Live Blog: Labour Dispute [Resolution Found]

February 6, 2014

[Updating: Fairmont to reinstate four jobs] The ongoing labour dispute between the BIU and Fairmont Hamilton Princess continues today [Feb 6], with the Hamilton Bus and Ferry Terminals in complete calm, a total contrast to the normal hustle and bustle of a typical morning.

Marine & Ports workers and Bus Operators are not working today to support the Union’s stance, resulting in public transportation grinding to a halt.

The dispute started after the Hamilton Princess laid off ten people, and when negotiations failed to bring an equitable solution, BIU members island-wide walked off their jobs and marched through Hamilton yesterday.

Our live coverage of yesterday’s developments is here, and four videos/summary from yesterday is here.

We will update as able through the day, your screen will automatically refresh:

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  1. MacPhee Apologises And Thanks BIU President | Bernews.com | February 6, 2014
  1. Johnboy says:

    The parade looked good on the news last night with all the pretty colors.

    Sorry I couldn’t make it out to watch it live – CAUSE I WAS WORKING!

    • Portia says:

      Well, that’s good for you – but what about the 10 workers who lost their jobs? I’m sure they would have loved to be working as well.

      I’ve never been a huge union advocate, and I, like many others, have also been inconvenienced due to the bus stoppage today. But these days, I do not blame people who want to protect their jobs or the jobs of their fellow workers.

      I guess they realize, the next job you save might be your own.

      • hmmm says:

        It’s 5 they are acting for. Don’t lie

        • Portia says:

          What lie? I did not say the BIU was acting for all the 10 workers; I just pointed out that 10 workers had lost their jobs.

          • Doesn't add up says:

            It was reported that 5 union members were made redundant.

            Why only four reinstated?

            • Yahoo says:

              That’s still 4 too many.

              • Doesn't add up says:

                Not necessarily. I am happy four people got their jobs back.
                Why so many were allowed to strike without notice (again)is the issue.

                • Raymond Ray says:

                  I concur…The Union could have had notified the public that they’re going to picket in front of both the Princess Hotels while at the same time hold negotiations with them concerned about the layoff / redundancies and the management / owners of the hotels. This was an extremely bad stance to take while simultaneously seeking foreign investors and tourist to aid us with a hand up and not a hand out as we now find ourselves having to do with being billions of dollars in the hole

      • OOH says:

        Protect their jobs? Businesses around the world are going broke! In order to try and stay open and on their feet they have to cut from the bottom. Once they get back into their financial groove perhaps they can have those positions again. But for now, many places around the world are doing this!

        Would you rather 10 people lose their jobs? Or hundreds due to Fairmont having to shut down in Hamilton? The banks are round here giving sometimes 30 people at a time the boot. Do you see a bunch of of them walking around having a march? BIU and its members are acting like kids with a temper tantrum.

        People do not think! And this strike is not going to do nothing good for people who are not BIU members. Tourists are probably annoyed, they will most likely go onto trip advisor etc to ramble about their ridiculous experience.

        People are thinking about themselves and not the bigger picture here. Other countries can afford to go on strikes but us in Bermuda rely on tourism and IB to keep us going.

        HP broke a rule or whatever, ok, let them and BIU handle that. There is no reason for Marine & Ports, bus drivers, or COH or anyone else to get involved.

        • JOB Please says:

          By the way a simple question. how many times has the union BROKEN the rules. Answer just about EVERY walk out or dispute, which by the way is a very large #. So why are they not ACCOUNTABLE??????????????????

        • Betty Trump says:

          Good standings Unionized Workers, together is power, and the better working conditions. Well done !! Standing up together makes a powerful statement for Workers Rights. Equal Rights and Justice will happen !! Well done !!

          • Loving Togetherness says:

            Great standings by all Union Members, standing strong together. This was a hard battle fought well for all. Keep working together. Unions standing together was also good to see, and I hope as we move forward this will continue to take place.

      • JOB Please says:

        business is business not papa Furbutt ambition to be SUPREMO and EGO trip.

      • hmmmm says:

        Where you end up is a result of the choices you make. These 10 (or 5) are unskilled workers not because they weren’t allowed to become skilled, but because when faced with a choice to work a bit harder and learn skills, trades, etc they chose a different route.

        Once again they have found themselves at a cross-roads and instead of rising to a challenge and taking the opportunity to learn skills they have taken the easy route (as they always have). They have cowered back to the union because they are sad about the position they are in. I have zero sympathy for them or any other person who refuses to rise to a personal challenge and instead slinks back into the security of the collective do-the-minimum sect.

      • Johnboy says:

        I understand what you are saying; however I thought that once a gripe is sent to arbitration, everyone should be working except for those who were originally dismissed.

        What has happened is just the opposite and instead of just Fairmont staff we have the entire firing squad out now.

      • Betty Trump says:

        Well said Portia, Well said.. today the workers stand together against injustice. Hopefully, government will encourage Fairmont Management to follow thru on the CB, so that this matter can be resolved quickly and workers can return to work. Stand Strong workers, Stand Strong.

        • hmmm says:

          “Statement from Minister of Home Affairs, Sen. the Hon. Michael Fahy, JP

          Good morning,
          Less than 24 hours ago, I addressed you regarding the ongoing industrial action between the Bermuda Industrial
          Union and the Fairmont Hamilton Princess that stemmed from an employment dispute.

          Yesterday I outlined the steps that my Ministry had taken to seek to bring the two sides together as part of the
          arbitration process.

          Granted yesterday was a day high in emotion with both sides seeking to get across their various viewpoints.

          However today I am pleased to note that the two sides, with the assistance of Government have managed to
          come to a resolution which benefits all concerned.

          The resolution was agreed to and accepted by the BIU and
          the Fairmont Hamilton Princess management and I am happy to note that it is anticipated that all employees,
          including our public service workers, will return to work later this morning.

          While I will leave the specifics of the agreement for the BIU and Fairmont to expand on, I just want to touch on
          the efforts of our Government representatives who worked to bring this situation to a close.

          I’d like to thank the Attorney General, Mark Pettingill and his staff, and the Permanent Secretary of Home
          Affairs Randy Rochester and the Director of Workforce Development George Outerbridge for their work
          around the clock to get the two sides to the table.

          And I wish to also highlight the Green Family for recognizing the importance of working with us to bring this
          matter to a close for the good of Bermuda.

          Without question, this Government recognises the inconvenience that this situation caused the members of the
          public and our visitors. So we appreciate their patience and understanding during what was obviously a
          challenging time which saw them directly affected by the disruption of services.

          If anything, these past few days have demonstrated:
          Ø The importance of maintaining strong relationships between employers and unions;
          Ø The importance of following the guidelines as set out in the collective bargaining agreement; and
          Ø The importance of going through the right channels of mediation to find resolution.

          As I indicated yesterday, this Government will always recognise the rights of the workers, however when
          disputes arise we must be ever mindful that the labour process works best when it is rooted in a collaborative
          effort.

          Thank you.”

      • Sooooo says:

        some one should read the Labour Relations Act…. The Union has been allowed for so long to do as the want and just call works to down tools without the required notice with no ramifications. It’s time the Minister grew a pair and enforced the law…

        Portia, the BIU knows no other way to get their point across than to down tools and disrupt the entire island. They live in the past. Truthfully Bermuda is looking to IMPROVE their tourism product, ATTRACT to investors… Who will invest in this island if every time the BIU doesn’t like something they pull services (and those of unrelated industries)

    • cant fool me says:

      Real ****!!!!!

    • Mazumbo says:

      And because of the parade those of you who are not Unionized benefit from those who are, they set the bar for those who are to scared to organize but don’t worry they’ll do the dirty work for you just reap the benefits and enjoy.

      • Yahoo says:

        Some of us are educated, qualified professionals who work hard and don’t need to “organize” because we are valuable to our employers and not easily replaced.

      • OOH says:

        Doing dirty work for who? Stop ya noise. Read the update… Tourism CEO said they have had emails from potential investors expressing concern. Like I said. You people are too busy worrying about yourself instead of Bermuda as a whole! All these people won’t have a job if Fairmont decides to shut its doors!!!!

        • Sick B says:

          @Muffzumbo. live in your dream world. It must be a bowl of cherries

    • Jules says:

      I simply cannot believe that at a time when the world is still crawling out of the worst economic depression experienced in decades, and Bermuda is no exception, that the BIU still uses such antiquated tactics of work withdrawal from other divisions at the drop of a hat. As a frequent traveller, it has become much cheaper to travel elsewhere where there is no labour strife. Bermuda has already over priced itself out of the tourist market. It is now time for both sides to display professionalism and maturity, communicate and communicate. What an example that would be for young people.

  2. Wondering... says:

    With due respect to both parties (BIU & Fairmont) and their current positions in this matter, wouldn’t it have been better for both of you to have collectively worked through the night to find some common ground, which could have served to avert the situation (transportation interruptions and uncertainly) which exists this morning? You both appear reckless….the BIU because of their actions; the Fairmont because of their silence and inaction.

    • WE ain't no dummies says:

      that would mean working past 5pm… no chance in hell on this island..

    • Just Wondering says:

      Sorry ask this but what in action on the Fairmont side? Last I checked the Fairmont had been in the talks seemed to be willing to work and then Furbert pitched a fit and called a wildcat strike.

  3. Frank says:

    Lets call a spare a spade here! This country is being held hostage by the BIU and its members ….approximately 1500 people! Minister time to take the bull by the horns here and end this ILLEGAL strike! Take out an injunction and get them back to work! There is some serious misdirected anger and chest thumping being displayed by the BIU and its members here and we the other 53500 people living on this Island should not have to suffer because of it! Because you are aggrieved does not give you the right to hold this country hostage …….you yourselves are breaking the law!

    • Joonya says:

      Every Union action from now on will be a “chest thumping” in a show of retaliation against what Furbitt perceives as the “union busting” Sage recommendations…

    • Betty Trump says:

      Lets call a spare a spade here! This country is being held hostage by the Hotel Fairmont and its members ….approximately 1500 people! Minister time to take the bull by the horns here and end this ILLEGAL walk-out! Minister should be pushing the hotel to hold to the CB and get moving with it. To treat workers fairly and with Equal Justice.

      Take out an injunction and get them back to work! There is some serious misdirected anger and chest thumping being displayed by the Fairmont, and some bloggers impacts the 53500 people living on this Island should not have to suffer because of it! Because Fairmont has taken the wrong steps and failed to follow the CB workers and others should not have suffer from this. It pushes the labour movement back by 50 years. Fairmont should not have the right to hold this country hostage …….The laws were broken first by the Fairmont management team. I think we need to becareful to just place all the blame on the workers, while excusing the Management at Fairmont…>REALLY

      • Dennis says:

        So I take it your position is ….. One wrong justifies another wrong….

      • Anbu says:

        REALLY! Doesnt make any difference. So what u r saying is that because they did it first we cam do it too. Sounds familiar. As expected from a blind plp supporter. 21 days notice that is law. Sounds to me like fairmont needs to do what hostess did with the twinky issue and those union workers. Fire everyone, give the company a new branding and start again from scratch. All new staff all new name. Biu can sit on that for a while.

      • Pedal Biker says:

        Please learn English or the correct wording of a phrase, or at least proof read your short stories. I think you will find that it is “lets call a spade a spade, I do not know of any spare spades. Further the only HOSTAGE TAKERS are the union. If I am not mistaken the FHP were negotiating until Furbert got pissed off again.

      • George says:

        Well done Betty you have proven my point better than I ever could! Like the BIU with this incident (i.e. the possible breach of a collective bargaining agreement) you have manipulated my original post to turn a simple opinion (a simple labour dispute in this case) into a rant about what you believe is a 50 year old employment rights movement involving the whole country! This has nothing to do with our labour rights as country but simply the pure unadulterated manipulation of people (the BIU membership) to further the political agenda of those on the executive of the BIU! As a former Union shop steward in the UK it is clear as day that what you and the BIU profess to be legitimate Union actions and responses are bold face lies. You have broken the law on many occasion in calling wild cat strikes for one and continue to try and deceive and manipulate your membership and the general public to garner support and favour! Don’t be disingenuous this has nothing to do with Hamilton Princess and them possibly breaking the CBA it has everything to do with the BIU trying to remain relevant and flex its muscle because you don’t like the status quo!

  4. Stephen Thomson says:

    The underlying issue that has not been addressed since 1981 is that the collective bargaining agreement with the hotels is outdated, inefficient and hinders the hotels profitability. This agreement is not “collective”. It has been rammed down the throats of the hotels by a radical BIU for many years. Here are some examples:
    1) If an employee is off on Wed and Thurs and the hotel needs to call him/her in on Wed, the hotel pays time and half as Wed is their “day off”. If the hotel does not use them on the Wed but rather calls them in on Thurs, they are paid double time as Thurs is considered their “rest day”.
    2) If a hotel’s occupancy goes over 70%, the hotel per the CBA is forced to have 100% of the staff in and working.
    Few hotels in the world could make money with these massive and arbitrary expenses burdening their businesses.
    Finally, the BIU force employers by way of the CBA to deduct $12.00 per week from every employee regardless of whether they are BIU members or not. They must lose $12.00 out of their cheques and can “give it to charity” if they choose. This is the “closed shop” clause in the CBA.
    The BIU is a dinosaur. It is outdated, injures Bermuda’s ability to compete and has outlived its usefulness in our country. I encourage employees of our BIU unionized hotels and businesses to simply stand up and vote the BIU out of your organization. Its a simple process and you are protected under the law to be able to call for a vote. Stand up for Bermuda and vote out this archaic, outdated and anti Bermudian organization

    • Raymond Russell jr says:

      Glad to see you come out and speak.

      Many of you think just like that

      If it was up to you I am certain you have no problem having workers work at slave wages. I expect no less from you.

      This is just the beginning so you need to get used to it.

      • hmmm says:

        Beginning of what?

        • Bermyluv says:

          Beginning of the end.

          • inna says:

            Precisely! And with comments from @Russell, “Many of you think just like that”, its a wonder the downfall hasnt happened already!

      • Enough says:

        Get used to being out of work then. Great attitude.

        • Raymond Russell Jr says:

          I dont have to get used to being umemployed as I have enough work to suit my needs.

          Make no mistake about it I dislike you as much and maybe even more than you dislike me.

          So the question what can you do about it.

    • Portia says:

      Stephen, I have never worked in a hotel, but what is wrong with workers having rest days and days off, in any industry? And if they are giving up their equivalent of a Saturday or Sunday, why shouldn’t they be compensated for that?

      Perhaps the reason why hotel workers receive time and a half and double time is because 1) unlike other industries, they cannot count on full-time employment year round or in the off season and 2) From what I understand, hotel workers do not make as much as other industries here, so that extra pay helps to give them a living wage.

      Also, might it not be to the benefit of the GUESTS as well as the workers to have a full staff on hand when a hotel has at least 70% occupancy? As guests increase, I would imagine that work demand increases as well. How does it benefit the guests, the workers or the hotel to have, say, only 50% of staff working when you have 70% or 80% occupancy?

      BTW the BIU is not the only union who has the deductions for union dues or charity – the BPSU enforces this as well. You don’t have to join the union, and what is wrong with giving to charity?

      I strongly disagree that the BIU is an outdated dinosaur. Despite the Employment Act, there is still wide abuse of workers happening in Bermuda today. I know some people who have been searching for work for a long time, only to find a job but the employer offers way below average pay and does not offer insurance, pension, vacation, or any of the benefits required under the Act. The only option they have is to accept the job in a soft job market, without anything else coming down the pipeline, or go on Financial Assistance. Now what sort of choice is that for people to have to make in 2014 where supposedly people have more protection under the law?

      The very fact that Government is owed millions of dollars in social insurance and payroll taxes is also evidence of abuse, because this is money that is deducted from workers pay and yet employers have been withholding the funds.

      I have never been a huge union advocate, but I can see its useful in defending workers rights when the law and Government have been ineffective at doing so.

    • citi zen says:

      Mr Thompson please have a read of the Trade Union Act with reference to deduction. If you so choose to be employed by a unionized establishment then that is a part of the deal from the get go. This is not the BIU nor any other union, it is the law. Go on line you can find it like anything else you wish to know.

    • Dockyard Lackey says:

      It is my understanding that union employees of Government do not get a deduction when on strike. Assuming the trash is not collected today or maybe even tomorrow, the W&E crew will probably work Saturday at overtime rate. So a paid day off and bonus money. Might I suggest they be deducted a days pay everytime they walk off the job. If they have to work weekends, they do so at a flat rate until they make up the days lost. Savings to the Public Purse.
      BIU seem to forget that Goverment had to borrow money to pay their wages about a year ago. PLP could not get a loan because they had no repayment plan.

    • Mazumbo says:

      Is this the same guy that closed down Paget Dry Cleaners because he didn’t want his workers Unionized?

  5. John E. Thorne says:

    I understand that the Fairmont management did not follow the proper procedures however, to call a general strike over this issue is ridiculous. I could understand a strike at the hotel which might bring the management to their senses but a general strike is hurting innocent Bermudians and only damages Bermuda’s reputation at a time when we should be doing all we can to encourage investment in Bermuda. When we are all made redundant because businesses have either closed down or left the island what is the union going to do for us? Nothing because they will be broke as well. Common sense must prevail.

    • Chaos Theory says:

      The BIU is already broke – seen their financial recently.

      I certainly hope that all the people out on strike are not getting paid by their employer for their illegal time off.

      I am fairly certain the the BIU doesn’t have enough funds to pay them anything, although they are most probably obliged to.

      • Family Man says:

        Actually, no, I haven’t seen their financial statement lately. I don’t think anyone has. They continue to operate in defiance of the law by refusing to file audited accounts for their members to see.

        If I tried to operate a bank or an insurance company without filing audited financial statements with the BMA I’d be shut down in hurry. They even shut down charities that fail to provide audited accounts.

        Why hasn’t the BIU been shut down for failing to report to their members what has happened to all their weekly contributions?

      • citi zen says:

        Chaos can you please tell me if you think that it is right for HP to break their agreement with BIU by not talking with them. A contract is a contract. All parties signed the agreement.

        How long do the people of Bermuda have to take this crap. (Bermudian and non-Bermudian)

        • Chaos Theory says:

          What part of the agreement did Fairmont breach? If it was a clear breach of a contractual agreement, then what does the BIU fear about going to arbiration, or enforcing the terms of the contract in the courts? Why are they marching instead.

          I suspect that they know they will lose any arbitration or court action (when have they actually won any substantive arbitration or court hearing), so their only option is to try and hold the country hostage by way of a strike. On that point, I thought the BIU had agreed not to hold such wildcat strikes in exchange for government forgiving the $8m performance bond. Can we now ask for that to be repaid since the BIU would appear to have breached their agreement/contract.

          • GTA says:

            I completely agree! I have found no reference to the exact Article or Clause in this agreement that has been broken by HP. I also thought the point of arbitration is to determine which party is at fault. If HP is at fault then let arbitration determine this and resurrect the situation. Can someone please give me the exact clause which has been broken by HP because I feel like it is all hearsay.

  6. San George says:

    Chris, if a parasite kills its host, the parasite also dies.

  7. Sports Fan says:

    If they have time to Strike, perhaps the Premier should look at those departments first when it comes to putting his Privatization and cost savings plan into action!

    • inna says:

      Interestingly enough, Marine and Ports was on the list of SAGE recommendations to consider privatizing..

      • Pedal Biker says:

        By god any thing would be better than the M&P and Bus Operators we have now. Only problem it would be run like a BUSINESS and work would be required, so just another excuse to strike, especially when you had to get rid of someone

    • Somebody's Momma says:

      Premier is too busy running around the world to take note of who is on strike. Cabinet Office said this has nothing to do with Government and Premier is off to the US to Obama event. Wonder if we have concerned citizens who are concerned that Premier is doing so much travellling and that he would leave the island when we have a perceived crisis. Maybe he will ask Obama for some advice.

      • Just Wondering says:

        Really? Where did the Cabinet Office say that???

  8. D says:

    I suggest that whatever everyone else did to get to work and school today, we should all continue doing for the rest of the year regardless if the strike ends or not. Empty buses and ferries for 11 months should send a message right back to them. Boycott public transportation….

    • Tolerate says:

      Thought the same thing while getting into work this morning (by the way I normally use the bus service), and realized; what exactly would that solve?
      This is a dispute between H.P. and the B.I.U. NOT the Government of Bermuda. Now let’s think about that a moment and get back to your suggestion.
      As I know the B.I.U. have many members from different branches, i.e. Hotel/Hospitality, Works & Engineering, Transport, etc. This is what makes their strength in that they can resort to numerous ways of getting their point across.
      Now while I agree as a previous Union member that each branch should support one another; I am critical on the decisions made as to when and which branch. The Union knows that the quickest way to get the public’s attention is to shut down transportation and often this is the FIRST branch that backs the others during disputes; but this is the one branch that attacks the General Public which I feel is wrong. The union may use this weapon thinking it will get the public’s support and raise tensions against who they are having a dispute with; but this really only works if the dispute is with Government.
      In this scenario, Government has NO part. They acted by forwarding the issue to an Independent Panel and simply commented they were displeased. What really more can they do? Government can no easier order H.P. to rehire the Bar Porters as order the Union to resume the Transportation Service (barring injunctions by which this is not their fight).
      So back to your suggestion; in a climate that the Bermuda Government is repairing damage to our economy and need all the money they can get, will not using the Transportation Service really be sending a message to any of the parties in this dispute or further damage our economy?
      Please people do not let this become about the Government of Bermuda; this is what many (yes I know who you are), would like to see happen.
      The two parties involved, H.P. and the B.I.U. need to resolve this matter and further damaging Bermuda as a tool to getting the upper hand is wrong!!!!!
      Shutting down the Island for an issue NOT related to a Government Labour issue is wrong and will only result in Bermudians suffering. H.P. is not hurting due to this action. They may feel a bit responsible at the most, but this Island wide action does not attack them. If you want to pressure H.P. direct your shut down to them. Picket them.

      • Bettty Trump says:

        “Less than a century ago the laborer had no rights, little or no respect, and led a life which was socially submerged and barren….American industry organized misery into sweatshops and proclaimed the right of capital to act without restraints and without conscience. The inspiring answer to this intolerable and dehumanizing existence was economic organization through trade unions. The worker became determined not to wait for charitable impulses to grow in his employer. He constructed the means by which fairer sharing of the fruits of his toil had to be given to him or the wheels of industry, which he alone turned, would halt and wealth for no one would be available…

        “History is a great teacher. Now everyone knows that the labor movement did not diminish the strength of the nation but enlarged it. By raising the living standards of millions, labor miraculously created a market for industry and lifted the whole nation to undreamed of levels of production. Those who attack labor forget these simple truths, but history remembers them.

        “Negroes are almost entirely a working people…. Our needs are identical with labor’s needs: decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old-age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children and respect in the community. That is why Negroes support labor’s demands and fight laws which curb labor. That is why the labor-hater and labor-baiter is virtually always a twin-headed creature, spewing anti-Negro epithets from one mouth and anti-labor propaganda from the other mouth.”

        —Speaking to the AFL-CIO on Dec. 11, 1961…Dr. Martin Luther King

        Stillimportant today !! YES.

  9. watching says:

    Has anyone seen the Premier during this Industrial Action?

    on the news last night, it was reported that he was off the island attending a function for President Obama. He was here the night before at the gaming meeting. So he left first thing yesterday, knowing of industrial action taking place, to attend a function for President Obama.

    Something is NOT adding up here.

    And then the Cabinet Office’s excuse for his absense was that the industrial action has nothing to do with government.

    UMM, a near islandwide strike has nothing to do with the government???

    What is really going on?

    • hmmm says:

      This is between the BIU and the hotel.

      Appropriate minister took appropriate action to help both parties come to a quick resolution, but one party decided instead to hold a country hostage

      • Bettty Trump says:

        Well Done, Well done WORKERS, STANDING STRONG TOGETHER is the only way forward !!

        This was a great strength of togetherness. The workers are standing standing strong and this made all the differences.

        Keep pushing forward together, as there is strength in numbers.

        Well Done, Well Done !! BIU president Furbert, thanks for standing up for Workers Rights…Well done !!

    • Suzie Quattro says:

      Now that you mention it I haven’t seen Marc Bean do anything for months. Does he still live in Bermuda?

      • Question says:

        I normally don’t do this, but that comment deserves it –

        “You are one stupid ***** – seriously!”

        Q

        • Barracuda says:

          Where is Marc Bean?

        • Suzie Quattro says:

          There’s no need to be disrespectful to Islanders like me. It’s your guy that’s been missing.

    • C says:

      Maybe he’s seeing the president to find out what the deal was with the Ugars.

  10. Phillip Wells says:

    Secondary strikes are illegal in Bermuda. Will the Government enforce the law?

    • hmmm says:

      point to the legislation please

      • Phillip Wells says:

        Labour Relations Act 1975, section 34 (1):

        “Unlawful lock-outs, strikes

        34 (1) It is hereby declared that any lock-out, strike or irregular industrial action short of a strike shall be unlawful if—

        (a) it has any object other than or in addition to the furtherance of a labour dispute *within the trade or industry in which the strikers, persons taking irregular industrial action short of a strike or employers locking-out, as the case may be, are engaged*; or

        (b) it is designed or calculated to coerce the Government either directly or by inflicting severe hardship upon the community,”

        (emphasis mine)

        http://bit.ly/1fKxHh6

        • Triangle Drifter says:

          Good enouigh for you Hmmm? Or does the law not apply to the BIU?

        • Raymond Russell Jr says:

          the people are the law

          wake up

          • Sick B says:

            BIU seems above the law thats why they get away with so much s***

  11. Nuffin but da Truth says:

    Bunch of self serving lazy good for nothing lot!
    GET BACK TO WORK or give your job to someone that WILL work!

    • citi zen says:

      If they were trying to save your job would you be saying the same thing. Selfish thinking gets us nowhere.

      • Suzie Quattro says:

        The jobs are gone. Unneeded. Unnecessary.

      • C says:

        The hotel is restructuring to make their product better. If the supporters that work in H P feel this is unjust , then get together with management tell them they will take a cut in pay to help keep their fellow workers employed.

  12. Really? says:

    Ok now this is just insane! The BIU are claiming that the Fairmont broke the CBA- ( they may have done so) BUT to strike and walk out and get on the way the BIU is unacceptable to me! The BIU would get more if they approached things differently in a clam and mature matter. Talk – don’t insist if I don’t get my walk we strike. BIU its time you got a really president someone who has your best interests at heart and knows how to work together to get things done. Chris behaves like a 2 year old having a tantrum.

    Furthermore- the general public are so tired of the BIU striking for non-sense…( drunk ferry driver, drunk bus drivers) that now they call a strike for this – everyone is tired and saying “what’s new” They have cried wolf to many times and cause issues island wide one too many times…people are tired of it – the BIU is now just an annoyance to the majority of the population!

    No with all that said don’t get me wrong I think there should be unions to protect the workers – HOWEVER this union enables the bad workers to continue to work?! And PROTECTS them when they are wrong! BIU has brainwashed and created entitlement issues- it so sad to see all of these people buy into it..

    I really don’t understand – how a union want 6 weeks’ notice- private world you are called in given your redundancy and sent on your way for 2 reason – Security and moral in the office. BIU’s demands are outrageous! I really REALLY hope that someone puts an end to this crap and soon…

    Mind you I am sure the BIU workers will go back once they realize there is no money to be paid to them by the union cause it’s all been used by Chris and Co!!

    Just one more reason why I can’t wait to get out of Bermuda

    • sage says:

      For “Security and morale’, but it is not always moral.

    • citi zen says:

      Well leave!

      • Really? says:

        @ citi zen : Trust me – I will be out of here in 2 months’ time and I can’t WAIT – I will sit and watch the disaster unfold from a civilized country where people don’t have stupid tantrums ,can string a sentence together, and have some level of education and negotiating abilities. Stupid comments and arrogance like that is why BDA is in the state it is… Keep chasing all the good Bermudians out – and then stand back and moan – no jobs………. You all up in arms about 10 jobs. Fairmont should shut down and then see how many are out of work… people have this wrong… employees work for the employer. The employer is not there to be your friend- they are there to make money. Don’t like it leave… guess what there are plenty of others that will do that job and then some.. get off the high horse and stop acting like you are owed a job because you are Bermudian and work for it!

        OR go on strike – hope the BIU can cover your bills and expenses and then when the hotel shuts… GOOD LUCK finding another job with the how many other hundred people laid off!

        Ignorance irritates the life out of me!

      • Triangle Drifter says:

        Childish response. Not surprising.

  13. Jermaine says:

    Seriously? All this because a bartender doesn’t want to wash a glass?

    • citi zen says:

      PRINCIPLES!

      • Just Wondering says:

        What principles? If they had principles they would have gone to arbitration instead of this wild cat strike. If they had principles they would have stood by the CBA and not broken it themselves, also they would have stood by the agreement they made with the PLP Government not to do wildcat strikes.

  14. Frustration says:

    As a student; I don’t often like to comment on things I know little about. However what I do know, is that this strike has just cost me my mid-term Math grade. As with parents off Island, and not enough money on me to pay for a Taxi – I was unable to make it to school on time to attend my mid-term math exam, and with strict regulations at this level, I can not take it again.

    I’m not sure what younger generations Mr.Furbert is ‘protecting’ by laying down these guerilla-esque charades, for as a young man who is preparing to study Music Ed in University and return to teach here – this rash action has done all but benefit me.

    Even at my age, I must not be crazy to think that there are more efficient ways of dealing with this complication, than for a working populace to throw down their tools and attend protests and meetings due to the unfortunate occurrences regarding a few individuals.

    I’m not exactly sure how Mr. Furbert got to his position in the Union, but as I sit here in my school’s computer lab while my classmates take the last few minutes of an exam I should be in – I can not help but feel as if his actions are impulsive, immature and lacking the realization of a bigger picture.

    • Boycott BIU Businesses says:

      Sorry, but you knew yesterday afternoon that busses were not going to run today. If it was that important of an exam, you would have made plans to get to school this morning.

      • tricks are for kids.. says:

        I agree……

        Even with your parents off the island are you the last of your families blood line?…..Grandparents, cousins, godparents, neighbours, friends,……just to name a few….

        For the record because you along with several others are missing the fact that this is NOT Mr. Furberts decision… he is EMPLOYED by the MEMBERSHIP…his job is to ADVISE the membership who in turn listen to what he has to say and what the other party involved in the dispute have to say and then they vote on the next course of action. If they (the membership) decide that what is being presented is not acceptable they vote on taking it back to the table (hence this mornings meeting)…..The MEMBERSHIP voted on staying out today and their employers (Mr. Furbert)job is to present that decision to the public…..

        • C says:

          Common! You know darn well if Mr Furbert said , I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, the members would head.

        • Naive Observer says:

          Oh, and then I supposed the Transportation section asked Mr Furbert to call them in for meetings on this totally unrelated labour dispute?

      • Black Belt says:

        Im sure he did make plans – he did get there didn’t he?? The lack of his regular bus must have simply made him late.

        Regardless, it’s a step he shouldn’t have to make. I hope you’re not trying to empathize with the real problems at hand here…

  15. afiking says:

    Fire them all and put ads saying hiring on the spot if qualified. See how many people would apply.

  16. 1minute says:

    I am hoping that the Government workers who walked off their jobs yesterday & today aren’t being paid, by us (the people the fund Government), for this time off. As they are already missing a days pay each month, I hope the Union is compensating them for their time.

    • Pedal Biker says:

      We should all send our associated bills to the union for NON payment. I would take a taxi all day and send the bill to Fubutt, I would also ride from east to west all day to run up the tab like they do.

  17. D says:

    Nothing will happen. The strike will eventually end and the buses and ferries will resume operations. Everything and everyone will simply fall back into their routine until the next strike when we will all complain about the same things again. It will just continue on in its cycle. Only it may occur more often. The longer we let them get away with it, the more they will do it. That is human nature.

    I am aware that this is not a Government dispute but let’s face it, the only services that are really inconveniencing the general public are the public transportation services and the garbage collection / Tyne’s Bay employees. No-one will even notice the rest of W&E on strike since they wouldn’t really accomplish anything over the next week/month/year anyway.

    Government would SAVE money if they privatized public transportation and garbage collection so I stick with my suggestion to boycott buses and ferries. Let all of those employees lose their jobs since they don’t want them anyway. And for those few bus and ferry operators who don’t join in on the strikes, Gvt. can provide them with vehicles to continue doing what they do and take in their own profits.

  18. Ess Ess Dee says:

    We can no longer allow Employers to disrespect staff! I completely understand the need to look at an organisation’s structure and properly align staffing needs! What I will not and cannot support is Employers feeling the need to disrespect employees! Just in everyday life we teach people how to treat us, this is a lesson for Employers……… Treat people with dignity and respect and these issues will be a thing of the past. All parties should exercise some common decency. We are all human beings trying to enjoy the journey…………

    • Pedal Biker says:

      you truly don’t know any business principle, it is not about disrespect it’s about the need or non need for some to do what another should be able to do. I can cut a lemon and serve a drink or more to the point TEND a bar to make money for my employer so he can pay me

  19. Lois Frederick says:

    This just reminds me of reading Mr. J.W.Marriot’s autobiography where his one regret in life was….opening a hotel in Bermuda. I am surprised the Green’s didn’t heed his words.

  20. Pedal Biker says:

    IF ( the biggest little word in the world ) the union was CREDIBLE and not in it just for confrontation and headline grabbing, they would ensure that the very WORKERS? they support gave an HONEST and TOTAL commitment to a job and not their bank account ( almost m/t as I hear, and like Bermudas ) with the mind set of THATS NOT MY JOB, or were to GRASP the notion of TEAMWORK amongst workers at a business maybe they wouldn’t look so stupid. They insist on bully type tactics for so many of their supporters that don’t provide proper work ethics and even worse have no business sense. I do not know of any business that is out there to not make a profit. Pray tell is that not what they have a fund for TO MAKE money i.e like a business. SAD

  21. Mindy says:

    There are investors in town right now looking at developing in Bermuda – HOW DOES BERMUDA LET CHRIS FURBERT GET AWAY WITH DRIVING THIS COUNTRY INTO THE GROUND!?

    • Naive Observer says:

      Correction – There WERE investors in town looking at developing in Bermuda.

  22. Don't Care Anymore says:

    Who gives a ****?

    Bermuda has long been finished and this is her now in her death throes. Crying, complaining and stomping our feet won’t assist in avoiding the inevitable which is total annihilation and capitulation of our already beaten and downtrodden economy.

    Come on BIU lets finish her off once and for all! Hope your coffers are full to assist your members when the real pain starts to be felt.

    Viva BIU!

  23. bluebird says:

    The investors are very interested in what “FURBY” and the “BIU” do and have done.
    Maybe that will answer your question why we have had “NO INVESTMENT” in Bermuda since 1981.

  24. bluebird says:

    These folks have forgotten the “GOLDEN RULE”
    He whom has the “GOLD RULES”
    As our ECCONOMY continues to go down for the (5)fifth year in a row.
    as our DEBT continues to increase from $2.324BILLION
    As our Interest on the DEBT will increase from $120MILLION per year
    or that is a little $10MILLION per month.
    As we have 8,000 on the Government payroll from a Bermudian workforce of 25,000.
    As we have 3,500 unemployed.

  25. bluebird says:

    Unfortunately there is NO CURE for “DUMB”
    Also there is NO CURE for “STUPID”
    But they are working on an anti-biotic.

  26. Triangle Drifter says:

    Fists in the air. That about says it all of what the BIU is all about. No change since its creation. They will keep the arms up till they are reaching to get out of the hole they have put themselves in.

    • Bettty Trump says:

      Well Done Workers for standing strong together

      The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, government relief for the destitute and, above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life. The captains of industry did not lead this transformation; they resisted it until they were overcome. When in the thirties the wave of union organization crested over the nation, it carried to secure shores not only itself but the whole society.”

      —Speech to the state convention of the Illinois AFL-CIO, Oct. 7, 1965….Martin Luther King.

      • Triangle Drifter says:

        Hey Betty! Where have you been? Stomping around the streets of Hamilton obstructing commerce maybe? No time to write something for yourself so it has to be cut & paste somebody else’s words.

        • Bettty Trump says:

          “We can all get more together than we can apart. This is the way to gain power. Power is the ability to achieve purpose. Power is the ability to effect change. We need power”…

          Dr. M King

          Working hard for the Equal Rights and Justice of all Workers. All benefit in the end. Busy doing the people’s work… I loving it. Great success in the end.

  27. Bettty Trump says:

    Well Done, Well Done, Well Done WORKERS !! STAND STRONG AND TOGETHER !

    Great stand taken by the workers, WELL DONE! STANDING STRONG TOGETHER

    This is the only way forward !

    Equal Rights and Justice !! WELL DONE !! Keep this strong togetherness.

    BPSU need to grow the same strong legs..

    • Suzie Quattro says:

      It was good to see the BIU had the sense to back down.

    • Joonya says:

      A victory for Bettty and her beloved BIUplp!
      You should all celebrate together and strong by booking a celebratory cruise on the Costa Concordia. With a more than willing and generous tax payer subsidy!!

      • Bettty Trump says:

        In Unity there is strength; We can move mountains when we’re united and enjoy life –Without unity we are victims. Stay united.—Bill Bailey

        It is always somewhat perplexing and sometimes shocking to hear, from respected unionists, a lack of concern for the struggle of brothers and sisters outside their own backyards. Such failure to bear faith and allegiance to real solidarity is what lies at the heart of labor’s inability to coalesce into the force that some of our greatest leaders have envisioned. We must come to the realization that we are all coworkers, brothers and sisters in the struggle with owners.—Donald L. Foley, APWU National Business Agent (posting on 21st Century Postal Worker)

        • Joonya says:

          We are tired of Chris Furbert and his BIU membership holding Bermuda’s future at ransom with every management dispute destroying any chance of economic recovery – Ty R.d. Taxpayer, Bermuda

          • Bettty Trump says:

            We are tired of MANAGEMENT Holding the WORKERS at ransom….not giving them Equal Rights and Justice….bad treatment of the 1960s will not stand today…. So why you love to blame only the Union, and overlook Management in this math problem,…your dead wrong here, and you will never solve the problem with such a backward approach.

            Well done Workers, Unity has won our battle….

            • Joonya says:

              You’ve just proven my point by using words such as “battle”. Investors and tourists dont want to be subjected to a “battle” everytime a union employee has an issue. Even if they were drunk piloting a ferry or driving a bus..
              You need to read “How To See The Big Picture” by G.L. Gettaclew..

            • Really? says:

              WOW stuck in the past!! WAKE UP ! You are not owed a job! Just watch – employers will say enough and pull out- then who you going to blame Betty??? The employers are gone – the expats are gone… no one left. Look in the mirror and point cause its only you left to blame . U and the union can then be left with the motto – united we stand- divided we fall…
              Then i am sure you will be happy!

    • Former Union Member says:

      Yes, there was a need for unions…once. But they came to be represented by leaders who, eventually, got greedy. There will probably be a need for unions again in the future, but one hopes the leadership can grow beyond the same old tired rhetoric justifying their sad little lives.

  28. Joonya says:

    Fairmonat was in the wrong, but sorry, this guy ranting and threatening is carrying on like a real thug. He loses what little credibility he had when he brought the issue to light.

    • Independent says:

      @ former Union Member,

      Do you even know what a thug is you a**hole?

  29. Joonya says:

    Chris come down bie! Ya gonna give yaself a corocanary.

    • Joonya says:

      “calm” down..

      • 1minute says:

        Come down was a correct statement, as he needs to come down off the pedestal he likes to sit on.

  30. Starting point says:

    It mentioned in the blog that the five BIU workers received jobs? are these at the hotel or has the government (or another party) provided them with employment as part of the negotiations?

    They are getting extended health insurance which seems to indicate they are not at HP and thus are covered while they search for new work but then it says they will be given employment, if given employment then what benefit is there for extended health insurance??

    Anyone have information on this

    • Young man says:

      @ starting point. As one of the bar porters we were offered an as yet unnamed position when the hotel opens up the new harbour front restaurant. If there are any more questions about what happened I’ll gladly answer them.

  31. more than enough says:

    having worked as a ‘gardener’ @ both agriculture and fisheries and one of the leading hotels, what i don’t understand is the disparity between the hourly wage negotiated by the union, for doing the same work. for example, in the early 90′s ag & fish was paying $17 per hr, yet in 2009, the union negotiated wage for this is $16.something…20 years later. which translates to approx. $480 take home pay, similar to that of the bar porter.i am not sure what a government wage is now for this position but i’m pretty sure these guys are taking home $1000-1200 per week…this is almost triple that which is offered to the hotel worker.
    furthermore, the hotels have been given all sorts of government concessions ie duties, payroll tax, etc…and i’m sure, if they were in as deep a debt as government is, they would have closed shop a long time ago.
    and i must add the working atmosphere left alot to be desired-to be breif.
    i think it would be reasonable to renegotiate the wages to be on a more equal footing. government wages on a whole should come down…especially the higher paid positions, in the light of the debt facing us, and keeping in mind the cost of living, smaller cuts, for the lower paid jobs.
    and being as the hotels are paying so little they should be able to do business without government concessions.or make similar reductions in pay,starting from the top down.
    bta’s got $30mil- check them if you need some help.
    still no comment from d dods or bill yet?
    or are they ‘off island’.

    • more than enough says:

      $16.something…20 years later, refers to the gardeners pay at the hotel, that is…

  32. The Fact says:

    This is my problem about the BIU. They march and cause a problem about EVERYTHING even when their membership is divided on the subject. Look in the past, drunk ferry driver, bus driver refusing drug test and bus employee calling in sick but working another shift somewhere else. All these cases were silly and these employees dealt with.

    Now you have a legitimate case here where the hotel breached CBA and you march. A very strong case to march and I totally support your cause.

    BUT, since you cried wolf sooooo many times before in the past, I have lost all integrity and respect for the BIU’s leadership and most of their membership. Keep burning your bridges and you will soon find that most of the island has little patience for your WILD actions even if legitimate.

  33. Enough says:

    What a load of BS. People are made redundant because of the economy and to now give in and re-employ these guys because we are held to ransom is dispicable.

    Whilst I think it is awful anyone loses their jobs it is inevitable it is going to happen given where we are. How many more will lose thier jobs now because of the damage the BIU have done the last 2 days??

    Perhaps now the Fairmont can make these employees redundant in the correct manner now that they have their jobs back, for now.

    Appalling behaviour from Furbert but not surprising.

    • Young man says:

      @Enough I am one of the porters made redundant. We were not given our jobs back we were offered employment in the new restaurant in an as yet unnamed position. If you have any questions please feel free to ask and I’ll gladly answer them as best I can.

  34. Unbelievebale says:

    The PLP/biu are doing a good job of painting the Govt and any of their supporters as part of the oligarchy, anti-black, and anti-union. And they are gaining traction with this nonsense.

    The PLP/biu are now saying all sorts of things about the OBA and the Chamber of Commerce, accusing one it’s people of yelling at union workers from a balcony.

    I’m telling you OBA. You need to push back with the crap they are making you to look like.

    • Anti-Propoganda says:

      This sort of propaganda has been happening since Dec 18 2012.

      Just the other day Mr. Weeks claimed that someone threatened “economic terrorism” on the young Mr. Hill for outing some sort of ‘ulterior agenda’ of the weed Committee. But when challenged to provide proof all you get is deafening silence. The same silence was given when Mr. Hill was asked to elaborate on his assertions against the weed Committee.

      But just like clock work their supporters lap it up with no evidence at all to back up these claims.

      I had no idea the depth of psychological damage that has occurred since the PLP was voted out on their organization and supporters as a whole. It is exemplified in the outrageous lies that they spew on a daily basis. But one thing the election has shown about these partisans is that they retain a deep, deep seeded hatred for anyone that is white, not white but not PLP, foreigners and gays or generally anything that is not black or dyed in PLP green.

      The division that their elected representatives and supporters try and impose with their mis-truths and straight up lies is not going to end well for any of Bermuda. It was evidenced again yesterday by Marc Daniels (what happened to you Marc?), Rolfe Commissiong, Laverne Furbert, Walter Roban et al. There is no desire for working together or bringing any sort of unity in this island from their side. It truly is all or nothing for them. And that does not bode well for BDA or any of her people.

      I said in 2012 and I will say it again. The PLP should’ve won the election and been made responsible to clean up their own mess. Because all you have now is people blaming the OBA, white people, black people who do not support the PLP as the real reasons behind their current economic pain.

      I bet you the OBA is now wishing that they lost in 2012.

      • Unbelievebale says:

        I agree to a point. I wouldn’t say that all PLPers are 100% biased to the point that they hate on others like you’ve stated but for someone like Marc Daniels to have gone so far right is disturbing when he used to be quite centrist. But the part that really bugs me is that no PLPer can EVER criticise the party. They just can’t do it. I don’t know if it’s fear or blind allegiance.

        As Tony Brannon said yesterday on FB, one of the reasons for this type of action is simply because the PLP lost the election and this kind of thing is still a reaction. The OBA have been pretty sloppy I admit but I believe what they are doing is right for the country. We are in a mess an they have one hell of a job to fix.

        I have noticed some balance within the PLP lately from some folks generally I see the party as pretty right leaning.

    • more than enough says:

      the oligarchy are doing a wonderful job representing their anti-black, and anti union sentiments for themselves.
      specifically in this case the executive director of the chamber is the one in in question. apparently on a family outing(paid leave) she found time to rant and rave at the demonstrators, what a disgrace! this is one with whom i would not like to share a meal.
      i am not sure of the exact words that were said, but this unnecessary public display on her part was uncalled for.
      apparently some of her rant was recorded…we shall see.
      wisely, fahy is showing some compassion for the workers, and a high regard for the union agreement.as surprising as this may be, he is setting the proper example for his adoring oba

      • more than enough says:

        …for the adoring oba followers to follow.

        shame on you(self inflicted that is)j mc fee. you should know better.

  35. Pastor Syl Hayward says:

    We appear to be stuck in all-or-nothing, black-and-white thinking, on every level, both FHP and BIU. This seems to me to have been a simply resolved issue, way back in the beginning. If the procedure should have been a week’s notice or two week’s notice before termination, they could have been taken back for that period and then let go. If they were given 4 weeks pay as per the policy I read (which may not have been the one that is actually in force at this moment) at the time they were told they were being made redundant, I don’t understand why we are in this present position.

    There has to be a better way than bringing the island to a stand-still. It is counter-productive, to say the least.

    Redundancy isn’t the same as being fired, and has no bearing on their work ethics, so all those folks who made assumptions about “laziness”, etc. were not only making assumptions, but rude and unkind in the bargain. That too, is unnecessary and counter-productive.

  36. Pastor Syl Hayward says:

    Halleluiah!! Good on ya, Minister Fahy, BIU and FHP!

  37. Serious Though says:

    Win for the little guy on Bob Marley Birthday, I will take It!!!

  38. CowPolly says:

    Lets hope that this is just the start of righting all the wrongs. There was an illegal strike that needs to be dealt with; workers who walked off their jobs presumably without permission; I hope these wrongs are righted also for the sake of Bermuda’s future

  39. Looking in says:

    Good work Minister Fahy!

  40. watchfuleyes says:

    Much respect to Chris – am always happy when someone does not lose a job.Nothing appauling about his behaviour- that is the nature of his job. @ Enough Have you never seen strikes in the States or Candada? The workers can be hostile, the situation volatile at times and don’t cross the picket line!!! so what was appaulin? The Union won at the end of the day because they know the proceedures and policies of Unionism- and the hotels would do well to take the book home and study it. It also showed that no matter how bad the economy might be, people will unite in support of one another. So stop using ‘the state of the economy’ to abuse, threaten, and blackmail the workers.We are not having it.

  41. Irate Bermudian says:

    So are buses running now?

  42. watchfuleyes says:

    @ Suzie Quattro- what news article are you reading that indicates that the BIU stepped down? Maybe we can break it down to the lowest common denominator for some people- there was an agreement reached- obviously the Union was pleased with the outcome- they did not back down! Let me say this, the workers, and supporters were not prepared to back down from at all. So someone came to that realization, understand now? that is coming from one of the Islanders!

  43. watchfuleyes says:

    @Vulpes, then let them leave- we are not going to be handled like that and hopefully they have learn that lesson. Now if they want to take the workers of Bermuda on, go right ahead.
    I have noticed that a segment of Bermuda has now become very arrogant in their dealings with the average Bermudian. Maybe they needed to be brought down a few pegs.

    • Anti-Propaganda says:

      Just out of curiosity what defines an ‘average Bermudian?’

      Also, please elaborate on what you mean by ‘certain segment’ and how you plan on bringing them ‘down a peg?’

    • Vulpes says:

      Brought down a peg or two, much as Col Burch set out to do too; well the results of his policies are plain to see and recovery will likely take the better part of a decade. In the meantime, money/capital/expertise such as Fairmont’s will continue to transfer to where it is wanted.

      As an aside but very much related to this whole discussion, go hang out at the British Airways departure check-in one evening – please notice the ongoing brain drain of young educated Bermudians who have chosen to pursue careers elsewhere. That there are several thousand young, educated Bermudians settled from Scandinavia to the toe of Italy and especially in the UK instead of being here helping to build up this country is the scandalous and direct result of the previous government’s policies. In other words, many of the best and brightest of the next generation want no part of this PLP/BIU inflicted quagmire and have spoken with their feet.

  44. Starting point says:

    I still say the BIU could have come out even farther ahead if they had kept to the Collective agreement and highlighted the HPs failure to do so….

    I am glad however it is said and done now and while I hate the style that the BIU president uses (aggression, threats, arrogance etc.) it is very indicative of union leadership across the globe and should be expected.

    the real winners are obviously the 4 who got their jobs back, i do feel for the 6 who did not and would like to point out that all those calling for workers rights on here seem to only be interested in certain workers…

    I also LOL at the fact that the OBA minister Fay who is much maligned on these boards, comes out as controlled, sympathetic to the rights of workers, supportive of business trying to fix Bermudas economy while at the same time allowing the BIU to negotiate for themselves with respect. Credit where credit is due, Minister Fay did well in his roll on this one.

    • swing voter says:

      They knew what they where doing, pushing Furberts buttons knowing the fallout. HP = idiots

  45. js says:

    I find it amazing that you can compare an island with a population of 65k with the UK

    if Cannonier were to take Thatcher’s position the island would burn to the ground in 7 days

    just be thankful that the unrest is organized not unorganized