still getting repaired on returning bac in Bda n is still nt in use how bout the fact dat d ferry u brought here to help our fleet has bin in Bda n STiLL is here n that yr OBA has paid triple d sale price on a boat dat they rented now we r Payn for the crew to stay in Bda off our expense yes u all dat voted these jokers in nd to know do u all know half our fleet is not even insured to even b running n that our management ain’t concerned bout you alls safety how bout the fact we r surrounded around water wen PLP was in power we had sea going tug I hope to god u all dats putn us down don’t gt stranded at sea cause since OBA has bin in power u have no tug boat now to rescue u cause they nt fit to go to sea no more so before u put my BIU president n members dwn u think about that n how bout u all call Shawn Crockwell n ask him why cause he keeps docking our un answered question n until he does we will stay on strike
@Keeping it real
You make some interesting comments here. I believe most would like to know if these statements are true.
I think the BIU should not hold its cards so close to its chest when it takes action that will affect the tax paying public. You should suggest to your union leadership that as a precursor to industrial action that they provide a written press release for the public detailing what the issues are and how long they have been unresolved.
You see what public perception is. You can’t just say that the public doesn’t understand. You must educate them to your plight so that they at least will understand your point of view.
End of “Them vs Us” starts with you helping the public see the issue from your perspective. That does not mean that everyone will agree with you but at least they may understand where you are coming from.
Ride
Learn how to use the English language if you would like to make a valid point on this forum before you post anything else. Please.
WHY IS OUR ELECTED PREMIERE NOT OUT-IN-FRONT ON THIS ISSUE. THE NATIVES ARE GETTING RESTLESS. WHY IS HE NOT COMING FRONT AND CENTER TO ASSURE US BERMUDIANS THAT WE CAN STILL HAVE BREAD AND BUTTER ON OUR TABLES, IN THE EVENT OBA IS ALLOWED TO RUN RAMPANT WITH MY GRANDKIDS FUTURE.
SUPPORTER, JONATHAN BREWER SPOKE TO THE BERMUDA PEOPLE AND AGREED THIS PROCESS GOING FORWARD IS BEST FOR THE ISLAND. WHERE IS HWP? ARE THE WORKERS THAT LOST THEIR JOBS FROM THE OUTCOME OF HIS VISION, WORKING????
MR. PREMIER WHERE ARE YOU.
@keeping it real.. I hope to God you are better at your job than what you’ve just displayed here with your lack of grammar. But now that I’ve managed to decipher your concerns, yes those are serious issues that need to be addressed. However, does it make things okay when the reaction to all of this is illegal action? Feels like a number of parties are throwing tantrums in order to get what they want instead of using their words. These situations aren’t child’s play… Can someone please put on their big boy/girl underpants and resolve this issue.
@not surprised
I can care less how it was typed…ya dumb a$$ read it and understood it…now my points have been expressed and the public knows now a few of what we strikers are up against day in and day out! I speak on this topic because who feels it knows it…whether its illegal or legal the action needs to be taken to make everyone hear our cry. Many of us strikers have had to subject to accept the bull crap offer this OBA government suggested to us to take a day off to save our country money! A not so good thing when the mortgage payment is due and kids are hungry for expensive bread at the least. NO I DIDN’T AGREE TO IT. It was agreed to save the government people’s jobs so that was the main reason. Where is the money going??? Can anyone pinpoint this??? People’s had enough and we are sick and tired of being sick and tired…People can’t just play with people’s lives and money let alone safety on the job. The Premeir needs to stop bull$sh***ing the people and come from behind that UBP mask and start putting all that talk he had canvassing to action NOW!
Clearly the BIU is throwing a tantrum since their puppets, the plp, no longer runs the island.
Fire each and every last one of the lazy bums and replace them with people who are eager to work and actually live up to their agreements. That, or privatize the ferrys. Let’s get out from under the thumb of the biu. They’re trying to hold the entire island hostage.
So still no ferries tomorrow?