BTUC Statement: “We Shall Not Be Moved”

January 27, 2015

The Bermuda Trade Union Congress [BTUC] has released a statement following two days of meetings and negotiation, saying that they “can no longer trust one iota of this Government’s words” and that they “put the Government on warning – we are on the right side of history and we shall not be moved.”

The statement says, “The BTUC agreed to work with the Government to ensure that budget cuts were reached. We applauded this partnership, and entered into it with an open heart, open mind, determined feet and strong hands; because we truly believe that the peoples’ interest must be held as sacred.

“We had faith that the Government meant the people well and we truly believed from the bottom of our hearts that they held our peoples’ interest in high regard.

“We were willing to make the sacrifices and to negotiate reasonably so that the ship of state could get into safe harbor.”

Crowds gather on the Cabinet grounds today

btuc-meeting-jan-2015

“While we were operating in good faith at the table, the Government was operating under the table in bad faith. We are now fully convinced that this Government’s currency is eloquent words along with mistrustful deeds.

“This means that we can no longer trust one iota of this Government’s words. The Government makes promises simply to break them, and offers commitment only to discard it.

“At this point, our only response is – the People first, the People second, and the People third! We will fight to defend the Peoples’ rights, the Peoples’ desires, the Peoples’ aspirations, and the Peoples’ determination for a better today and a sustainable tomorrow!

Slideshow of yesterday’s BTUC meeting:

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“We will fight for justice, equity, transparency, and good governance! We want to see public morality implemented in the way in which this Government operates in Bermuda. You cannot say one thing and operate otherwise!

“We put the Government on warning – we are on the right side of history and we shall not be moved! Just like a tree planted by the waters – we shall not be moved.”

For our live blog on the Govt/Union events click here, and for all our coverage of the matter click here.

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Comments (85)

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  1. Jus' Askin' says:

    :-D

    • Nice says:

      Wow look at all the Swing Voters who voted oba or didn’t vote at all last election.

      • Truthhertz says:

        So you think if they voted PLP that the financial situation would have somehow just disappeared and that the civil service could continue on hiring and giving a raise?

        If so, why did the PLP in 2010 freeze civil service wages and negotiate a 5% salary reduction that is more than the 4.6% reduction the furlough days equate to?

        Sorry, but math and creditors don’t care what party is in power. And if you think that the PLP or their supporters could simply shout down or march against the creditors when they want to be paid or label them as racist and everything will be fine…well then you don’t understand the first thing on how the real world works.

        I suggest you read up on Barbados and the actions they had to take last year because of their poor financial position. If you think that can’t happen here….well that is because you don’t have a clue like I said.

        • How you like these apples says:

          I’m thinking your oba is afraid to make a decison. Now tell them grow a pair or shut up.

      • There they are says:

        You bet. They now know what happens when you start with deception with that $350,000 fund. and to think a few people are still getting it to come on TV and make these stupid comments.At the end of the day there are no options. We are bankrupt and we don’t have many options .Hence no need to call in paid soldiers to tell us. The facts are there to see.
        Oh, when those swing voters talk to me I laugh. when I walk away I holler. Serve them right.

  2. JD says:

    Can someone please publish the BTUC’s recommendations for saving $65-$85m in government spending, until I see these recommendations I can’t really judge this whole disagreement.

    • BETTTY TRUMP says:

      Continue to stand strong Workers, it takes a great deal to stand as one and Unity.

      “Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.”

      Martin Luther King, Jr.

      • BETTTY TRUMP says:

        WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED

        We’re brothers together
        We shall not be moved
        We’re brothers together
        We shall not be moved
        Just like a tree that’s standing by the water side
        We shall not be moved

        STAND STRONG, it will be not be easy fight, but victory shall come in the morning…. together the fight will be won….. God is watching and holding our hands….

        • serengeti says:

          Union members don’t want to move?
          Not exactly a new phenomenon.

        • Couch Sailor says:

          Most trees that were standing by the waterside were moved in October.
          Lemmings all stay together too, especially when they all walk off a cliff. This is probably a better analogy since you are walking off a financial cliff.

      • sebring says:

        hey Betty !maybe you can tell us where the missing Money from your loved administration is? That would most likely get people what they want!!!!!!!

        • Tolerate says:

          No, no, let THEM speak. We have not heard from the PLP who put Bermuda in this jam in the first place with the OBA left to clean up their mess. I have NO political allegiance, but I have read these Betty jokers long enough to know just WHO they are and WHO they represent; so let the PLP speak.
          SMDH

          • Tolerate says:

            And by the way Betty’s stop bringing GOD into it. In your mind does God hate the OBA?
            Sickening…. You sound like that guy who is part of the PC pretending to be non politically biased. Nice prayer by the way.
            WOW…..

          • Yea right! says:

            ok oba voter

        • Furburt Low says:

          Yes Betty, tell us the truth, I suspect you have some idea of where $800,000,000+ went missing? You seemed to be very well informed and connect to the PLP~! Educate us pleasse.

          Help the people find that money and I will personally nominate you for National Heroes Day!

          • BETTTYTRUMP says:

            We SHALL NOT BE MOVED..

            STANDING STRONG AND TOGETHER…GOD IS WITH US, WHO CAN BE AGANIST US….

            MUCH LOVE

            • Mind Blown says:

              It blows my mind that the some of the members striking want the private sector to join their fight.
              Yes some people work in nice cushy jobs but that is a small minority. Most of us have been suffering for years in the private sector. Masons, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, truck operators, property managers, cleaners, landscapers to name but a few, have all had to drop prices to continue to get jobs. We have furlough days all the time when there is no work.
              Many people are loosing their jobs, businesses and homes while you fight to have a guaranteed job with paid vacation, health care, a pension, paid sick days?
              Most of us don’t get that and you want us to pay you more, I say not until the enconomy starts to recover. Go back to work, strike the legal way if you have to and work out a solution quickly please.
              (This is not a paid comment or influenced by any political party)

    • Jus' Askin' says:

      I have one that can save $70 million ;-) ;-)
      Can’t feed ‘the children’ but can throw a big party for their ‘friends’ :-D

    • Ride says:

      @JD I agree. We need to see both the recommendations put forward and the governments rebuttal of the items not selected for implementation.

      There needs to be transparency on both side as the economic health of the entire island is at stake.

      Ride

  3. hmmm says:

    Ah well, this is a strike an illegal strike. I guess we will have those savings from the strike days. Maybe that is the plan.

    Unions strike so leaders look strong (ego thing), Government saves money.

    Unions playing with peoples minds perhaps.

    • BETTTY TRUMP says:

      This is not an EGO thing, this is about EQUAL RIGHTS AND JUSTICE for the people, nothing more, and nothing less.. this is serious business that the OBA govt is overlooking the calls from the people….. looks more like a one time govt to me….WORKERS RIGHTS IS KEY…

      • sebring says:

        Fool!!! where are the equal rights when your beloved party spreads it’s poison and hatred!!! stop talking thought your b— –le!

        • Tolerate says:

          No, no let THEM rant. You have it right here folks. “One time government; WORKERS RIGHTS IS KEY….”
          Show us how you really feel about ALL of Bermuda. Just like Peoples Campaign represents ALL of the People.
          Nice monthly news letters, yet to address the full SPECTRUM of politics in Bermuda i.e. PLP…. But hey, I still have not had a clear definition of a real BERMUDIAN.
          This country is screwed. Well, been coming for some time now so; can’t say the writing was NOT on the wall.
          Quo Fata Ferunt….

      • jt says:

        The unions represent their members, not the people of Bermuda.

        • Tolerate says:

          Lot of people got that twisted jt. Again; when you say real Bermudians?
          Still have NOT got my answer.

      • steve says:

        Stop referring to ‘the people’ that is incorrect and clearly not everybody wants to be in ‘the people’ that’s pretty obvious if you read the posts.

        This is illegal and it mostly affects people who can only afford public transportation, children who can’t go to school. Whereas the national debt affects everyone and we voted to fix it so stop hindering the process, stop speaking for everyone as the majority don’t agree.

        • Tiger Lily says:

          Let them walk. It would be a good way for them to remember this event. We had to do it and be at school on time as well as be back home or at our parent’s job before they finished. We waited in parks or at the library. Our parents gave us research or homework to do if we didn’t have any. We can walk from the east to the west and disrupt the flow of traffic and routines to raise money. We have races and other sporting events that draw schools and others in during the evenings and weekends. Let’s stop making excuses and know that we will all be affected whether we want to or not.

      • Furburt Low says:

        Betty, how about this. How about we agree to give Teachers performance based bonuses based on how well their stuudents test in comparison to other jurisdictions.

        There are a few great teachers in the Public schools, but sadly there are many that are horrible and are being shuffled around. Unfortunately, because they are unionized they know they have job security and will never be held accountable for their poor work ethic and poor teaching skills.

      • Furburt Low says:

        Hi Betty!

        Will the BIU be reimbursing the members for wages loss due to striking? I doubt it. I remember my cousin striking in the 80s and being given a voucher for around $50 at CO-OP, the Unions own supermarket.

        How often does the BIU pay the workers what they are owed?

        • BETTTYTRUMP says:

          When one is in the struggle they are fully aware that it will not be easy..

          The road will be a difficult one…but nothing comes without a struggle. ..

          Standing together and strong…

          Much Love….

          • Sticky wicket says:

            So just accept the cut as you said nothing comes easy. You all got your hearts where your minds should be. Looks like cup match came early this year.

  4. GTA says:

    The union represent the workers in the union and not the people of Bermuda. The Government represents the people of Bermuda, and the people of Bermuda want the Government to decrease spending and decrease our national debt. If that means lower Government wages or laying off Government workers, that is what the people deserve!

    • Jus' Askin' says:

      The People of Bermuda want a Government that Generates revenue to help decrease our national debt ;-)
      They’ll create 2000 jobs but can not afford the workers they have now, I’m really confused ;-)
      We have no money but $70 million appears out of thin air for…. :-D
      OBA really really really have no clue and they do not represent all the people of Bermuda.

      • jt says:

        You are correct.

        You are confused.

      • Dee says:

        Well said! So many dislikes on this comment. Wonder why? Maybe because some folks cant handle the truth about the government they voted for.

        • Tolerate says:

          Dee, I don’t think it’s the truth that people can’t handle but more the facts. The future is unknown, but the past is there for ALL to see.
          I hope people understand that the 70 million (guessing figure based on AC) is really an investment into a plan that the current Government is working on to revive Bermuda’s economy; its’s biggest plan.
          Let’s put it into prospective; say you are out of work and need to find a means of drumming up a job or business. So you decide that your best investment is in a bike for transportation so you can become a courier. Do you continue to starve, or invest in a bike; that from your research will gain you financial benefits to pay for a living and feed yourself?
          The AC is the OBA’s bike. This government is banking on a successful AC jump starting our economy. This however will require ALL Bermuda to get on board. Stop bickering about “they can find money for it, but not for this or that.” We have secured the AC. Do we call back because some don’t want money used on a “Sailing Race?”
          Please Bermuda, look at the WHOLE picture.
          So now my question to you is; DO YOU BUY THAT BIKE????

      • Jus' Wonderin' says:

        So the PLP represent all the people of Bermuda. Get a f***** clue!

        • Jus' Askin' says:

          No, PLP does not represent all of the people of Bermuda, that’s why they are not in Power ;-)
          No need for such language m8 :-D

      • HeyBye says:

        You need to go back to school and learn economics.
        Governments do not generate revenue, nor are they profit driven, they take from society.
        Government employees in the big scheme of things really do not financially pay into the system.
        The pay cheque they receive is recirculated monies paid in the form of taxes from the private sector so the taxes that the CIvil service pay into the system is not increasing the treasury.
        With no new cash flow is being created, the private sector not growing and a bloated civil service and you see why the debt cannot be whittled down.

    • Portia says:

      And explain to us how lower Government wages and out of work Government workers will benefit the private sector workers who work in the grocery stores, the restaurants, BELCO, Cablevision, Gibbons Co, Phoenix, Digicel, Cell One, Logic/ BTC, etc, etc, not to mention the landlords who collect rent from those Government workers and the banks who look for their mortgages payments each month??

      Short-sighted much?

      The truth is that the the OBA Government should have instituted an immediate hiring freeze from the day they took office, rather than allowing higher ranked jobs with salaries over 100k to be continuously advertised. Many people blame the PLP for “bloating” the civil service, without accepting the fact that the OBA is doing the same!

      Secondly, the furlough days were set up wrong from the get go. The reductions should have been graduated, rather than 5% across the board. Those who earn over 100k should have had a 10% reduction, and those over 150k should have had 15%.

      Those who earn less than 45k should have been exempt from furlough or given only a 2% reduction. Households with both spouses working for Government should have either been exempt from furlough, or have only the higher earner spouse be deducted, to ease the burden of a two income furlough pay (I know some families fall into this category.

      Another option is to waive the superannuation contributions for a year, for any Government worker 45 and under (those who are closer to retirement will need the benefits sooner).

      Government may be in a hole, but it’s not insurmountable.

      • JD says:

        Portia – I like the graduated furlough idea. Was that something that the BTUC proposed?

        I have to disagree with you saying that the OBA is doing the same thing as the PLP. What the OBA did and what the PLP did are not even in the same ballpark. Between 2002/2003 and 2010/2011 the PLP added 1066 jobs to the payroll. Just to put that into perspective in 2002 the Police, Fire, Public Transportation, and Post Office depts together employed 1076 people. Try and get your head around that, because I sure can’t.

      • SMH says:

        Portia, I don’t always agree with you but I think you are spot on with all of these suggestions. Why did the OBA not put in a hiring freeze? Why weren’t all capital projects put on hold?

      • Vhovho says:

        Your suggested proposal is not fair. I worked hard to put myself to college and I have college loans to pay off, why should my salary be cut more than someone who decided to drop out of school. This will be punitive to individuals who would like to work hard and it sets a bad example to our children that even if you drop out of school someone is going to work for you. I did not come from a privileged family, I came from the back of town as Bermudians call it but I had my priorities straight because I wanted to get out of my childhood environment to somewhere better. We all reap what we sow at the end of the day.

      • serengeti says:

        A 5% furlough for everyone IS graduated. If you earn $60k, it costs you half what it costs the person who earns $120k.

        Waiving superannuation just stores up another problem for the future, unless pension benefits can be reduced accordingly.

  5. Truthhertz says:

    They didn’t break the promise, you Unions did.

    The agreement to setup this committee was for the Unions to dictate the cost cutting process by finding at least 5% cost savings across the various departments. If the Unions were able to do that then the furlough option would be null and void.

    The Unions agreed by signing a Terms of Reference which stated that $67mn of savings must be achieved.

    The Unions were only able to come up with $37mn of proposed savings with many of the proposals required to be voted on by their memberships and as such that figure cold have dropped even lower if they voted against any of them.

    So despite months of analysis and proposals you still fell $30mn short from your agreed upon terms. As such the only option left was resuming the furlough day.

    It appears from the FACTS that it is actually the Unions that did not live up to their part of the agreement of their responsibilities as agreed upon in the Terms of Reference. One must remember that the Terms were not pushed on the Unions and that there was a mutual agreement. Therefore, it is safe to say that the $37mn figure fell well short of what was agreed upon and thus the Unions failed to live up to their part of the bargain.

    Yes, as usual the Government’s communication is poor and they really need to get into the PR/politicking game like their Opposition counterparts, but the furlough day was only brought back into the equation because the Unions did not fulfill their end of the bargain.

    I know people won’t like what I wrote, nut not one of you can claim it to be false. Just read the BPSU letter issued yesterday which gave a historical timeline of the events to confirm what I said above is true.

    Either way if you guys think that somehow we are immune to financial realities then so be it and carry on. I can guarantee you that if things do get worse financially for the Government the one day furlough option will seem like heaven compared to the alternative.

    Carry on.

  6. San George says:

    It’s all about the Money! We don’t have the Money. We can’t take on anymore DEBT. The furlough days don’t even address the debt reduction, they reduce the deficit. Quo Fata Ferunt people. Roll with Bob and Mike, we will be Okay.

  7. Steve says:

    But haven’t the union and government been in negotiation since October regarding this matter? Correct me if I’m wrong but this isn’t new.

    No respect for the law

    No respect for the wishes of the people of Bermuda, you don’t represent everyone by the way so please stop referring to ‘the people’

    No idea about the plight we’re presently in. But I’m interested in your solution, although I doubt you have one.

    This is an illegal strike therefore it’s legal to just fire everyone who’s on strike?

    Privatize, disband the unions and get on with it! In other words grow a pair Mr. Premier.

    • Mr. JiF says:

      Fire them all and then watch them sign up for financial aid …

      This is a lose lose situation unless both parties find a common ground

    • Ann says:

      Thank you, they don’t speak for me either!

  8. Guest27 says:

    “We will fight to defend the Peoples’ rights, the Peoples’ desires, the Peoples’ aspirations, and the Peoples’ determination for a better today and a sustainable tomorrow!”

    The current spending on CS wages is unsustainable. Something has to give.

  9. Seriously? says:

    I find this extremely ridiculous.
    1. Majority of the island votes for CHANGE and HOPE that the OBA will clean up the mess of the previous premieres who got the island into debt in the first place. The OBA are elected.

    2. Since they have come into power (which is really just a year and a month ago) they have made attempts to help US get out of the deep debt that we are in and In my opinion, they’ve made more progress than any of the previous parties.

    3. People – more specifically the civil service – are so fixated on what the members of parliament are making without taking into account what their JOB actually entails. They WORK 7-DAYS A WEEK and make public appearances throughout the holidays; are contacted on their ‘own time’ to comment about certain topics (accidents; shootings etc). I believe they deserve it all, for, they are the ONLY party THUS far who has shown improvement.

    4. The government has ASKED to take the furlough day or come up with another proposal. But how typical, NOBODY wants the furlough and NOBODY wants to come up with another option. BUT – EVERYONE wants to get paid; or paid more; or no money taking out.

    5. Do you really realize what they’re trying to do on their agenda? Yes, it may be hard right now to cut your pay by 12 DAYS A YEAR especially with inflation constantly occurring, but what about your children and your children’s children? The FUTURE of Bermuda? The generation ranting and raving now is only paving the way for BS to come in the future years.

    6. The civil service does not understand that this IS NOT AN EASY PROCESS. NOBODY wants to just take your money; and nobody wants to take your job so that you can’t provide for your family because Bermuda is small and when one family is without it is a domino effect –EVERYONE FEELS it. But the reality of the fact is that this OCCURS IN ALL COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD, and although NOBODY likes it (as expected) is MUST be done! It is a part of life… Look at the private sectors. With mergers and acquisitions constantly occurring, people lose jobs overnight! DO YOUR REALIZE THAT 8 PRIVATE COMPANIES HAVE MERGED INTO 4 WITHIN THE LAST 18 MONTHS = 150+ JOB LOSSES!?! But I guess you don’t care because that’s private sector…

    7. But I believe the problem is that Bermudians lack a sense of PRIDE of their country. They aren’t concerned about the future because ‘its too far away’ when in reality the children who are 5 now will be old enough to work in 13 years! And those who are 50 this year will be 63 –nearly retiring! It’s about sacrificing and saving for now (no trips 5 times a year + new clothes and hair done every week for some party etc) so that YOU and YOUR family can be comfortable later on.

    8. I would love for Bermudians to come together and actually put their heads together. If you don’t want money cut then how else can we do it? I’ve heard someone say to cut one of the primary schools in the east end area; cut some post offices; cut trash delivery and make it a fee – but what does this cut?! – JOBS! All these people occupying these places are EMPLOYED and once they aren’t employed anymore, they’ll go to financial assistance where they’ll get 2,000+ a month.. so it’s cheaper to keep them employed and make them take a furlough day.

    9. The public service really needs to wake up and see how good they have it compared to many other places in the world. They’ve been spoiled for too long and I blame that on the previous parties… it’s time to take the PACIFIER OUT YOUR MOUTH and get to work..

    • SMH says:

      GREAT RESPONSE. This should be required reading for everyone in Bermuda today. You get my vote

    • SarcasmisAwesome says:

      This is just an absolutely beautiful post, Seriously?. Sums up my feelings about this.

  10. Sky Pilot says:

    just a bunch of whiners that need to be FIRED!

    there are 1000′s of others ready to take these people’s jobs and they are not interested in a union that only looks after one segment of Bermuda!

    • Jus' Askin' says:

      OBA “…only looks after one segment of Bermuda!” ;-)

      • seriously. says:

        that is where you are wrong, jus askin’ — the OBA is a bigger picture government and is looking for ALL of bermuda to be a success story, not just ‘one segment’ – in fact, the previous govt only cared about one COLOUR, not even a segment. YAWN.

      • Toughchit says:

        One would think that by the OBA ensuring that our govt finances are improved is actually looking out for all Bermudians. But I’m sure you will disagree and state how a reduction in the deficit and eventual fall in debt only helps the rich white people somehow.

      • fedup says:

        “OBA “…only looks after one segment of Bermuda!” ;-)

        no different then the PLp.

  11. serengeti says:

    Just as long as they keep their 6+ weeks vacation, 14 weeks sick leave and index linked pensions.

    We wouldn’t want them to give up their basic human rights would we.

    • Vhovho says:

      Point of correction Serengeti..
      19 days vac 5yrs under of service
      21 days after 5yrs of service
      24 days after 10yrs
      30 after 15 till you retire
      Senior mgt get more days 30+ despite yrs of service

      11 weeks sick leave

      get your facts right

  12. bermudaglobetrottersdotcom says:

    Are the buses running tomorrow?

    • Guest27 says:

      As I hear it no. And that’s from a bus driver who was bragging that they are somehow still making overtime right now.

  13. San George says:

    You are not on the correct side of history – we have been lucky all these years guys with government being able to meet these budgets. Let’s be sensible – get our financial house in order and reassess. If Bob had the money I am sure he would give it to you.

  14. Just a matter of time says:

    So sick of hearing how the CS are so lazy this way and that, irresponsible, and want a day off every chance they get etc. Well with that logic, shouldn’t these ‘lazy’ CS welcome the extra day off? Obviously not. They want and need their reduced pay back and don’t want the ‘one day off’ anymore in order to take care of their personal financial responsibilities! Such backward logic. Also sick of hearing how ‘unintelligent’ CS and union members are for not ‘understanding’ the debt situation, ”they have no clue’, ‘we are broke therefore cut salaries plain and simple’…yada yada blah blah. This nastiness only rears it’s ugly head when truth and the pursuit of justice prevails. It’s been shown time and again.

    History is definitely repeating itself whereas the marchers of the past during the Civil Rights era were spat on, called racist names, called agitators, etc. However they ended up being on the right side of history. Let me tell you our people should NEVER be underestimated. The CS DO understand the debt plight. They DO understand Govt’s financial predicament. WHAT IS AT ISSUE here is that the Govt is not considering the $millions of other cost savings where they don’t need to stress the CS pay any further after enduring years of pay freezes while the cost of living increased, cut in pension for a year PLUS 19 months of a nearly 5% pay cut. The union presented that. There is simply no political will to do such. Nor is there any political will to establish a revenue task force like SAGE despite several cries to do so. Why? This Govt simply refuses to listen so there will be a price to pay. THAT is what is plain and simple. Go on. Keep underestimating us….

  15. Terry says:

    Um gattin really pissed off nah.
    Et dis rate um nut ewan gonna bee hable 2 haford a dam rum.

    Maybe dee koolaide is badder…………………………..

  16. Harsh but Real says:

    Just a suggestion……..

    As I do respect what benefits our forefathers fought for, some of these things apparently are not sustainable for our Country, such as all this vacation time which gets accumulated over the years, the 40,50,60 plus days vacations people have(which is budgeted for) add it all up and it would probably make you pass out.

    Put a freeze on vacation time, 30 days max which is still good and get your furlough day back and be thankful!!!!!

  17. Starting Point says:

    50% off sale at digi cell…..

    hey, where did everybody go?

  18. john doe says:

    I feel Bermuda Police Service should take a pay cut aswell as any MP.

    • Guest27 says:

      That’s funny. Would you be a Police Constable in this day and age?

      They deserve what they get paid.

  19. Frank says:

    Let me just clarify one thing here – the BPSU leadership never asked its members if we objected to the continuance of furlough days beyond March 31st 2015(did the BIU or BUT take this to a vote of their members?). In 2013 we voted on the proposed acceptance of the furlough days proposal, now its Jan. 2015 and the Government has asked for furloughs to be continued, yet no such new membership consensus has been sought – so who is being deceitful to who BTUC? What mandate do you have from your members to refuse acceptance of continued furlough days – we never gave you that mandate as far as I am aware!

  20. Harsh but Real says:

    Government workers need to be thankful!!!!!!

    You get paid rain, blow, shine, sick, sleep, get uniforms, rain suits, shoes, socks, some get transported to and from work, vacation rolls over, get numerous chances after breaching code of conduct and policies, still have a job after being proven to be incompetent and a whole lot more.

    Greed is killing this country!!!!!!

    Half of you couldn’t work in private sector, get sent home when it rains, 10 days vacation annually, buy ya own work clothes and boots, required to lay so many block a day or plaster a certain amount of walls a day, hang multiple doors a day, and the list goes on. Boss tell you ya not fast enough can’t afford to keep you employed and the list goes on.

    I ask my fellow Bermudians to take a step back and really analysis the state in which this country is in financially and understand that they are Blessed to have a job with such Great benefits and be Thankful.

  21. Dreadlocks says:

    Do not forget to pay that huge 16.5% increase in dues,bro Chris introduced.

  22. ImJustSayin says:

    You have 2 kinds of people marching the person who is really fighting to end furlough days the other a chance to get back at the government they don’t like..Marching and going on strike is only gonna annoy joe public. They need to hit them in their pockets. You mean to tell me that talking and negotiating doesn’t happen anymore just stop work and inconvenience everyone who cannot afford to miss work. Come on BIU come on OBA stop playing with the people.

  23. Just a matter of time says:

    The Public vs Private Envy Syndrome:

    People who chose to work for the Govt as a career choice did so as a choice and are essentially working for their country in an environment of varying opportunities, rigid structures, red tape, fixed salary scales, no bonuses, union representation, etc. Yes there are other perks given through union collective bargaining agreements which can be seen as attractive. Employers do that to attract candidates. Similarly those who choose to work in the private sector do so with the risk that the company will be subjected to the fluctuations of prevailing market conditions. Again a choice. Even though it may appear that the Govt job is secure it’s really not. Contrary to popular belief, people DO get fired from the civil service. Likewise with the private. In any case, both parties seem to look on each other with envy.

    When times were good Govt had a hard time keeping and recruiting people who didn’t see Govt as a satisfactory employer who paid enough and fled like the dickens to the lucrative private jobs with their huge bonuses, allowances and other perks. In fact many turned their nose up to a Govt job. But NOW when times are bad and the private sector takes a hit, Govt jobs are now seen as an unfair and envious hedge against the market downturn, and civil servants are all of a sudden the bad people for being in the job they have been in all of this time during both good and bad times, during changes in administration, loyally working for years and decades providing for their families but are now called lazy, unintelligent, labelled in coded racist language (let’s be real, 99% of the civil service are Black- coincidence much?) ), etc yet still endured the years long sacrifices of wage freezes, pension freezes and furloughs.

    All of this private vs public nonsense never existed to this extent with such viciousness up to 1998 that I recall. By the way, many private companies have union representation with the same collective bargaining agreements and the same perks as well not just Govt. This is another strategic divide and conquer of our own people because in the end both sectors affect all Bermudians. It perpetuates long held prejudices whereby vilifying civil servants makes for a nice politically correct shield. The OBA should address this divisiveness but I am not holding my breath. I have yet to hear them defending the civil service and the contributions they have given to the country. They see the civil service as the enemy as do most conservative thinking non Govt workers (ie OBA supporters). This will only get worse.

    • stunned... says:

      pure curiosity here but how many govt employees would survive in the public environment and how many businesses would even be interested in them?…

  24. really? says:

    I really hope this government has enough cojones to fire all these lot. They have NO right to hold the country over a barrel. The majority of people picketing today were fleeing at 4.35 pm….of course. Chris Furbert needs to be removed. OBA please …. do what Regan did in the 80′s….fire them all.

  25. #1 employees will pay payroll tax like bhb in april #2 governments out to bust unions#3 legalize gambling and weed.32 states have and are making $$$billions#4 get government to give Bermuda back to it’s people and not to diversity which is killing our culture,religons and who we are as a people.Goverment isn’t for the people it is for world government.now you know. ps how many are masons and set across from each other at their meetings.

    • Mr&Mrs Nojobs says:

      This is the most idiotic coment that I have ever read. Guess you are one that we Bermudians will have to send back to where you came from. You might be born here but your peoples can’t be.

  26. I bet you….if I ate raw cabbage…raw peanuts….frnks and beans……and a fifth of black rum…no..a forty…and stood right in the middle of you…I could get you move!

  27. Bet u fify dollars…

  28. laughorcry says:

    19 days paid vacation?!?!? is that some sort of joke? I have the mandated legal minimum of 10. Yes 10. so here is how we fix this mess. Everyone gets 10 vacation days a year, and no need for furloughs.

  29. laughorcry says:

    It is very hard to take these people seriously. Where were they while money was disappearing from the government’s account? No one batted an eye at cost over runs or auditor general reports….which by the way, is why we are all in this mess. And now, the country is being held hostage. Government should fire every single one.

    And before I go, let’s relive a particular favorite quote of mine.

    “This too shall pass”

    This worked out so well for him, we should adapt this approach.

  30. nomoremoney says:

    Sadly this has been made political, and the real loser is the country. We can not continue to operate with such a large number of Gov workers, and that needs to change. It may have been good with a strong economy, but its not going to do us well going forwards. I suggest the union and its members have a look at the private sector job loss and reduced wages to see how the rest of us are making do with a whole lot less.

    There are cuts in spending that can be made, thats for sure, I can think of two gov departments that have outlived their usefulness and who’s initiatives can be championed by the private sector or fewer resources. , e-commerce is one.

  31. nomoremoney says:

    Here have a read of Larry’s article from the Sun…………Oh ya, it had to close. 20 plus out of work

    I thought this was key:
    In 2013/14, Personnel Costs and expenses (final tally for 2013/14 will be around $580 million) eat up about 66% of Government’s anticipated revenue of $871 million
    ——————————————————————–

    Explained: how hundreds of civil servants get pay hikes
    Larry Burchall
    Wednesday, May 29, 2013 3:00 AM

    The recently announced promotion of a Civil Servant in the Department of Planning reminded me of a little secret, rather like a family’s ‘funny uncle’.

    It’s absolutely true that the men and women who are employed by Government have not had an across-the-board pay raise since October 2010 when they received an average 1.55% across-the-board pay increase. Knowing that, the private sector workers who pay the taxes that pay the wages and salaries of Government employees would conclude that no Civil Servant has had a pay raise since October 2010.

    The thought is reasonable. The conclusion is incorrect. The truth is obscured, as it often is, by broad public ignorance of how things really work.

    In the Civil Service pay system, each job is graded. Normally, each job has three pay grades.

    This means that a person who starts out at job grade PS 26, will have three pay grades assigned. These will be pay grades PS 26 ($79,728 per year and start), PS 27 ($82,581 and middle), and PS 28 ($85,640 per year and top). The pay difference between PS 26 and PS 28 is 7.4%.

    Movement through grades is determined by job performance assessments. Rarely do negative performance assessments prevent pay grade increases. For virtually all Civil Servants, these pay steps turn out to be automatic pay raises.

    Since the March 2010 pay raise, hundreds of Civil Servants have been transferred into different posts within the Civil Service, promoted, or even re-graded.

    If transferred or promoted, and simultaneously moved to a new pay grade, the Civil Servant automatically starts on the bottom of a three-step pay process.

    For example, Civil Servant Alpha, currently works at PS 28 in the Department of This. He or she is moved to a different appointment in the Department of That. On appointment, he or she is re-graded to the new pay level of PS 30 ($92,096).

    So a first pay increase from PS 28 to PS 30 ($85,640 to $92,096 for an overall 7.5% pay increase.)

    Then, because of the three step pay grade process, Civil Servant Alpha can now look forward to two more pay raises. To PS 31 ($95,504), then to PS 32 ($99,049).

    While the taxpaying private sector may be told that Civil Servants haven’t had a real pay raise in the past three recession years; the truth is that in the past three recession years, hundreds of individual Civil Servants may have had pay raises of as much as 15% or even higher.

    In the example, by 2013, Civil Servant Alpha could have gone from PS 28 in the Department of This in 2009 to PS 32 in the Department of That. He or she would have gone from $85,640 in 2009 to $99,049 by 2013. That’s an overall pay increase of 15.7%. And that 15.7% pay increase would have happened during the publicly announced Civil Service ‘pay freeze’ during this recession period of 2009 to 2013.

    All of this is tucked away in the details of the BPSU pay agreements and Civil Service General Orders. This information is not broadly promulgated to taxpayers.

    Hidden benefits

    That recent promotion within the Department of Planning is an example and reminder of the kind of hidden Civil Service pay raises and benefits that have continued throughout the four, now into five, years of Bermuda’s economic recession. The general Civil Service assertion that ‘we have not had a pay raise in three years’ is partly untrue.

    The biggest part of Bermuda’s recession of 2009 – 2013 is the consequence of the mushrooming of Government’s personnel costs between 2006 and 2008; when Government added around 1,200 people to its payroll. These continuing concealed pay raises are now partly paid for with borrowed funds.

    In 2013/14, Personnel Costs and expenses (final tally for 2013/14 will be around $580 million) eat up about 66% of Government’s anticipated revenue of $871 million. Debt Service Costs (in 2013/14 projected to be $134 million) will gobble up another 15% of that $871 million revenue. In combination, the two will consume 81% of that $871 million of revenue.

    But Government plans to spend $1,202 million. So Government will borrow hundreds of millions ($331 million) to ‘make ends meet.’ In 2013, about forty percent of Government’s need to borrow is driven by these very high Personnel Costs.

    That’s the reality. You now understand more of what is happening behind the scene. You ought to know. After all, it is your money. It is your Debt. n

  32. Mr&Mrs Nojobs says:

    Most of these people think that Government has all the money in the world. They do not have a clue how and where it gets it. They are just being led by a group that will do anything to get back into power, including bringing down Bermuda and putting us all in the poor house.