BTUC To Host ‘Solidarity March’ On May 1st
In order to mark International Workers Day, the Bermuda Trade Union Congress [BTUC] will be holding a ‘Solidarity March’ from Victoria Park at 12 noon on May 1st, and a ‘Solidarity Service’ on Sunday, April 30th at St. Paul A.M.E. at 10.55am.
The BTUC said, “Annually, May 1st is recognized around the world as “May Day” or “International Workers Day”. The day is typically marked by international celebrations, focusing on the contribution of workers and workers’ organizations to the socioeconomic success of their communities.
“It is well documented that the rights and benefits won through the efforts of labour organizations readily transfer throughout the community. Because of these efforts, we are pleased to contribute to fair employment practices and a better quality of life for all in Bermuda.
“May 1st was chosen as the day to acknowledge the workers’ contributions which resulted in the sacrifice of lives during a peaceful demonstration held at Haymarket in Chicago in 1884.
“As a progressive society, we cannot stand by idle while the government seeks to silence community leaders,” the BTUC said. “These actions demand action!
“To that end, we are calling on all workers: Bermudian and Guest worker; organized and non-organized; public and private sector; blue and white collar; to join in solidarity to honour the important roles our labour leaders play in supporting our community, driving progress, and safeguarding the interest of working class persons.
“The BTUC welcomes the entire community to participate in a ‘Solidarity March’ on May 1st 2017, commencing from Victoria Park at 12 noon. In addition, members of the public are invited to attend a ‘Solidarity Service’ to be held on Sunday, April 30th at St. Paul A.M.E. commencing at 10.55 a.m.
“Let us not be fooled into thinking that any good can come from division; into thinking that one type of worker is better than the other; or into thinking that another’s struggle is not valid if it does not mirror our own.
“Instead, let us move forward together with a true sense of respect for the rights and the contributions of the workers of Bermuda.”
Thanks to those around the world and locally for sacrificing so we have a better life with workers rights.
what would you know about working, OJ?
Very thoughtful of the marchers to support the OBA by wearing “OBA red” – strong sign of solidarity right there.
Is this BYOS (bring your own sign) or is there sign making class this weekend? Are refreshments at BPSU of BIU afterwards? Maybe there can be a raffle for travel from the airport?
It fine to make ” tongue in cheek” remarks ,but local politics aside, if any of us enjoy paid vacations, 40 hour work weeks, sick pay, job safety, etc., then we should at least acknowledge that labor unions is where these came from.
To belittle the contributions of unions with silly remarks shows you know nothing at all.
Ok Pond Dog, since you have no funny bone, I will remove mine for this reply. I am well aware of the impacts and benefits that all unions (local and global) have provided in the past.
It is shameful that the Bermuda Unions are making a mockery of this day that should be used to celebrate the workers. The flyer that was handed out does not contain the same language as the press release above, as the flyer is specific to supporting the BTUC members that are being prosecuted before the courts. Without getting into all the well cover facts of the day, the BTUC are politicizing the day, because they took the mentality that whatever government decides to do, we have to challenge it. The BIU specifically put a member forward in their press conference to provide a justification for why the project was a bad deal, but it showed that the Union did not provide any details of the project, let alone the difference between Revenue and Profit (and you are welcome to see that clip on Bernews). It is also shameful that the BTUC decided that blocking the democratic process (in contravention of well stated laws) was lawful for them to engage in and try to justify it. No one even talks about the deal in question anymore, just the aftermath to it, which if everyone had decided to be properly educated on, rather than spitting out vile and fake propaganda, could have been addressed much more amicably.
Anyways, I look forward to seeing the informative signs to be on display and look forward to them showing support for workers rights and the union movement over the past 133yrs – not about events over the past 5 months, but I won’t hold my breath.
Typical Union-busting crap.
The union leaders are the highest paid men in Bermuda they make a higher wage than the premier.
How much?
So, the plan is to morph a celebration of workers into a political protest-like march.
These guys have no shame.
If you are a worker but do not agree with the union stance regarding the DPP decision to prosecute are you still welcome?
There no such thing as ‘”OBA red”!
Duhhhhhhh
Yes there is.
More fool of you to believe that there is, wahoo. The color is and has always been red, not OBA red
Sorry …. can’t make it. I support the Government in trying to revitalize the economy and create jobs for Bermudians. I also don’t support the notion that our labour leaders are driving progress and protecting my interests. Indeed, I believe the leaders are doing this to protect their own interests and use the numbers of those willing to march to bully the government into letting them off the hook for the atrocities they performed on December 2nd. Putting little old ladies in the front line and then provoke the police? Oh yeah, that’s supporting the community – not.
Your argument is identical to one made by the Confederacy in the 1850s. “If we give ‘them’ rights and freedoms the economy will collapse”. A thriving economy without protected rights and freedoms for all isn’t a thriving society. Perhaps you’re one of those people who looks back on the 60s, 70s and 80s as the good old days when struggle was normal and the economy was thriving. Funny how those two ideals seem to fit hand in glove in this Bermuda model. News flash: It’s 2017 and we ain’t taking that argument anymore.
Your reply has nothing to do with what Cow Polly is saying. Before your first sentence is finished you are talking about something completely different, place and time mean nothing to you. You must be upper management at the union…propaganda department perhaps?
Beware of those that practice to deceive.
The Confederacy didn’t exist in the 1850s.
Mr Polly is criticizing labour leadership, not arguing for stripping anyone of rights.
On the plus side, you got the year right.
Typical Bill OReilly junk.
Why are you talking about Bill O’Reilly’s junk?
We would have had May 1st. as an official labor day holiday if the former UBP government did not fear that it would have serve too much of a symbol for the 1981 labor strike and demonstration of workers solidarity that laid low their plans to break the trade union movement in Bermuda.
Well does P.L.P. have the b@££$ to change it IF they get in.
You mean 81 when they blocked the causeway made the tourists drag their luggage to the airport as they spat and hurled profanities at them yeah I remember as I was stuck in my uncle’s truck on the causeway.
Will they have proper permits and obey the law?
Ah 1981, I remember it as if it was 36 years ago.
Congratulations to the B.T.U.C.for celebrating Workers Rights day.Interesting that the courts of Bermuda chose May ist to co-oincide the court days to prosecute the Dec altercations with the police,another case of poor judgement.However they cant think right now,,,,,,their confused as to what their roles are.