Comments on: Possible Labour Day Date Change

By: Polls Don’t Show Support For Labour Day Move | Bernews.com

Polls Don’t Show Support For Labour Day Move | Bernews.com — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 19:14:05 +0000

[...] explained; “Earlier this year in response to a request from the Bermuda Trade Union Congress to move the Labour Day holiday to May 1st, the Minister of Economy, Trade & Industry, the Hon. Patrice Minors consulted with various [...]

By: Employers Council Supports Labour Day Decision | Bernews.com

Employers Council Supports Labour Day Decision | Bernews.com — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:50:07 +0000

[...] this week the Minister announced the date would remain the same, after considering a request from the Bermuda Trade Union Congress to move the holiday date to May 1st, a date which [...]

By: Minister Minors: No Change In Labour Day Holiday | Bernews.com

Minister Minors: No Change In Labour Day Holiday | Bernews.com — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:10:38 +0000

[...] Bermuda Trade Union Congress submitted a request to Minister Minors and the Premier Paula Cox for consideration of moving the holiday date to reflect the true recognition of International Workers’ Day [also known as May Day] on May [...]

By: Makes sense

Makes sense — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:09:58 +0000

Wow. The stupidity of decisions made by the government….I don’t even know what to say anymore.

By: Rockfish#2

Rockfish#2 — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:32:03 +0000

Rhonda,

Does every labor union in Bermuda support changing the date?

If not,please explain why!

By: Rhonda

Rhonda — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:47:15 +0000

It’s very sad that we that blog on matters the concern Bermuda, have little to no empathy for anyone or anything…holidays are in remembrance of a time in history or an event. Have any of you took the time to educate yourself on the history of the labour movement, so that you can understand why the unions would want the date changed..before you commented..
It appear as if no matter the subject just spew nasty vile comments, because one can. People fought hard and lost their lives for the rights of working people, even for this holiday, and all we can think of is our self. If shame is to come to Bermuda, this is the reason..

By: Tia Sewell

Tia Sewell — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:45:03 +0000

I just don’t understand this. I thought we were interested in jump starting the tourism product? I guess our American guests, family, friends that typically visit during that weekend do not matter. Yikes!!!!!

Oh well let’s just change it because it was suggested. Oh come on…. spare me this one. Leave it alone.

By: Shawnee B

Shawnee B — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:34:36 +0000

I wasn’t impressed when I found out through the local media that Labour Day maybe moved from September to May.
Please leave it as it is.
It has always been in September, and I feel it should remain there.

By: 1minute

1minute — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:14:30 +0000

I like it where it is. I get a day off to spend with my kids right before they go back to school.
If you want to give us May 1st off – give us May 1st off. Don’t be moving the holidays around.

By: Spooky

Spooky — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 13:53:43 +0000

Why can’t they leave good alone? Another long summer weekend hacked from us Bermudians!!!

By: sharky

sharky — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 03:02:03 +0000

I’m an outsider looking in and this issue,like the comments from the lady who was dumped as a Senator,make me laugh.This little island is rotting with crime,bankrupt and lacks leadership.The country lost several more jobs this week and yet the leader and “others” continue to waste thousands on overseas junkets.

By: Dope

Dope — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 01:15:06 +0000

8 votes Verne thinks she speaks for government they booted her out!

By: Madness

Madness — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:25:21 +0000

Funny how quickly this rubbish is brought to cabinet now if they could amend the human rights act as quickly they might be more Progressivemn the P ya think!

By: pebblebeach

pebblebeach — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:59:37 +0000

Laverne, maybe you should attend and sit on the panel, oh no, you were fired from the Senate…oh well…

By: get it right

get it right — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:02:04 +0000

Per LF ”As David Allen used to say, “some of us can chew gum and talk at the same time”.”

It was Alex Scott who used to use that worn out cliche NOT David Allen .. Neither David Allen or the rest of us can remember (or understood) anything that he ever said anyway .

Now that I think of it , I could be talking about Paula too ……..

By: Rick Rock

Rick Rock — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 20:00:52 +0000

She’s is a waste of time and resources. She makes bad decisions (like earlier this week). She achieves nothing (a year wasted as Min Tourism, and now wasting more time on whether or not to change the date of a public holiday). You can call me an ass, I suppose, but we all know who the ass is.

By: Hudson

Hudson — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:43:37 +0000

Furthermore, the conservatives just had the May 1st bank holiday moved to October. A rally is being held on May 1st in London to oppose this move…

By: Hudson

Hudson — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:41:56 +0000

So the US and Canada celebrate labour day on the first Monday in September; Syria, Cuba, Pakistan, Bahrain, the Soviet Union and other communist, formally communist or other socialist regimes celebrate May Day on the 1st to mark International Workers’ Day. The UK has announced that the bank holiday previously celebrated on May 1st will be moved to October “to lengthen the tourist season”. Seems to me my friend, that there is more than just a statement being made here… This government and the people that blindly support it frighten me.

By: Rubbish

Rubbish — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:56:35 +0000

Dude, seriously, who put this issue at teh “Forefront”..

Was there some press conference or some big announcement? NO!

The Minister had a meeting, said it would be discussed with the wider community, and then decided.

Thats it. She didn’t propse it, didn’t push it to the foregroud, nothing.

Unless you are suggesting that she shouldn’t attend meetings with Labour unions and ignore their requests. That woudl be ludicrous.

By: Rubbish

Rubbish — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:54:06 +0000

I think it was “Astounding Support” from the Trade Union Conference….

As for the people, doubtful this will go anywhere, though its always good to see people getting all worked up.

By: Rubbish

Rubbish — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:48:26 +0000

You are an ass, through and through.

Minister Minors has responsibility for the local economy and labour.

Minister Furbert has responsiblity for business development.

Do you all really do nothing more than complain.

Keep it up, people recognise hate when they see it.

By: Bda Jayme

Bda Jayme — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:25:25 +0000

Jackmon – the Mother Country celebrates on the first Monday in May not May 1 and it is Called May Bank Holiday – that is nothing to do with Labour Day. But then again they might just leave the Sept holiday if it is an election year and promises everyone an additional holiday – then in a couple of years it will get moved back to September so we can all go away and grab all the Labour Day
sales and get ripped of at the airport to help the Government and NOT the local retailers.

By: 'Round de Bend

'Round de Bend — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:27:24 +0000

I say leave it, this holiday is the end of summer for most Bermudians because after this everyone goes back to work and school. And for the Minister I’m not along with many other people not a part of this “astounding support”.

By: Rick Rock

Rick Rock — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 15:26:31 +0000

Yes, LaVerne, but Minister Minors can’t “chew gum and talk” at the same time.

If you ask her to do anything other than drool she’s completely over challenged.

By the way, if Minister Minors is in charge of economy and industry, why have they sent Wayne up to NY to talk about relocating hedge funds here? Is it because she’s incompetent and clueless?

She’s left behind in charge of overseeing public holidays, while Furbert goes up there and has a go at her job.

By: Bullseye

Bullseye — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:25:20 +0000

Minister Minors said, “While there was astounding support for the proposal”

Astounding support? This island is so divided now there can be no astounding support for anything. I’d never even heard of this pressing matter. Where is this silent majority representing “astounding support”?

By: jt

jt — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:23:45 +0000

Hopefully Mr. Swan will hold some more town hall meetings as well, for those that prefer reality.

By: Sparky

Sparky — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:23:13 +0000

@Laverne Furbert: “To suggest that ‘there are more pressing issues to discuss’ is ludicrous.” Are you serious?!! Now I know for certain that your marbles are seriously free-floating. Since when is changing a public holiday a matter to be put to the forefront when the economy of the country is in the toilet, tourism is collapsing, gangs are holding the population hostage, international businesses are leaving the country in droves, the fear of unemployment is panicking many Bermudians and the government is continually revealing its ineptitude at every turn? Having Labour Day in September makes perfect sense, especially for parents who need that extra day off to get their children ready for the new school year. What next…change Cup Match to June so teachers can get yet another break in the middle of the school year?

By: Same S*** Different Day

Same S*** Different Day — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:21:19 +0000

You lot do just as you like to us. Minister Minors you better wake up and do what is wright don’t just let your boss shove S*** in your face and run with it. Dam!!!

By: Just another attempt to say ...

Just another attempt to say ... — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:18:26 +0000

Look here. Not there.

By: datbye

datbye — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:01:34 +0000

would someone please hurry up and vote this Government out. One stupid decision after another. No good reason too do this, if it aint broke ………

By: LaVerne Furbert

LaVerne Furbert — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:24:58 +0000

The Minister is doing the right thing. The request was made to her by the TUC and she has placed it on the table to be discussed by the Labour Advisory Council which is made up of representatives from unions, the Bermuda Employers Council and the Hotel Employers of Bermuda.

To suggest that “there are more pressing issues to discuss” is ludicrous. As David Allen used to say, “some of us can chew gum and talk at the same time”.

I guess you’ve all forgotten the recent town hall meeting held at Dalton E. Tucker Primary School. For those who are interested in discussing the state of the economy with Minister Minors and other cabinet ministers can do so on Wednesday, January 25th at the Leopards Club. No doubt the Premier will be there as well so you all can voice your concerns to her as well.

By: Familiar

Familiar — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:39:50 +0000

If this is what the BTUC feels is important then I expect we’ll not see any labour disputes in the near future from the employee sector that it covers.

I hope the Minister remembers what has happened with past changes in holidays and declines the request.

By: Rick Rock

Rick Rock — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:02:23 +0000

I like your last comment. I’m sure when they want a day off they use one of the 14 weeks annual – ahem – “sick” leave anyway.

By: navin johnson

navin johnson — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:45:57 +0000

I would suggest that Minister Minors be invited to perform at the next Just for Laughs……she has all the makings of a fine stand up comedian as she can say the dumbest things with a straight face…..figures a Union would be worried about when to celebrate a day off….how about making it on a universal sick day…..

By: Rockfish #1

Rockfish #1 — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:03:44 +0000

Minors is considering a legitimate request made by the majority of Bermuda’s unions. Clearly she should at least discuss it.
Personally,I disagree with any change,and don’t think it is a go.

I am sleeping on the couch tonight because Rockfish#2 accuses me of agreeing with the Defender!!

By: BadApple

BadApple — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:25:46 +0000

Or maybe the BTUC were politely protesting the recent actions of another labour union.

May 5th is the traditional day that communist / socialist countries celebrate.

By: Not Surprised

Not Surprised — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:26:51 +0000

Oh for heavens sake!!!! Just please stop with the rubbish talks and have some real talk about our current problems. A change in holiday is the least of our worries, minister and those that submitted the request. Leave the holiday where it is, as it’s perfect and fine in September. Can we please focus on the issues at hand: The economy, crime,unemployment and a failed education system, amongst other things that are driving this little island of our down the darn tubes! The last thing i want to hear about right now is moving a public holiday. You’ve made enough changes in that department already!

By: Registered Voter

Registered Voter — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:55:53 +0000

THIS IS DUMB!

By: Outside the Box

Outside the Box — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:54:57 +0000

Well said!

By: Bermy_Girl

Bermy_Girl — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:58:29 +0000

What the heck… As an Island we have so many other pressing issues to attend to! Of all the things we could be working to resolve I can’t believe that any govt official is entertaining this at such a time… BTCU needs to go sit down somewhere. SMDH.

By: EXPress

EXPress — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:28:04 +0000

Please leave the holidays as they are, as if the people of Bermuda do not have enough to worry about!

There is only one day that I care about this year………ELECTION DAY……….

By: Jackmon

Jackmon — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:31:34 +0000

Labour day is a holiday in many countries – but the day it is celebrated is different around the world. The US and Canada celebrate it in Sept; Jamacia late May; Trinadad in June; Australia and NZ in October; but it is on May 1 in the mother country UK (as well as Cuba, Syria and numerous countries in Europe). I say keep is different than the mother country.

By: Boom

Boom — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:24:43 +0000

This is to become a pre elction party to try and secure votes. Government would otherwise be disinterested.

By: The Hell!!

The Hell!! — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:16:04 +0000

She can also tell the trade union congress to kiss her a** that means NO!! Oh great defender.

By: Sean Soares

Sean Soares — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:47:05 +0000

Thanks Laverne Furbert for the clarification. Do you know the reason for the change? I can only assume that as Sept. 5th falls in the summer holidays for the teachers that it doesn’t feel like a vacation day already.

I agree that we have more important things to deal with right now. On a personal note, I also would prefer having it in September.

By: Rick Rock

Rick Rock — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:37:48 +0000

How can this be one of their “concerns”? Whoever thinks this is something to be “concerned” about is a spoiled brat.

Minors is making herself look ridiculous, and at the current rate she’s doing it several times a week.

By: LaVerne Furbert

LaVerne Furbert — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:24:17 +0000

N.B. The Bermuda Trade Union Congress (BTUC) boycotted last year’s Labour Day Celebrations which were held on Monday, September 5, 2011.

However, in spite of the boycott by the BTUC, the Bermuda public celebrated Labour Day on the first Monday in September at Union Square.

By the way, a good time was held by all in attendance.

By: LaVerne Furbert

LaVerne Furbert — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:18:44 +0000

You all should be directing your anger at the Bermuda Trade Union Congress, not the Minister. They are they ones who have asked for the matter to be put on the table, and as the represent a large percentage of the Bermuda workforce (teachers, civil servants, Belco workers, musicians and police people (I think)Minister Minors has put their concerns on the table.

For the information of all who post here, the Bermuda Industrial Union is not affiliated with the Bermuda Trade Union Congress.

By: PEPPER

PEPPER — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:26:28 +0000

Patrice, please enough is enough of your BS… you have no clue what is going on !!!!!

By: Anne

Anne — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:23:23 +0000

hold on.. this will really mess with my attire… Labour Day [the real one] tells me when I am to stop wearing white.. if they move it to May, will I have to stop wearing white in May???