Bus Strike Set To End On Saturday
[Updated - buses to run on Sat.] This bus strike continues this morning [Aug.19] for the second day. On Wednesday [Aug.17] bus operators voted to withdraw services due to their colleague Jennifer Harvey being fired.
Yesterday – on Day 1 of the strike – the BIU said the strike will continue and they want Ms Harvey reinstated without loss of pay. Locals have banded together, and are flying pink/blue ribbons to signify they will help transport others while the strike is in progress. Transport Minister Terry Lister said yesterday that the “extraordinary efforts by all sectors of the community to help each other are very much appreciated and it’s encouraging to witness the extent to which people have gone to help one another.”
Update 10:40am: Someone started an e-petition called ‘Bermudians Against BIU Strike Action.‘
Update 10:45am: Minister Lister was at BIU headquarters, presumably meeting with them, and has just left.
Update 11:40am: The Transport Minister, Premier and BIU officials are meeting at the Cabinet Office now. Quick clip of BIU President Chris Furbert entering the Cabinet office here.
Update 11:54am: We have been unofficially told there are four buses on the road.
Update 12:15pm: The meeting at Cabinet Office has ended. We saw Minister Terry Lister, Minister Kim Wilson, Minister Derrick Burgess, BIU President Chris Furbert and others leaving. Mr Furbert said they are heading back to the BIU to update the membership, and after that they should be able to provide an update.
Update 1:25pm: The passenger who was injured in the accident – who is said to be a blind woman – is said to have explained her version of what happened the day of the accident in June. She is said to have said that the bus driver who was fired was not at fault.
Update 2:18pm: Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kim Wilson said, “I can confirm that pursuant to Section 4 of the Labour Disputes Act 1992, a labour dispute exists with Bus Operators and Allied Workers Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union. In accordance with Section 11 as read with Section 4, of the Labour Disputes Act 1992, I am referring the dispute for settlement to the Labour Disputes Tribunal.”
Update 3:26pm: Statement from Government saying the Premier met with BIU officials, and “priority was to have the matter referred to a Tribunal under the Labour Disputes Act 1992.” Premier Cox also said that “the request was for the bus operators to return to work as soon as possible.” Agreement was reached that the employee should remain terminated. It was also agreed that her pay would be reinstated for the period of suspension until termination. Full statement below.
Today the Cabinet Office updated on the meeting which was held between the Premier, the Hon. Paula A. Cox, JP, MP, Government Officials and members of the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU).
This morning the Premier responded to a request for a meeting by the President of the BIU, Mr. Chris Furbert. Premier Cox invited the Deputy Premier, the Hon. Derrick Burgess, JP, MP, the Minister of Transport, the Hon. Terry Lister JP, MP, and the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilson JP, to attend the meeting.
Also in attendance were the Mrs. Judith Hall-Bean Acting Cabinet Secretary,and Mr. George Outerbridge, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The BIU President was accompanied by: Brother Louis Somner, Organiser for the Division, Brother George Scott, Chief Union Organiser, Brother Graham Nesbitt, Assistant General Secretary, Brother Glenn Simmons, President of the Division, Sister Betty Smith, Secretary of the Division, Sister Ronnie Burgess, Organiser and Brother Maxwell Lawrence, Department of Public Transportation Shop Steward.
After greeting and acknowledging the BIU delegation, Premier Cox indicated that the “key and fundamental issue at hand, was to get the members of the Bus Operators and Allied Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union back to work”. The Premier noted that public safety and public interest issues are key.
And Premier Cox indicated that the priority was to have the matter referred to a Tribunal under the Labour Disputes Act 1992. Premier Cox also said that the request was for the bus operators to return to work as soon as possible.
The Premier directed that the terms of reference for the Tribunal should be finalised soonest, with a notice being Gazetted as soon as possible.
Agreement was reached that the employee should remain terminated. It was also agreed that her pay would be reinstated for the period of suspension until termination.
As a final note, the Premier rejected the idea of a Board of Enquiry on the Department of Public Transport.
Update 3:37pm: The BIU is presently hosting a press conference. So far they said they agreed to arbitration, and also said that Ms Harvey will be paid up to the date she was terminated.
Update 4:08pm: Quick video below the Hamilton terminal today at 3pm. We are still awaiting official clarification from the BIU on whether buses will be running their normal schedules tomorrow, although we unofficially understand that may be likely to happen.
Update 4:16pm: BIU president Chris Furbert confirmed that buses will run tomorrow, and the dispute will go to arbitration.
Update 5:30pm: Pat Gordon-Pamplin, Shadow Minister of Transportation, said, “Stepping back from strike action in this dispute, through referral to arbitration as we recommended early in the process, was the right thing to do. It is unfortunate the situation was allowed to degenerate to a strike that inconvenienced many and hurt the Island’s reputation. It was avoidable, as the Government’s referral of the dispute to a tribunal, makes clear. We hope going forward all parties learn from this experience. Best results are achieved through good communication, a sincere search for common ground and respect for the national interest.”
Update 5:36pm: 20 minute video of the BIU press conference
Update 5:48pm: UBP MP Kim Swan said, “The United Bermuda Party supports the decision by the Bermuda Government to send the bus dispute to an arbitration tribunal. The decision now brings to an end the disruption for local commuters and our all important tourist, both who have been sorely inconvenienced. The decision by the Bermuda Government, to refer the two day bus strike to an arbitration tribunal, is a decision we consider to be sensible, made in the greater national interest and a decision which will enable Bermuda to return to a semblance of normality.”
Live Bloggs still have to “await moderation” Bernews?
Come on
Does not matter who is at fault!
An accident happened. Drug test should be taken as required by contracts!
The woman was blind how does she know whose is at fault?
she travels with her husband ,he has sight…! Why DPT didnt want to hear their version of what happen?
How can we believe what a blind person saw??
black soil you are a fool…the blind lady travels every where with her husband,if you use the bus service fool.you would know!
@ WHATS UP BERNEWS? Given the sometimes profane, obscene, vitriolic, even libellous commentary on these blogs, moderation is most definitely needed, live or not. Even on life radio, people get “bleeped,” so why not here?
I’ve tried to write. Comment under another heading in its still pending, and it was no profanity at all.
When the truth comes out, everybody’s jaws gonna hit the ground!!!!!
Can you edumacate us then?
If you know the truth, then why don’t you share it with us? I am sure the “truth” is currently being concocted by the BIU/Gov’t.
So whats taking so long for the truth to come out and why wasnt it spoken in the first place? What a waste of time.
the ‘truth’ should have come out as soon as the accident happened. all you lot are doing now is stalling until you can think up something better – this is not a strategy game where you save your best for last.
You can’t handle the truth!! ( sorry couldn’t resist)
Oh Puuuuuleaseeeeeeee….!! Whatever!
What’s with the cloak and daggers? With the potential damage this strike could have to our economy, and therefore to ALL of our wellbeing if it continues unabated, it doesn’t matter what’s this “Truth” you allude to. WAKE UP and see the big picture!
And what’s that, the BIU Strike Fund only having about $1500 in it?
hey my jaw is still locked open…little did i expect the events would changed the way it did……
Meh, nothing surprises me anymore.
Huh. That’s worrying. Furbert should be going to The Ministry, not the other way round. Terry should, at this point, turn his back on the BIU.
The only way this is good is if Terry told Chris that he wasn’t going to back down and he was bringing in releif drivers to break the strike (and Union).
Seems like there a lot of facts that the general public are unaware of……….
As I said to “Pink & Blue”, if you know something the general public don’t, then why not save us all the trouble and enlighten us? Or is it more like you actually have no idea what is true and what is isn’t, and therefore just want to stir the pot and cause trouble? Hmmm? Which is it?
Just saw a bus on the road – Kuddos to the drivers willing to take a stand and do the right thing.
The fact is the Union is using it’s power to unsettle the community and affect an industry that’s basically on it’s last breathes. All side’s have to act as adults, and come to a conclusion that benefit’s the country, not the few (or in this case, the 1.)
I suspect the strike will not last too long – with one side backing down or it going to arbitration. As more information is coming out, one gets the sense there were problems or issues on both sides regarding the “process”. Either way, the repercussions are likely be rather huge.
Like they say = “Two wrongs don’t make a right”…if there is any truth that the PTB made glaring errors, then the PTB managers/supervisor at that time should be reprimanded or suspended without pay. Following on, the BIU management/shop stewart who provided incorrect counsel to the employee should be disciplined and removed from his post or retrained. The employee should continue her defiance -this time – against the BIU – and submit to whatever tests she should have submitted to seven weeks ago. All of the aforementioned players are responsible for this debacle. They all contributed with varying degrees to the Bermuda Residents and Tourists being unnecessarily inconvenienced. In this mess, there’s some lies and some truth. Let’s sort it out, and deal with it immediately, efficiently and effectively.
Very well said.
Bravo!
Well as you see the buses are on strike and the union steps in to save another member, The Government steps in to compromise, the Public is angry, and the Tourists are bad mouthing us on the internet blogs.
In my humble opinion the bus driever in question should be disciplined by the governering rule of her contract with Government and her respective union. Secondly Chris Furbert should be removed as head of the BIU. Thirdly the buses put into a private firms hands so it will never become a political football or union bargining chip that they so enjoy using to hold MY country at ransom when ever they feel like it.
The lack of respect of the local and tourist community that has and still is being affected by this is crazy. Our heads of state are compromising in backroom meetings, lets remind these same people who are sitting infornt of the microphones rambling and not fixing the problem who put them there. IT is the very people that are being inconvienced by a handful of DREAMERS. So lets have less talking and more action to fix this prolem and maybe we will be a better country and start to move in a positive direction.
I am hoping that this strike ends soon as some schools go back in on Monday!!!!
Make sure you sign the petition people. It’s already at 600 signatures
Tried to sign, but you have to pay!
Pay what?! I didn’t pay anything!
You don’t pay. Once you sign you are taken to a page which says you can make a donation IF YOU WISH. Your name is added to the petition whether you wish to donate or not.
this is extremely ridiculous i have visited this island a few times and now that i am here and seen such a small thing turn into a strike and affect the whole island is sad to see. i thought this was a great place to come and had told many frie ndsand family members what a great experience that i have had here and i have recently told them about this situation and they are all cancelling their trips here as they dont want to spend money to come here and get stranded. also that bus driver deserves all she is getting i have been on the bus that she drove and it is amazing to see how rude someone can be towards tourists and also to felloe bermudians.
i will never return to this island and will let all know back home of this small yet big pathetic situation
This is so sad to read and just makes me ANGRY! I hope Chris Furbert reads these comments and really see’s what is happening to our tourism industry as a result of this NONSENSE!
on the behalf of the majority of this island i apologize for your vacation being ruined as a result of this ignorance. as you can see many of us are in an uproar to fix this, but those with the most power aren’t moving fast enough. What is left of your trip i hope you can enjoy, and that somewhere along the way we can redeem your faith in this island. x
Sorry for the inconvenience (we’re working on that), but I feel you may be over-reacting a bit to a little two day strike. Why would tourists cancel their future visits here? Trust me, the buses will be running soon, and I’m sure there won’t be another strike this year. Plus, I’m sure you’ve noticed that Bermuda does have taxis. And hundreds of concerned, helpful residents are picking up stranded visitors and locals in their private cars and taking them to where they want to go. What a great opportunity for you to meet a friendly Bermudian! Look on the bright side.
I agree with you 100% star man!! I have visited the island MANY times and love the Bermudians!! I have never come across a “RUDE” Bermudian!! I have come across a Bermudian that may have been having a bad day, and so what? At one time or another we ALL have bad day’s!! In the times I have visited Bermuda, I planned AHEAD and called a scooter rental and they delivered it direct to the port where my ship came in. Granted, some people can’t, won’t and even SHOULDN’T rent a scooter, but the cruise lines COULD help by using some of their boats onboard to shuttle people between King’s Warf, Hamilton & St. George’s until the transportation issue passes. God bless Bermuda!! I WILL BE BACK!!!!!!
While I agree with what you are saying, I think it is stupid for you to spread the word in such a way that will affect ALL Bermudians and not just those that are guilty. I understand the buses are on strike, but there are plenty of other means to travel here available to tourists.
@tourist, on behalf of all Bermudians we’re sorry that your vacation was ruined by a few drivers. The majority of us are just as angry. I hope you will continue to come to Bermuda as you have often done.
sorry i am a canadian. but i have spent all of may and most of june here. and i have just returned the other day. i am thankful i am only here for another week as i have not been able to do anything.
Sorry but unless you are staying with relatives or in a tent, or simply have so much money that you dont know what to do with it (but then again you wouldnt be riding on the bus if that were the case) I can’t possibly see how you have been “vacationing” in Bermuda for months at a time especially during the height of the season which equals to the highest possible rates of living.
NEXT!!!!
@ KARMA – his jus stirrin de pot. smell like sum sh*t to me!
@ Tourist:
While I certainly do understand your concerns, and I empathize with your situation, I encourage you to reconsider your decision to abandon Bermuda as your vacation destination of choice. I currently live and work in Toronto, and as such, I myself was a victim of Canadian Industrial action when the Canadian Postal Service went on strike. While I was not left stranded with no ride home, important documents, cheques, and the like were either delayed to my detriment or undelivered all together. In addition to that, prior to becoming a permanent resident of Canada, I was student in Toronto, and as such, a victim of 2 Teacher Strikes which resulted in many students having to extend semesters abroad (at a price of course), or being forced to pursue other educational means. And of course, who can forget the Garbage worker strikes of 2002 and 2009 and the horrendous effect it hand on the city of Toronto.
Despite these unfortunate industrial actions (very few of which I agreed with in the first place), I continue to support and stand behind Toronto and Canada as my adopted home. I urge you to apply the same thought process and consideration to Bermuda. Yes it this strike was inconvenient, unnecessary and probably even childish. However the fact of the matter is that this strike is not representative of Bermuda as a whole or its citizens. Rather, it is one political entity jockeying for position over the other. Much like Stephen Harper and his Conservatives do against Jack Layton (former) and the NDP (or Mayor Rob Ford does against everyone and everything else in Toronto). I echo the apologies and sentiments of my country-men and women, but I implore you, don’t give up on us yet.
To be honest, after re-reading your comment, you sound like a Bermudian.
sorry i am a canadian. born and raised. but i have spent all of may and most of june here. and i have just returned the other day. i am thankful i am only here for another week as i have not been able to do anything
What about July and the better part of August? You mean to tell me that you are on a vacation, here in expesive Bermuda for a couple of months? You must be rich or well off or somethign like that to be able to afford a hotel for that long.
WHO SAYS SHE IS IN A HOTEL! SHUT UP YOU ARE MAKING MATTERS WORSE
Who said she was a she??? She/he didn’t say it on here, did they? Well if you know the sexual orientation, then its obvious to all on here, tourist is a Bermudian.
Now who is making accusations now?
Feeling for you, and ALL Tourists. However, if All of May was so great to have brought you back for Most of June, and that in turn was so great to have brought you back again for Weeks in August….how can a two-day (granted stupid, unnecessary, publicity-gorging) bus strike ruin an entire attitude? Methinks Toronto must have some problems you are trying to escape from, and a cheap flight to BDA is your salvation?
Although I can sympathize with individuals who have been inconvenienced, I’m finding it difficult to sympathize for an individual who claims that because busses were on strike for two days they will tell everyone not to travel here…. Clearly if you have spent most of June and July in Bermuda, and if you have told everyone about your “great experience”, why would two days of cancelled busses, cause a frequent visitor a lifetime of annoyance?
Maybe my logic is bad, but I would think that if you have always had a great experience here, you would be more than willing to look beyond the inconvenience of cancelled busses, and would take the ferry or taxis in the interim; while hoping that the bus situation is fixed as quickly as possible so that the rest of this trip can be just as great as all of your others.
Over-reacting and damning Bermuda makes no sense from someone who has had great experiences in Bermuda (less the past two days)….
Tourist, I hope you will not take that attitude because as you see not all Bermudians agree with this strike. We are pulling together to provide transportation to people affected by the strike.
@tourist…
IT SOUNDS SO STUPID OF TOURIST TO SAY THEY WILL NOT RETURN TO BERMUDA JUST BECAUSE OF THE BUS STRIKE!!….LIKE A BUS IS THE ONLY THING MAKEING YOU HAPPY IN BERMUDA!?!?!?….
FYI, I’M NOT FOR THE STRIKE BUT DAMN, THE HIGH PRICES IN BERMUDA ALONE WILL NOT MAKE ME WANT TO RETURN NOT A TWO DAY BUS STRIKE!!!!!
GET IT TOGETHER TOURIST/S!!!
If Mr. Furbert and the Union are so intent on following “procedure” how about leading the way and follow the LAW which requires you to publish your accounts??!?!?! Any other organisation would be struck off for not filing for 11 YEARS – makes me wonder what is being hidden? Or….not, merely missing??!
I agree with you 100%…file the financial statements…
Very good point.
Reinstated WITHOUT loss of pay???? So they not only what her to get her job back after refusing to follow procedure, but ALSO pay her for the days she been without a job?? They CAN’T be serious!!!! I don’t know whether to laugh at the foolishness or vomit from this sickening behaviour!! WOW!!! Just WOW!!!
It should actually say “reinstated without NO loss of pay”
“felloe bermudians”.
Bwahaahaaaaaaa
Your about as much a “tourist” as I am a frequent flyer…………………..
Stirring s$it, thats all your doing.
Catch me if you can, your caught.
To bad posts are not posted in sequence. Stop pointing and I are in agreement. Great myndz tink ah lite………
I agree Territ
as i said in my previous message i am a canadian and what i meant be fellow bermudian was that the driver of the bus was also rude to the bermuda people as she was rude and ignorant to tourists like myself. so i am not a bermudian. i am extremely happy to call myself a canadian. we might argue and strike over a few things just as stupid but we never have striked over something so small and stupid. i give a appplause to all the bermudians that are going out of their way to try and help anyone that is in need of drives.
i wish i could of had a nice lasting impression of bermuda before i leave but i doubt that will happen as i am stuck with nowhere to go.
So you spent all of May and most of June here but the last few days have been the determining factor in whether or not you’ll return to Bermuda? Why is that?
I go to school in Canada and during you guys mail strike, I couldn’t get my transcripts to Bermuda in time to apply to scholarships. Did this leave a lasting impression on me? Of course it did! Did it ruin my chances to apply for monetary help for my schooling? You bet! Am I still going to go back? Yes I will. That strike effected me in a huge way but I did not let one stupid strike cloud my judgment about the entire country. Bermuda is and will always be hospitable don’t let this strike ruin any chances of you returning because if we always let one thing ruin our experiences then we will never get out!
Thank you! Thank you very much! This is precisely why i think that ‘tourist’ is not who they say they are. They sound like a Bermudian who is trying to re-inflat a situation that is now deflating.
Waah. And the ferry’s to St. Georges are only 4x per day and taxi’s aren’t frequent enough…and I can’t rent a bike…and … geeze, with so much Bermuda time and experience…there must be a reason you feel stranded and can’t do anything. Try the ocean right outside your tentflap….cool, refreshing…and no bus needed. Bermuda is another world. Enjoy it for what it is and have a nice day!
there are underlying factors that lead up to this strike — the poor state of the buses, no parts for repairs, schedule issues, no overtime, no respect, dictatorial management – it goes on. The drug test is not the issue – it is the last straw in 8 months of frustration.
Terry Lister got involved because the Union has no faith in management.
We all are frustrated by our working conditions. Bus drivers you are not the only sector dealing with the above issues. What I have a problem with is that when an issue arises with a driver strike is called. It is not beneficial for the island as well as the bus drivers. People will stand for what you are fighting for if you are honest and upfront about the issue(s) not when you disrupt the only transpiration that they have access to.
Well if those are the reasons for a strike they should state that – LONG ago. The fact that is has been 2 weeks of talking about a drug test leads me and many others to not have faith in the current leadership of the BIU.
It doesn’t matter what other factors might have attributed to the ‘frustration’ of the union management who in turn called the strike. They are not addressing those ‘underlying factors’ they are only addressing the circumstances surrounding the suspension and subsequent firing of a single employee. If those ‘underlying factors’ exist, they should be addressed. This is NOT the way to do that.
All the information made available would have us believe this strike is BECAUSE of the driver. If it’s for a laundry-list of other issues, why hasn’t this been made public info? The public is reacting to what we’re been given as information. I feel like a damn puppet on a string, sometimes…
And Bermuda (and the BIU membership) have no faith in BIU leadership!
The BIU is its OWN worst enemy, proven by recent history.
Forget about becoming a doctor or lawyer, I want my son to be a bus driver when he grows up! Talk about job security!
If it seems as if Lister was walking a bit funny , it’s because he’s had his balls smashed again .
Between the buses?
LMFAO!!!!! Ya killin me Shaka!!
Yes – pink n blue balls
The handwriting is on the wall. Let us all take note and not focus on being critical of the penmanship.
The story keeps on changing – now it was the other bus that moved. Was this not determined the day of the accident? Is this not a rather far fetched allegation?
Only in Bermuda, land of idiots and sheep who will believe anything. What’s next? The world was made in 7 days by an invisible man in the sky.
Oh yes, and God is definitely Bermudian. He shows up for six days and hasn’t been seen since.
Where is this other driver who seems to have thrown their fellow colleague “UNDER THE BUS”, may they are on strike TOO!! You have two operators in this video smirking at the Minister,(DISRESPECT) One of which drives to Dockyard, she’s is as miserable as SIN!! Then there is Chris Furbert’s incoherent ramblings…… The whole freekin bunch should check into MAWI.
The other driver took the drug test quite a while ago, even though by some reports, she had nothing to do with the accident. It was reported that she did, but it was a one-liner and was probably missed.
This is brillant! My giggle for the day! However……no matter the circumstances of the original incident, I can tell you, if I was accused of being responsible for something I wasn’t – I’d be screaming loud and clear – not calling in sick and refusing test on 5 occasions! Just not good enough, the Union is trying to defend the indefensible!
http://bermudasun.bm/main.asp?SectionID=24&SubSectionID=270&ArticleID=53767
That’s some witness. The blind lady who didn’t SEE a thing is the star witness. Boy you can’t make this stuff up.
“like”
THAT WAS FUNNY!!!!! LOL!!!!
I’m still laughing.
Solution simple, fire all striking bus drivers, get rid of the union & hire foreign drivers or non lazy Bermudians to take the fired ones place. These striking bus drivers think that they are special but they’re not. Most are miserable, rude & drive like psychos. GET RID OF THEM!!!!!
Why isn’t the BPSU for all government employees and the BIU for non-government.
Update 1:25pm: Bernews has been unofficially told by a BIU source that the passenger who was injured in the accident – who is said to be a blind woman – explained her version of what happened the day of the accident in June. She is said to have said that the bus driver who was fired was not at fault. That is unofficial and unconfirmed information, we are still waiting on the official statements from all parties involved.
It’s actually irrelevant. She was fired for refusing the drug test (implying guilt?).
Here comes the smoke and mirrors!
OMG – this story gets more convoluted by the minute…
es·sen·tial /iˈsenSHəl/
Adjective: Absolutely necessary; extremely important.
Noun: Something absolutely necessary
I would consider public transit an extremely important service.
1: As far as I know, we are still trying to keep tourism alive. There are no car rentals for the average person; and especially in this economy, not many tourists will be forking out for cycle rentals or even cabs. That leaves buses, and we all know how many tourists ride buses due to the numbers that have been previously stranded.
2. When it comes to locals; for a lot of us, it is a payday to payday life. We don’t always have an assessment number available, let alone the funds to purchase a car. And despite popular belief, we do not all own cycles. An affordable way to travel to and from work; as well as other locations across the island, is with a bus pass or tickets.
To me, these are the only reasons needed to classify Public Transit as an Essential Service. Let’s move past this incident, learn from what has happened, and all come together to get the Essential Services list Amended to include Public Transit.
FIRST SCHEDULE (Section 1)
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
1 Electricity.
2 The extraction, distillation or purification, pumping, storage and distribution of water and the prevention of its waste, misuse or contamination.
3 Services provided for the protection of the public health and the prevention of disease including the collection, transportation, processing and disposal of trade and domestic refuse and sewage.
4 Hospital and nursing.
5 Domestic and industrial gas.
6 Port and dock services including pilotage, tug and line boat operation (not connected with cruise ships).
7 Fire.
8 Lighthouses.
9 Air and Marine Traffic Control.
10 The refuelling and maintenance of aircraft to the extent that this is necessary to maintain the essential services.
11 The loading and unloading of mail, medical supplies, foodstuffs, cattle and chicken feed and all supplies needed to maintain any essential service specified herein and the transport of such goods to their proper destination.
12 Transport necessary for the maintenance of any essential service specified herein and the maintenance of such transport.
13 Telephone, telegraph and overseas telecommunication.
14 Meteorological services.
15 Airport security services (other than Police service).
16 Ground electronic maintenance services connected with the safety of the Bermuda Airport and aircraft.
17 The following services performed in relation to the Bermuda Airport pursuant to the Civil Airports Act 1949, that is to say—
(a) airport infrastructure support services;
(b) crash, fire and rescue services; and
Although, loosely translated, number 12 on the list could encompass public transit.
Well, another twist or is it! For 8 weaks this story has been lingering, now the husband comes forward. Did anyone from the UNION or PTB go and visit the injured woman, to seee how she was doing or to get her story! So what now Mr. Furbert is the ‘tit for tat’ still ongoing. Bottom line, is this woman on some sort substance abuse or not. We still don’t have any transportation. You don’t ride the bus I DO!!
yes the very operator,everyone been talking about,went to hospital to check on them…yes the couple went up to DPT,the Asst. Director and Act.Operational Manager,would not see them way back in July……I use buses everyday and know the couple from there…..her story has not changed from the time they told me bout what happen to her hand….way back then….I have to now eat crow judging the situation before All facts where known…..
No one needs to eat crow. Whoever decided that information was not to be made public is responsible for this backlash.
You should stop talking, when did she go the HEMH? on or after her 2 or 3 days sick. Why has it not been revealed until you have stated here that the couple went to see the DPT. Why did they not go right then to the BIU and not a few days ago. I am not faulting the couple. This is all to convenient!
Even if she DID NOT cause the accident, she was still fired for refusing to take the drug test. Either way, I have no trans. On top of that, why did they wait 8 weeks before they said this?
Seems to me that this latest last-minute disclosure is more smoke and mirrors designed to deflect the more serious issue of alleged drug/substance abuse. Regardless of who said what to whom, the bus driver was required to take a drug test and she didn’t. Even more compelling is that statement that the shop steward told her not to! The BIU is and has been wrong on several counts for years. It’s time to call it a day Chris — you’re no leader.
Pres. Furbert to blind woman with crushed hand: Ma’am, did you actually see Sister Harvey cause the accident?!!
Blind woman with crushed hand: Well, no sir.
Pres. Furbert to blind woman with crushed hand: Ma’am, did you actually see
see the buss move at all??!!
Blind woman with crushed hand: Well, no sir.
Pres. Furbert to Bermuda: There you have it…the bus did not move – and there was no accident to report.
Let’s not bring the poor helpless woman into the situation. Listen to the video. It says ‘the husband said when they got off….” (Not her)
Stick to the issue at hand, BUI, this driver and maybe substance abuse ,he says should get her job back.
Pres. Furbert to Blind Woman. “Ma’am, did you actually see a bus crush your hand?”
Blind Woman with Phantom crushed hand. No Sir, I was told that a bus that did not move crushed my hand.
Then…………Chris Furbert, with arms waving frantically with sniggering minions behind him, says to public (in the best way he knows how…..) “and if the bus doesn’t fit then you must acquit”!!! I rest my case…………..and he walks off into the sunset a victorious and vindicated man!!!
ARRRRRgggggrrrrRRrgggg……………………..
*giggle
thanks i needed this, i good laugh!
…Said the blind one to the guy who can’t see…
She refused to take a drug test, what’s she hiding? She failed to follow a management directive = termination. I say give them an ultimatun to be back at work by 5PM or they’re all fired then follow through, there’s lots of unemployed people who would appreciate the bus drivers jobs!
All i keep hearing is that there is more to the story… so what is the truth …. Whatever is going on between Lister/ fubert and Jennifer Harvey the general should not be the ones to suffer… and if there is any truth that she was going to take the test and the union told her not to take it… some people are just power hungry
ps BIG kudos to those drivers who have the guts to do and say the right thing and get out there and drive, in spite of the abusive and not so veiled threat from Chris Furbert, he should be deeply ashamed of himself for such appalling tactics.
My total respect level has risen to those responsible drivers – they are awesome and deserve of great appreciation!
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kim Wilson said, “I can confirm that pursuant to Section 4 of the Labour Disputes Act 1992, a labour dispute exists with Bus Operators and Allied Workers Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union.” Yeah, no sh!t, Sherlock! It’s encouraging that it’s taken you nearly 2 days to figure this out.
Yup, the government is backing down to the union.
If they back down, they lose whatever minute shred of credibility they had left.
this is not a backing down…this is working for a resolution.
It dosent really matter what the accident was and whose fault it is, it is what has happened since. As far as I am aware any accicident that happens, in accordance with the PTB policies and procedures, has to be reported and the operator involved has to take a mandatory drug test, this is not indicating guilt its just a process, policy and procedure. She would not follow policy or procedure, which then equals insurbodination on how many counts? Was she not requested 5 times to take the test, if she has nothing to hide then why did she not do it? Why is the union behaving in such a childish manner, why are they supporting insubordination ???
Just curious what happened to this bus operator after Canadian tourists injured after bus driver missed speed bump!
http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20110628/NEWS/706289977
That’s why Chris said the Bus never moved, because the blind lady said me so!
you are an a-s,that blind lady uses the transit system everyday,along with her husband….. as a regular passenger I did inqure to what happen to her hand way back in July..little did I know her hand injury would be the reason for the strike….what she told me back in July sounds very true to what the story being told now….Shame on DPT for not interviewing her ..shame shame.
interview a Blind lady!!!!!!! give me break!
jcurz,she travels with her husband fool,so if you dont know the facts keep ya mouth close.
Remember that show years ago called LaVerne and Shirley…..bwahaaaaaa
Here we have kissing cousins. One is the President (General)-(they must have a couple) of the Union and his couisin is a Senator of the Rooling Party and also the Executive Secret(ary) of the BIU…………
A PLP Senator with no bias and her ace cousin President. Damn………
7 Million dollars forgived debpt from basically the Government to one radical subsiduary branch.
Don’t worry you lutt…arryting be fine next week after a week of negative profile for Bermuda and the world to see. They still get paid from Government coffers (BIU) and whilst the rest of the community suffers (sufferd)……..arrytingz cool………………..
“7 Million dollars forgived debpt from basically the Government to one radical subsiduary branch”
Replace “government” with “the Bermudian taxpayer”
Doodoobrown gave millions of OUR dollars to Sherbert and the BIU so they could turn around and make life miserable for the very people who funded his debt forgiveness. Give Jannafa a bus and have her pick up the Pee el Pee and de BIU and let them drive off into the sunset if she can get that far without crashing.
Ok ok all, I was just told by someone who is a bus driver that the standard drug testing required under “POLICY” is that of a urine test, not a hair folicle test that she was required to take. And she was not asked to take a urine test, but straight to a hair test, which is not in the document she agreed to when hired. What would you do in her situation? Some would say just take the test, only because thats how they feel and have yet to walk in someone elses shoes. Others would say no to the test simply based on principal. Either way, the strike should not have happened, this has obviously gone too far.
Point worthy of note, she wanted to take the test, but the union told her not to. Who know what was said in that convo, she was probably convinced behind those closed doors, we don’t know and neither do you. Point is, wait till all the facts come out before you completely degrade her and anyone else thats involved. Otherwise, whe nall is said and done, pretty much everyone that has said a negative comment will look liek a total “donkey!”
Her employment document was posted online – it allows for any kind of drug test. Either a hair or a urine test.
If the Union told her not to then that just underlines how wrong the Union is.
So, you know so much. Thats irrelivant.
Your just putting up the typical Smoke (ganja) and Mirrors (cocaine)…….
If what you say is correct ( of course it will never come out)……..The BIU is fighting the PTB which is governed by Gover(n)ment………
Family feud…..Friends and family……………….shit…the irony in that terry………
Gotta love the ‘ganja’ smoke !!!
If we all used it, I think Bermy life would be quite Mellow!!!!
And some are so mellowed out that don’t stop when the traffic does and bounce into & then over vehicles. Was driving a station wagon at the time and he was on a “borrowed” bike. Stay home if you smoke!
If it is the case that she wanted to take the test (and based on the report in the Bermuda Sun) it seems she did. I would say the Union is back tracking on their bad advice. Even then – she should have made her own decision after several requests to take the test.
As a result of the poor guidence from the Union, I would say the Union is now responsible for paying her a full salary until she finds other work – AND in addition they MUST assist in the job placement. If she recieves less salary than that she was recieving then the Union should ensure that she gets subsidised to be on the same wage.
lets face it the UNION HAS Effed up Big Time. Instead of admitting their erroneous guidence they are pointing fingers at the other parties! It is like dealing with children!
You’re focusing on irrelevant issues.
First, the collective agreement allows for drug tests, and does not specify urine tests. A hair follicle test is not outside of the agreement.
Second, whatever the union advised her, or anyone else, she is an adult. She had the final say in whether or not she did what her employer instructed her to do.
The fact that she listened to advice from the union is no different than if she listened to advice from her next door neighbour or her drunk brother in law. None of it is relevant. She had the responsibility to make up her own mind whether or not she would do what her employer directed her to do. She didn’t do it, and she lost her job. It’s pretty simple.
If the union gave her bad advice, she should perhaps sue the union.
Question – when the bus drivers strike, is it because the Union tells them to, or because they want to? I can degrade her and EVERYONE else that supports this madness; why? There was an accident, someone was injured and sent to the hospital, SHE did not report the incident (and yeah, the Police didn’t either, but they aren’t under contract with PTB to do so, she Jennifer Harvey was) The “POLICY” states urine test OR ANY OTHER type of testing (not exact words, but you get my drift). Is Jennifer and the other bus drivers in support of this action illiterate? Can they not read? How is it that the public (including primary school children) can read the policy and comprehend what it means, but they can’t? And even IF I’m incorrect in saying what the policy states, why would you not want to clear your name and take a test, a test that no matter what the outcome was, you would still be able to keep your job. She chose to become unemployed and disrupt the ENTIRE island, for WHAT exactly? These retarded bus drivers can strike and support a fellow bus driver who is in the WRONG, POINT BLANK PERIOD, but cannot take a stand again the very same UNION who has NO money to pay them, even though they take money from them every two weeks. I just don’t get it. IF ANYTHING the bus drivers should be striking against the UNION itself and not against the PTB who fired an employee for insubordination… straight up, they are all very stupid…
I saw two buses this morning – one was heading into St George’s and was on Blue Hole Hill and the other was heading out of St G’s at about 9am. I picked up three people on my way into town and we discussed how much car pooling may come out of this, resulting in a loss of revenue for the bus company. Chris Furbert is disgusting. Did you hear his comment last night – “I worked down at the docks for 24 years and if someone did something we didn’t like – well hey – I won’t tell you what we used to do.” Actually Furbert, I think we would all like to know exactly what you used to do to people who did something you didn’t like. What a ignorant bully the man is. I think my goldfish has more intelligence in it’s left testicle than Furbert has got. It is so disappointing he won’t read any of these comments. SIGN THE PETITION!!!
If there was EVER a case for finger pointing, this is it. Do all the “he said-she said – they said” you want. Point is she was wrong. She should have taken whatever test they asked — IF SHE HAD NOTHING TO HIDE.
this comment is for “stop pointing ya finger” but didn’t mr lister say in a statement that either way the former bus driver would not lose her job? if tested positive she would have to go to eap some other messures and if tested negative she could return to work? i just want to know what does she have to hide? i know she refused on principal but is the right time to do this sort of action? people are in need of a job,and she doesn’t seem to treasure hers.
I have friends who are currently in Bermuda for the first time on vacation. They have informed me that they are making arrangements to leave the island early, as the transportation challenges are too much.
While they see the efforts of many locals in offering assistance, many are less than comfortable accepting a ride frrom a total stranger.
This means less hotel income, less restaurant income…and a story (about Bermuda!!!) they will likely be telling others for years to come.
Come on Bermuda! Are you no longer interested in tourism?
The buses will be running tomorrow.
Mike,I agree with your friends I would have a hard time accepting a ride from a complete stranger…with the crime that is going on in the Island !!!can you imagine a complete stanger offering you a ride !!!!!
From what I’ve heard the policy actually says something along the lines of urine test or any normal or reasonable test. I can’t say the exact wording but it leaves it open to any form of drug testing available. At this stage I wouldn’t trust what anyone ‘said’ I want to read it.
It is good to hear that she was willing to take the test and frankly should have regardless of what the shop steward told her.
Doesn’t change that I think Furbert needs to go, the BIU needs to smarten up, the Government needs to get some balls in the labour disputes, and the strike was thoroughly unnecessary and purely overreactive.
And all that stuff you read about why this and why that………It’s about accountability…..tell em don’t do it. Saul Froomkin would have a field day with this………
So now the story changes!! At first it was all about Protocol, now it was NOT this driver … if this fiasco wasn’t so serious you would have to laugh. Does the Union and Govt honestly think that were all that stupid?! (I know some are but not all of us). Very convenient isn’t it? Sounds like a compromise has been reached so that no one appears (giggle) to have backed down.
They obviously feel this is a win-win solution but it actually raises more questions than it answers like at what point did the BIU, Management & Govt know or realize that they had the wrong driver?? Why was the BIU clinging to Protocol for several weeks when they obviously knew (lol) the wrong driver was being implicated. What was said to the guilty driver by the BIU? I guess it went like this “Keep quiet and all will be well” more BIU Protocol obviously.
So now will the management officials, the ‘guilty driver’ and or the Minister who allowed this to escalate now accept blame & face disciplinary action?? (don’t hold your breath.
It would be embarrassing except that this is what we have come to expect from these clowns!!
In the court of public opinion none of these characters (wheres Shakespeare when you need him)have come out smelling of Roses and should all be ashamed of themselves. Mr. Lister I guess it’s your turn to feel Politically Neutere … again!! I hope you enjoy it as there’s more to come, but hey at least the Govt looks good right … Not!!
I’m not sure how much of that I believe. If she wanted to take the test, she would have…bottom line! The B.I.U. is there to serve the workers, the workers are not employed by them. Now the general public has to suffer.
Terry Lister will always smell of Roses Lime……………He’s PLP, he’s a Minister, people vote PLP….get real yoo lutt.
I give up. I really do. The people will not take responsibilities for their action and voting. Ewart Brown did a good job.
Deal with it or go visit him…….thats right…….knowone knows where he is……..
Okay so at 4:00 p.m. can we finally say that all this BS is over!?
Drivers need to get back to work. Chris Furbert needs to now shut his mouth and go back away because he is just incompetent and iliterate and the public need to boycott everything BIU. Simple
So are they returning to work or what??
This Government is a JOKE and it’s really sad!
I heard Chris on VSB noon news today. The man sounds illiterate. This person had trouble making a choherent statement. Mr. Furbert should put a sock in it when asked to make a statement.
AND IT’SSSSSSSSSSS OVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
So… is this fiasco now over? Can the bus drivers resume work? I find it hilarious that both parties (BIU and Gov’t) AGREED Jennifer Harvey should remain terminated from her job. What a joke! I thought the BIU was supposed to be PROTECTING their “sister”, having jumped on the “it’s not fair she’s been fired” bandwagon. And now the BIU has AGREED that she should be out of a job. Well I’ll be damned, what a load of hypocritical hogwash.
What they have ageed to is a Tribunal – a hearing where a judge (or judges) decide whether or not she should be reinstated. They just agreed to keep her terminated until the hearing.
I suspect she already has a job. TRy our has it that she is already working at the Hamilton Princess! Note I said Rumour.
Family girl .. are you saying she is not a full time bus driver ?
Can someone explain to me how Chris Furbert got the job as B.I.U, leader ? this man needs to be on prosac or something stronger !!!! the members of this union need to get rid of of this man…he is so bad for this Island…The union needs a leader who can remain calm when this type of situation happens.
wish we never got rid of the train.
So the train operators go on strike, what’s the difference? Lol
It’s about damn time they get back to work. I’n not sure if someone actually slapped some sense into them or they gave up. This strike has affected Bermuda is a detrimental way and I hope we recover. Still not sure if I trust to ride the bus to work though
So here is how it will go. Tribunal will re-instate the BUM bus driver and when the next driver does something somewhat the same he/she will not be able to be reprimanded as they will refer to the TRIBUNAL that re-instate BUM driver X because she was insulted to be asked to take a drug test as required by the union CONTRACT!
If the Bermudian people allow this to happen then their goose is cooked.
The arbitration will find that big mistakes and oversights ( http://bit.ly/oH53Ph ) were made on both sides and that the driver can have her job back but is on probabtion, or whatever. Did we really have to go to a strike crisis to get here? We need new leaders…
Oh, and BIU – publish your financials – balheads.
HERE ARE BETTER REASONS FOR TOURIST NOT TO RETURN TO BERMUDA..
1. DRUG ADDICTS ROAMING THE STREETS LIKE CELL PHONES
2. DRUG ADDICTS SNATCHING HAND BAGS
3. DRUG ADDICTS ATTACKING TOURIST
4. HIGH PRICE HOTELS
5. NO LOCAL ENTERTAIMENT
6. NO BEER ON THE BEACHES
7. HIGH ARILINE TICKETS
Beautiful beaches and most people are really friendly. Yes, initially reserved which is a change from the past.
can anyone confirm if buses are running this evening? all I hear reported so far is that they will resume tomorrow.
I smell a rat!! All of a sudden, it wasn’t her. Why is this story just coming out after all this time. This is too convenient.
What about the other female driver that said on the news tonight that she was the driver that replaced Ms Harvey’s bus and I think her name was Wooldridge…she presented a diferent story from what we are hearing from th B.I.U. as they say bullshit baffles brains…
I told you they would go to Harbortrasheon…….
BIU+PLP = 1…in the same………………
Now everyone is happy and were back at square one. They are both useless and outdated….and they still all got paid whilst we had to pool our resources and help out fellow man whilst they screwed us with out a condom….just another generation of lemmings…..
Watch -> Arbitration – Woman gets job back
Hey Free Thinker….It’s called…..’They have a good lawyer and we have no money in the BIU Account…….Crap..what do we do’……………..Now all they are doing is drwaing attention away from the principle……
You guys still have electricity right?
This “decision” to go to arbitration was the only “exit strategy” out of the corner that both the BIU and the govt had painted themselves into. Continuation of the strike was not an option for the govt because of the adverse publicity this is gaining internationally and the BIU was in danger of having a mutiny in its ranks because a large percentage of the drivers do not support this industrial action. This agreement to go to arbitration was the only “get out of jail” card available to both parties. The driver in question is still terminated giving the govt some satisfaction and the driver in question gets some back pay up until the time she was suspended thus giving the BIU something to “brag about”. My only concern going forward is that IF the arbitration decision goes against the BIU will they start pouting like the spolied rats that they are and start sabre rattling again? This would not surprise me. The bottom like is that the BIU is out of control, the BIU leadership and executive are dinosaurs living in the 60′s and Bermuda cannot take much more of this incompetence on the part of the Union. And oh yeah…FILE YOUR FINANCIALS!!!!
Chris Furbert, should be investigated for someone union or other business stuff, this guy is the President of BIU, Zebra (PHC), who do even have a club! …wonder what happened there… gas sation was built on their property and no club house! uuummm . his leadership is very, very questionable… i would like people to start question his leadership skills and ethics… please, does he do what he do for himself or for the Union. .. or PHC …. please someone! time to come clean…
Spot On Vot!!!
It’s not over ’til the fat lady sings ..since I am fat I am going to sing….Mr. Lister, you tried, the bus drivers who worked thanks, to those who gave rides on bikes or in cars, to Demco for the ribbons, Bernews for letting us vent. Thanks pple
The BUI with it’s diarrhea has SH*T all over the people and the rest of Government needs SCOTT’S TOILET TISSUE TO WIPE THEIR A$$ES.
I’m finished singing!! CD’s available soon!
The Bus Driver Harvey must be the happiest girl right now, Paid leave, sick pay, and probably a nice little vacation before she returns to work. You go girl!
I have heard that the drivers will return to work tomorrow. While inconvenienced, I felt truly sorry for the Bermudians who have to put up with this union’s nonsense. I would also like to thank a Bermudian lady who gave us an impromptu tour of the island and took us to places that we would never have been able to reach by public transport. i think she encapsulates the generosity of most Bermudians – thank you!
Vot…Your joking right. Goes against?
Against what. Who will oversee this.
Are you lott morons? How many times to do have to wake up and see the BIU ids the PLP…..and where’s the monies from the 7 million dollar thinghee………
This sounds so Somalia…………….
UBP MP Kim Swan
i thought this is gone! UBP
it is was called Undermined Bermuda People back in the days!…Mr Swan..
please get a Life! join the free movememnt!
plies car trafe…um glad this came 2 a suitable end…bravo 2 bofe sides 4 standin derr ground, even if dey were both wrong as a Jook-Jook Bird….BEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRMMMMMMMMPPPPPPPPPPP
As usual some of these posts are so typical of some folks, People jump to conclusions before they get the facts, Thanks to Bermuda Sun for giving us some factual information. The fact is, the govt’health and safety report states, that the management did’nt follow the correct procedures, and the union rep made errors too.
It was recommended that both parties, needed to be trained in the proper protocols and procedures, the driver never refused to take the test, however management did not follow the drug policy in the CBA (urine test in the first 24hrs). It also appears that the transport Minister,reacted before he got all the facts, rather than terminating the woman, he could have sent the issue to arbritration,then there possibly would not have been a wildcat strike. Another fact is that, the Union President does not call for industrial action, the membership votes on these actions, and the leadership must follow. and for all of you RG fans, please wait for some credible info, and stop believing every rumor you hear. Also, for those who don’t know arbritration is binding, whatever the outcome.
So were back to protocol again, uninformed people and questionable news sources now are we? (Laughs) Well did the bus move and injure the passenger or not? I watched ZBM News last night and the ‘other’ driver was interviewed (by phone) and stated clearly that the bus DID move!! Over to you and Mr. Furbert …
@ S. Richardson, Forget protocol and all the other information you have willingly supplied. Don’t ASSUME(know what that means- break it down) We the peole are not ignrant and don’t need your analysis. We are not questioning any of the legal or binding agreement.
Simple facts… NO COVER up. Ms. Jennifer was driving a bus, it rolled and injured a woman. She disappeared( don’t need a doctor’s certificate for being conviently sick for 2 or 3 day) A urine test can’t be taken after that time if you flush your system. MGT’s alternative would be a folicle sample, but her Union shop stewart told her not to take the test. MAKES YOU WONDER WHY! I would rather protect my character. “He who steal my wallet steals trash, but he who steals my character, steals all”. If in fact she has a drug dependency then get the help and get back to work. If she does not have a problen, SCREAM HELL and make it knows to all of us. We are commuters and don’t want to be injured by ANY DRIVER of ANY PUBLIC SERVICE. Let’s be clear on the issue!!
Can’t believe that 7 weeks after the accident a key fact like ‘which bus moved’ is suddenly in question. Sounds to me like total effing BULCRAP and that the union believes if they say it enough times then it will be true. Nothing ore than unbelievable lies.
THE UNION THINKS THEY CAN ALTER THE TRUTH.
You may be correct in your position, except you are overlooking the fact that this is Bermuda and we are dealing with the BIU/PLP. Facts and compliance with the law are way down the bottom of the list of importance.
Was this driver under the influence? How many passengers have been and will be a risk because of the idiotic union and stupid drivers. How many MORE will be injured?
The fact is the Union took advantage of a situation to everyone’s detriment.
Scum.
The Bermuda formula for more holiday time. Join the Union, do something wrong and get your shop Steward to tell you not to go to the meeting to defend yourself. Paid leave. Makes sense to me.
You can almost imagine the goings on in that meeting yesterday…”OK, we all screwed up. Now, how can we make this go away & nobody takes direct blame, loses a job or even a few days pay? Sorry Terry, but you are going to be thrown under the bus again.”
If Lister had any cajones at all he would resign as Minister & as a member of the PLP but that is not going to happen.
The only thing that needs to be done now, is Amend the Essential Services List to include Public Transit. Then the law states they would have to give 21days notice, or face the consequences.
Thank you Terry. Thank you Paula.
Eff you Chris. Eff you BIU.
I see some(most) of you are having a real hard time with this one. You hate the Union and you hate the Government. None of you have all the facts. A legitimate resolution to the situation has been found and you’re still complaining.
To Senator Furbert. Why did it take 7 weeks for these “facts” to be known by the Government, BIU and the drivers involved? Why wasn’t this matter referred to Arbitration way before the dismissal and strike? It would seem that it was only yesterday midday that all the possible “facts” or “scenarios” were discussed and agreed upon. Then the solution announced. Up until then the story changed almost hourly with yet another reason for the stoppage thrown out to the media. A pathethic dislay by all the players involved, damaging Bermuda’s reputation at a time when Bermuda needs all to work together.
Look who comes out from under her rock.
may all the facts come out so the public knows the complete truth
Yea right LaVerne. You kept your mouth shut all this time but now that it is going before arbitration you chime in.
Typical of someone that has to have the final say. Then again, you are the Executive secretary. And to quote you…” is a confused…….”
Is it the public’s fault, Senator Furbert, that we do not have all the facts? There’s so many conflicting stories going around, at what point will we know ‘the facts’? Or is it none of our business?
Funny enough, how are you handling this affair from a personal standpoint, being both a Government Senator and a Union voice? Must be pretty difficult juggling that one, eh?
We’re not complaining…YOU of ALL PEOPLE, know that when you want to get your point across, nothing will stop you.We’re no different from you. You always have something to say on the talk shows! no one can change you mine. The hidden truth is what we’re looking for. Too many unanswered questions. Agreed???
That’s the problem. Nobody is giving us any facts, just A BUNCH OF STORIES!
We also see that your sleeping with the Government and the Union. Where was your 2 cents comment when all the tourist were stranded in Hamilton.
Don’t even think your getting my vote to be my MP. Yes I am a PLP supporter from Hamilton Parish but the rubbish you preach is sad.
Not in a Million Years would my family vote for you.
Ah there you are princess. So, tell me, are our bus drivers high or not? tell me. Dare I put my family on public transport? Will they get hurt?
The PLP and the BIU look like utter dickheads to the rest of us right now. Utter dickheads.
?????
So you have to be anti-Union or anti-PLP to speak against pure idiocy??
…..you really need to get a grip on reality!
What a huge mistake it was for Paula Cox to appoint you as a Senator, what an embarassment to Bermuda. Neither you or Chris have the ability to comolete a sentence without sounding like absolute fools. Im a bus driver, union member and strong plp supporter but I tell you I could never walk behind you with any kind of pride. The other mistake Govt made was when they assisted (dingbat) Glenn Simmons to get his job back over at DPT because he has done nothing but create huge problems since his return. Just look at the clown everytime there is a camera around always front and center grinning like a cat and I guess the other one sis Ronnie got her job as a BIU organiser not because of her ability rather because her mom is Molly burgess. Maybe GOVT should send one of those mini pink and blues over to the union load you all up and drive you off and put you all out to pasture maybe down at senator Dunkleys place. Cant wait until the majority of the members finally wake up and take control of thier union because thats who it belongs to the members and not the select few who are running it deeper in the ground. And finally Paula if you would be so gracious to send GP1 to pick up Bro Otti Simmons so he can return and put things back in order and get the respect that our union used to have.
Ms Furbert, why do you feel the need to rebottle the likes of “true bermudian”
Lets stick to what matters most “THE EMPLOYEES” STRESS, LIVELY-HOODS, REAL PEOPLE and not sheer ignorance.
This evening I was listening to talk radio, and that something that I never do. I waited in que for at least 45mins. but never got thru. I heard Mr. Furbert speak wiht conviction and fire in the belly regarding PTB. My statement was for Mr. Furbert “with some of the Hotel Grievances out there still pending. I hope you come to our table with the same passion I heard this evening.
I submitted the below yesterday, don’t know if you read it but here is again. and its nothing to do with HATE. We are dealing with real people and their lively hood.>>>>>>
SHAME SHAME on you Bermuda for not responding to Appalled, regarding assistance from the Union for Hotel Workers. I worked in the corporate world approx: 30 years and now working in the Hotel industry, due to redundancy. I find this industry/employees a lost and a non-factor to most especially, the PREMIER, UNION EXECUTIVES, UNION REPS, and ESPECIALLY THE TOURISM MININSTER who stresses -smile for the guest, for which we don’t need teaching, it’s in our nature)… HERE/HOTEL we sit at a WAGE FREEZE…. what this and-WHY?… this islands hotel industry only offers the employee 5months a year, a living wage, if that. Here we sit; giving thanks noting it could be worst, and yes after the 5 months of earning that living wage, if that, it does get worse. Ms. PREMIER, UNION EXECUTIVES, UNION REPS. and ESPECIALLY THE TOURISM MININSTER-who wants us to smile. REALITY –the following 7months your mortgage is still due and you have to eat/live. It really amazes me whenever PTB (365 work days) have these temper tantrums CHRIS FURBERT and his foot solders go trampling all over the issue without a thought process. When the HOTEL EMPLOYEES bring there concerns of wages, and the awful/disrespectful treatment by management to the TABLE/UNION we are left with the feeling; be thankful you have a job;-WHY -again THE TOURISM MININSTER wants us to smile for the guest. After listening too and watching yet another temper tantrums put on by PTB, I am more disappointed in the show of hands from my fellow Bermudians, regarding, the state of affairs surrounding the HOTEL INUDUSTRY and the emotional and financial stress it has on its BERMUDIAN EMPLOYEES. “If it does not impact me directly why should I be bothered?” With all this being said, someone please send fed-up-nanny a hit and advise me and my colleagues who to turn to when we feel a tantrum coming on… I’m putting it out there; that most Hotel employees have lost faith in CHRIS FURBERT AND HIS FOOT SOLDIERS.
What is this bull sh*t about the truth will come out. Why the hell didn’t it come out 8 weeks ago? Then we wouldn’t be in the predicament we are in now For crying out loud. If we would have had a Police report done at the scene right after it happened interviewing witnesses then we would have never have gotten this far. It was an accident with injury where is the Police report. The Police should have never told her to go ahead and carry on driving without a proper investigation at the scene. It sounds like all involved are playing games with the public and it is not f**ing funny. Its seems like it was botched from the beginning. DAM IMBECILES! the whole lot of them BIU, DPT & Lister. Do any of them have any common sense? What really happened? IDIOTS!!
I humbly submit……That if one child in the family…. or even if one parent is incorrect……it is never good to punish the entire Family…. or the neighborhood..or the entire community….It is never correct to inconvenience the country….!This becomes a declaration of war on innocent people …!Whether this relates to Drugs ,Violence.,Industrial disputes …acts of Terrorism …Thuggery or any Civil Disobedience or Unrest….resulting in the disruption of peace and inconvenience to the citizens of the State,!Leadership puts a stop to that behavior ….right away. One Day Bermuda will experience Real Leadership and this will cease and conversely ….in the Absence of real Leadership the children will continue to be disruptive ………we’re growing……….One Day We will Get There……Not There Yet……but Proud to be a Bermudian but …taking baby steps………
So R U the next leader? Your comments have left plenty of room for serious thought!
Laverne & Chris two peas in a pod!
@ LaVerne…I guess that in your opinion everyone posting comments on this site NOT in favor of the BIU’s handling of this particular strike action must be members or supporters of the “Combined Opposition” huh?….You better think again. There are a lot of PLP supporters not happy with this idiocy trust me. But you know this already….
Here we go again with the ‘you don’t have all the facts’ BS. Why don’t we have the facts after 7 weeks and after 3 days of public inconvenience??? Tell me that!
Some people would not accept the truth if it slapped them in the face. It was reported that the police was on the scene directing traffic,question why was there no accident report? answer,It was considered an incident.the bus had mechanical problems,thats why the second bus was called.no drug test was required. The passenger who got her hand caught between the doors of the bus, said that Ms. Harvey was not driving the bus that caused the injury.(just because the passenger is blind, she’s not stupid)read her statement in the paper.
For those who ask,why has it taken so long for the facts to come out, well ask DPT, after all they have all of the reports,the management did not do a proper investigation, in fact they did not even come on the scene. that was in the health and safety report. and for the folk who seem to hate the union, well if you have a job look at your pay and the benefits that you get, sick leave, vacation,overtime pay,holiday pay,that’s what the union has done for the workers of this country, that does’nt mean that the BIU or BPSA is always right, but if it was not for organized labor,instead of foreigners coming to Bermuda looking for a better life and decent wages, Bermudians would be going to other countries looking for a better life. Facts,protocols, and procedures do matter
And there we have it…couldn’t resist could you…it’s foreigners. That’s right. Foreigners make the BIU inconvenience the entire island?
So, are our bus drivers high or not Shirley? Come on, how do we know before we put out families on buses? You don’t get it do you?
But…but…IS THERE A RULE AGAINST DRUG USE in our public transportation dept?? OR NOT!!!??? Every striker, in my humble opinion…should have been tested… ??? Thanks for a coherent response…BIU
if there was no report done by the police ,who was the officer in charge? he should definitely get tested he didnt do his job or is taking bribes.
Civil unrest, I predict UK style riots by the year 2012 from either the BPS or PLP taking a situation overboard & the public coming against their final decision. Remember this comment for future reference.
Civil unrest, I predict UK style riots by the year 2012 from either the BPS or PLP taking a situation overboard & the public coming against their final decision. Remember this comment for future reference.
Let if were going to tell the story tell the Truth. First of all lets not forget that this is about a Operator that from day one refuse a drug test and the Union tried to make it about why her and not the other Operator well the other Operator has taken the HAIR FOLLICLE TEST. Now that the other Operator was away on Medical Leave the Union and some Operator have use the time to slander her name and put the blame on her (shame on you) Then they bring the Virgils in the meeting and have them change their story to accommodate them. (Truth be Told) The Virgils have admitted from day one to numerous people that it was Jennifer fault. They have admitted that a mechanic told them that it could not be Jennifer it had to be the other Operator and they have pressured by certain Operators to change their story.( Wonder Why)
Mr. Lister do not back down on this one please. The TRUTH will be revealed. To the Public you too DO NOT BACK DOWN!
My cat is easier to understand more than Chris Furbert & Laverne Furbert.. Or I should say Ren & Stimpy. I need ‘The Two Peas In A Pod Translation Book’. the Blah Blah Blah edition. LoL!!
LaVerne, LaVerne, LaVerne you are doing so much damage to to the PLP, they are losig my vote because of you. By the way are you representing the people or the union….. conflict, I would say.
The two Furbert’s remind me of the lady who, after watching the regiment on parade, declares: “Everyone was out of step except my son”.
before I get raked over the coals for my grammar, that should read “Furberts”.
Please excuse some of the spelt text..One can get carried away when it gets personal.