Videos: Premier Meets With Unions
[Updated] “Right now we all have to feel the pain,” said Premier Paula Cox after a meeting with various Union officials this morning [Feb.23]. Premier Cox and Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess met with officials from multiple Unions at the BIU building on Union Street to discuss Government’s recent proposal that Government workers take a one-year 8% pay cut in exchange for a one-year freeze on their pension contributions.
Bermuda Public Services Union [BPSU] President Kevin Grant arriving at the BIU building:
When asked if she thought an agreement would be reached before the Budget the Premier said, “Oh no, no it could never be reached before Budget, the Budget is tomorrow. I am a realist.
The Premier continued on to say, “I think the fact that people are talking is always good. I think there is a shared sense of sacrifice. I think that people are realistic that Government and the people are going through difficult times, and the public sector workers have to show a sense of identity with those in the private sector. We can’t have giveaways…”
Deputy Premier Derrick Burgess leaving the meeting:
“I have already taken a position in terms of the Budget, I think that anything we get further post the discussions and deliberations, will be an unexpected savings.”
“People recognize there is a need for shared sacrifice, especially if we wish to preserve jobs. And I am coming from a very sobering construction fair, which while it was good to see people coming out, it is a reflection of where we are.”
“And right now we all have to feel the pain, and we all have to be realistic in making sure we feel the pain,” said the Premier.
Interview with Premier Cox after the meeting:
Update 2.00pm: Photo below of the reps from various Unions at the meeting:
Update 2.45pm: President of the Bermuda Trade Union Congress Shine Hayward spoke after the meeting- which he called “lengthy and productive”. He said the Unions are looking to be unified, are waiting on a mandate from the rest of the Unions, and expect to have a definitive response by Monday.
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I love the photo of Derrick……..
Now that is what you call a pink slip……bwahaaaaaaaaaa
Never happen.
Now back to regular back stabbing.
Lets see the Government Officials feel the pain.
How about they stop driving around in GPs and pay for their own gas.
How about they stop flying first class and use tele / Video conferencing.
There have got to be more GP vehicles on the road that are not needed, but yet we have 30 odd buses that don’t work or need some type of fixing.
How about you don’t waste our money on these Da#n roundabouts with pretty flowers and sidewalks the size of an “H” class vehicle, and put that in the pension fund.
Maybe I shouldn’t see these officials around election time if I haven’t seen them all year. If I as small person can take an 8% cut they should take at the least 20% cut. Why ? cause you are making way more than me and you still get perks for who you are. The only perk I get is a smile on the street cause I am a nice person. Nothing else. But then again I don’t feel because I am a senior officer I am entitled to anything extra either. I do what I do for my country and that’s what these officials need to do Country work not Personal work.
Oh get off this small petty issue of GP cars…..where are you people heads too?? Under the sand, focus on petty items. lets look at larger picture,
So when it’s ordinary people taking pay cuts it’s a “shared sacrife”. When it’s government ministers and civil servants buying their own bloody cars like the rest of us have to, it’s a “petty issue”.
Typical PLP elite “let them eat cake” mentality.
I agree, like the current Government failing at everything except spin, lies and politics, the positive correlation between the premier press and tge increase in numbers of paid PLP blind supporters appearing on blogs. No party should be followed blindly. Got to keep them all on their toes.
How did Paula get to the meeting? Was she driven in her chauffeured BMW?
Im not a big fan of the PLP BUT… to be honest I am a fan of Paula Cox. I don’t believe many people (even some power hungry politicians)would sign up to be captian of a sinking ship after it was already taking on water. She is trying her best do do what she can, with what little she has. Some might say, too little too late, maybe, but I respect her for trying. She is a respectable woman, who isn’t in it for the fame and fortune and certainly cant be classified as power hungry. Im sure we can all agree about that regardless of whether or not you are UBP, PLP, OBA or not affiliated with a party at all.
So she gets Chauffeured to meetings – she should, she is the leader of this country. I will say that one of the things that I admired abut David Saul was that he pretty much parked the car and walked everywhere, even to work at Fidelity from his home in Devonshire. However, should we really be picking at the fact that she is driven to an dfrom official functions.
My take on Paula Cox and her approach is that because she is responsible for so much of the financial woes we face, she is taking on the task of doing everything she can to right the ship in this case Bermuda. She must feel the extreme burden of it all along with a big sense of guilt. That to me is the driving force behind her actions now and probably for the forseeable future.
Not sure if you were in Bermuda between 2004 and now, but Paula Cox has been in the position of Minister of Finance for that time. She above anyone else is responsible for the financial control of Government. She has failed miserably, and even she has admitted Ministers ignore her. Compare that performance to 1998 to 2004 when her father Eugene Cox was the Minister of Finance. Minister Cox carried out his duties as a Minster of Finance, keeping Ministers in check and providing the much neede financial control. During this time Bermuda prospered and the debt level remained pretty constant and very manageable. It is not so much the PLP has failed, they didn’t to start with, but the post 2004 PLP has failed miserably.
She is not Paula. She is the Premier and she damn well should be chaffeured to this meeting or any meeting. She is the leader of the country. What do you suggest? That she catch the bus. Gimme a break.
Remember David Saul riding his motorbike to his office and he was not the only one to do that.I liked seeing that. Things have certainly changed. Why the need to be all puffed up and full of self importance. Yes, I know it comes with the Office, but it was refreshing and in a small place like this a good thing. Being chauffeured around everywhere is a sure way of slowly removing yourself from realty. I know is the Philippines the current President got rid of many of the trapping that came with the Office. He no longer goes around with the customary fleet of chauffeur driven limos. The People like it and real feel that he has removed a layer from between the People and the President. Another example of his refreshing approach is that on a recent visit to NYC he insisted that all members traveling with him eat lunch from a Hot Dog stand! Yes, now wouldn’t that make a good PR photo for Paula Cox if she did the same. Instead she prefers to eat at expensive restaurants. As you would say, far more fitting for a Premier, but at what cost.
Why edit the name of the restaurant? I have seen her actually eating there…
Yeah Paula, you go girl in your new Beemer. Get to the place, talk some shite about “shared sacrifice by all of us”, get outside, make the driver open the door for you, and sink back into that nice new European luxury car. Let them eat cake. You’re IMPORTANT.
shared sense of sacrifice
really?
The PLP have never sacrificed. Man they have been living the good life on all the wealth and financial stability they inherited from the UBP. Now that they have raided the cookie jar empty they want US to sacrifice? A bunch of crooks they are, wait till the budget comes out, see how they plan to steal more of our hard earned money!!
I love this Argument, it shows the arrogance that is held by those who feel the PLP (read black people) can’t manage anything. All of the PLPs success was from what the UBP left them, nothing they did such as extending tax exemptions to IB, marketing the island, grants to BIBA and working with our partners in Washington.
Nothing at all to do with the PLPs Vision. All those companies that came here in 2001 and 2005, it was all the UBPs doing.
You all are so filled with hate, the truth, no matter what it is blinds you.
As for stealing, ahh yes, we can’t manage and all we do is steal. That’ll get you a lot of votes.
They have definitely being riding on the coat tails of the UBP – and they know it. So much so that for the first 5 years they actually altered very little in the way the UBP managed Government. It was only once they gain confidence that they started to make significant changes. Unfortunately they overextended themselves and Bermuda and we are now in the position we find ourselves in. Don’t underestimate the ground work that lead to the very success that the PLP inherited.
I would neccessarily agree with your statement although I understand what you mean. I think not much was changed in the pre-Dr. Brown years.
LaVerne Furbert posted this yesterday on another blog.
LaVerne Furbert says:
February 22, 2012 at 6:05 pm
I guess somebody in the BIU has deposited those few million dollars in their own bank account. After all Black people are inherently thieves.
(Read the blog on Leah Scott)
Why she would say such a stupid thing is mindboggling.
@Voice of Reason.
What an ironic name!!! The bad management of this country has nothing whatsoever to do with the race of the current Government so don’t play the race card. The dreadful state that this country is in is down to a Government who hasn’t a clue and is grasping at straws now because they have ‘managed’ this country into a hole and don’t know how they are going to climb out of it.
Race card not being played… but explain to me this. Why is it that PLP gets blame for failures but NO credit for success? Their success (up till 2008) according to the original poster, was ALL because of the UBP.
I find that to be a bit ridiculous don’t you?
Name anything the PLP have put in place which has been a success.
- Dedicated/exclusive parking for MPs at the Airport & the House;
- Undocumented use of taxpayer funded credit cards;
- PLP boondoggles to far flung destinations at taxpayer expense;
Oh wait … do you mean a success for the average Bermudian? In that case sorry, can’t help you there.
32North I read your comments all over the place and you obviously have some deep hatred issues. I would suggest you seek help.
I think you’re confusing hatred with distrust/displeasure.
I suggest you offer some of your advice to LaVerne. She’s off her rocker.
Success – Term limits so there’s now little traffic in the morning and I can easily find parking in town. And housing rental costs are a lot cheaper. On the other hand I lost my job so there’s not much reason to go to town anymore.
Fast ferries are nice….oh, wait that was ordered by the UBP.
Free Bda College tuition … ohh wait, that was last year.
Free childcare …oh, that too was last year.
Free bus rides …oh, never mind.
work permit limits
land ownership licenses
faith based tourism
free transportation for children
land tax exemptions for seniors
cruise ship pier
TCD emissions control
Port Royal Golf course
Pay roll tax
the new court building
Berkeley School
Wonderful..At what cost?????
Land ownership licences, they flip flopped on that after costing us money.The 1.3 million in revenue was easily eliminated by the costs installing , managing the scheme,legislating the scheme, and the unreversible damage it did to the stream of stamp duty the government was earning.
Faith based tourism…you are having a laugh surely.
TCD scandal, money vanished, dodgy
Port Royal …nice, never played, too expensive, whilst St Georges was left to ROT.
Mega cost of a cruiseship pier… Expensive overuns, crane scheme and rubbish thruster
wall.
Payroll tax…another flip flop failure
New court building..$30m trust..who are the beneficiarys? Scandal with the construction….something definately dodgy
Berkley school…massive overrun, gave away 10m dollars, by giving it to unions when union had entered a legally bindng contract to cover the build. Took forever. Chose contractor that could not do the scale of the job.
None of the above could be called a success. Failur is what the PLP have been successful at achiving. When they FAIL, we FAIL.
Again, NOT a PLP fan…but to be fair. TCD, miles better!
Actualy the TCD experience has improved. The wai times can still be long, but not as long as they were. I’m sure it ccould be argued that part of it is due to less people and less vehicles, but in most part I believe it is due to the TCD workers doing a much better job these days.
These are some thing they have done Fool..
Business Development
Partnered with the EEZ in North Hamilton to promote the ‘Shop Local’ initiatives to benefit our local businesses
Pursued ‘Job Makers’ policies to maximise opportunities for skilled entrepreneurs to build strong businesses, employing Bermudians.
Successfully signed over two dozen Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEA’s)
Extended the Payroll Tax Relief Scheme for Apprenticeships to encourage business growth
Extended Payroll Tax Relief to the Hotels and Restaurants to foster opportunities for businesses to reduce expenses, maintain jobs and investment in Bermuda
In 2011 we announced Payroll Tax roll-backs to 14%
In 2011 we announced similar 2% rollbacks in the majority of other payroll tax categories
In 2011 we announced that the maximum Payroll Tax recoverable from employees was reduced from 5.75% to 5.25%
In 2011 we announced additional Customs Duty relief on Capital Goods in specified sectors all designed to reduce expenses for businesses, stimulate investment and retention of jobs in Bermuda
Opened the new London Office to promote business development and tourism
Deferred Customs Duty for retailers for up to 3 months to aid their cash flow in recessionary period
Signed new pre-clearance agreement with the United States Department of Homeland Security for private planes
Waived of Stamp Duties for first time home buyers on properties under $750,000.00
Waived the fee for businesses to operate on Sundays
Created a home buyer tax credit worth up to $24,000 in closing cost assistance in helping Bermudians to purchase their first home
Established the Economic Round Table which brought key business partners and organisations together to share ideas about what is best for Bermuda
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Commissioned the Mincy Report on young people and are now implementing the recommendations
Established the High Risk Adolescent Intervention Team to effectively deal with youth and family issues
Established the New War Memorial in the Cabinet grounds to honour those who served to protect our freedom
Created the memorial for those Lost at Sea
Developed the Mirrors programme for our young people
Made Day Care for our young children more affordable; more than 425 families benefitted
Ensured that the local media implemented their own Media Council to better serve our community
Maintained the status of National Heroes Day and selected new National heroes that cross racial, social and political boundaries
Enacted the Parental Responsibility Act
Created the Cultural Legacy Fund
Created the Women’s Council
CULTURE
Developed a National Cultural Heritage Policy Document
Named Dame Lois Browne-Evans as the Island’s first National Hero
Named Sir Henry Tucker, Dr E.F. Gordon and Dr Pauulu Kamarakafego as additional National Heroes in 2011
Supported the Annual Dr Pauulu Kamarakafego Memorial lecture series
Completed a draft Artillery Action Plan detailing the restoration of Bermuda’s unique collection of artillery pieces
Restored Fort George, Fort St. Catherine, St. David’s Battery and the Martello Tower, St. George’s
Successfully held the 400th Island Anniversary celebrations
Promoted the Emancipation Day celebrations
Dedicated the Sally Bassett Sculpture in the Cabinet Grounds
Passed legislation to reduce the practice of property ‘fronting’ thus preserving land and homes for Bermudians
JOBS & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Introduced new Economic Empowerment Zones in the east and west
To encourage the hiring of more apprentices, implemented the Payroll Tax Relief Training Scheme for apprentices
Used the $1.15M Unemployment Fund to re-train and re-skill unemployed Bermudians
Created the Jobs Corp programme targeted at young people
Hired young people to work under skilled tradesmen to work on restoring historic buildings and properties
Grasped the seriousness of the unemployment situation and took the initiative to prepare Bermuda’s first-ever Unemployment Register
Consistently ensured that young Bermudians were proud recipients of the late Hon. David H. Allen Internship programme awards
Supported Bermudian recipients of the Technology Internship Programme
Changed the Immigration policies in many job categories to put Bermudians first and denial of work permits to foreign workers
Established the National Training Board skills assessment programme
Established the Hustle Truck Programme to assist casual workers to become more skilled and active participants in the island workforce
Created the Economic Round Table – to bring key stakeholders together to determine areas for job growth
Established the Railway Trail Training Initiative
Started the Woodshop Training Programme
Announced new scholarships for mature students/employees working in Government
Look at this list.
It’s a lot of :
“developed a document”
“Held some celebrations”
“Commissioned a report”
“Opened an office”
Not one of which is an actual achievement.
And I love the fact that you list the 2011 Payroll Tax rollbacks. You’re trying to take credit for rolling back the stupid Payroll Tax increase you did in 2010?
Hilarious.
Race card. You are irrelevant.
What we are going to see tomorrow is a clever balancing act of “shared sacrifice”, but with not too much affect on anyone that might be considering a vote for the PLP in the upcoming election. I think her plan is, assuming a PLP victory, a sort of Budget 2012 Part 2 sometime after the election. Once she has got the Government for another 5 years she can actually get on with making decisions which might have some meaningful impact. At the moment her hands are somewhat tied – if she want to win, which is a given. The timing of the election cycle has had played a significant part in the lack of big hard decisions being made in the last year. Last years Budget, for instance, being very light on bold moves. The Country as a whole has suffered greatly because of her natural desire to win the next Election.
Let the elections begin, so we can be put out of our misery!!
“All of the PLPs success was from what the UBP left them”
Sort of correct. Bermuda’s success (which the PLP deficits and growing debt continue to deflate) is directly attributable to the legislative and business framework that was developed under a partnership between the Government and the professional community – which the PLP inherited in 1998.
“nothing they did such as extending tax exemptions to IB”
The tax exemption guarantee was developed under the auspices of the UBP. Despite repeatedly asking the current Government for many years to extend it’s expiry date (to provide some degree of continuity and comfort for the IB sector) the PLP simply sat on their hands. Eventually the realised the error of their ways and quickly passed the necessary legislation but only after intense private sector pressure and the significant exodus of their workforce.
“marketing the island, grants to BIBA”
The business/IB marketing is almost entirely done by non-Government organisations (which is ironic considering the Government thinks they can do a better job marketing Tourism but the facts prove otherwise).
Government does support Business Bermuda with an annual grant but they have effectively politicised the organisation which was originally founded by the private sector to advise Government on how to grow the economy.
Since the PLP assumed control of the public purse the direction of that advice has reversed as its clear the PLP chose to ignore IB’s concern for many years. Hopefully that has now changed given the dire state of our economy – due mostly to the PLP’s ineptness and complete lack of business acumen and wilful avoidance of private sector collaboration.
“and working with our partners in Washington.”
The CBC don’t really wield much power over our success, especially since Charlie Rangel was forced to resign as Chairman of the W&MC for unethical behaviour. Or are you referring to the F&F deal for Ms. Webb? Or maybe the Uighur scenario, contrary to our own Constitution?
“Nothing at all to do with the PLPs Vision”
Which is what exactly. Resetting the Dial (didn’t happen – look at the last Auditor’s Report) or doing More with Less (still isn’t happening)? Any platform the PLP had has been replaced by their tunnel vision and consistent dedication to put the party before the country.
“All those companies that came here in 2001 and 2005, it was all the UBPs doing.”
No that was God’s doing … or do you equate the PLP with a religious movement given your fervent devotion?
Those who came in 2001 and 2005 were as a result of 9/11 and Katina and nothing to do with the PLP….and as far as Washington? If Howard University was in kansas we would have had an office there….
Well said, Lat/Long……spot on!
Who is Guy Smiley, the guy in the background in the orange top?
His name is Glenn Smmons aka DINBAT, and trust me he,s a genuine Dingbat. Whereever there is a camera and the oppertunity presents itself your sure to find him up front and center grinning.He is also the so called president of the bus drivers division and chris furberts goffer, you know the yes man.
DINGBAT
The reason he wears orange is that otherwise he would be invisible and mostly ignored . DingBat fo sho
Feel the pain?!…I’m pretty sure you’re not feeling’ the pain on the salaries you get along with yah Ministers MADAME PREMIERE!!!
The sign says it all.
Ticket booth.
Theatre…………………………………………….
I am confident that the Government and the Unions will come to an agreement. The OBA on the other hand’s only option is to cut jobs. If elected they will come in and slice the civil service because they run everything like a business. That’s fine for Dunkley’s Dairy, and Capital G, and Colonial and the Esso service stations, but you can’t run a country like that. A government cannot and should not just cut jobs without any social consciousness. The Bermudian public know the OBA’s deal.
More threats to the plantation……. Guess what cuts will have to be made regardless.
LOL
PLP Socialism = Trickle-Up Poverty
Trickle up poverty. LOL – that’s excellent, mind if I use it?
@itsaboutallofus -Show me where the OBA has said they would cut jobs? They have never proposed that. You are making assumptions.
that is the one thing that has been heard consistently, that the civil service would be shrunk…ie cut jobs
The OBA have never said they would cut jobs in the Civil Service though. You see they’re maybe not as bad as you think!
Don’t pin pur current problems on the OBA, when buisness is run properly, it prospers and jobs are created. You don’t want job sustainable job creation!!!!!!!! PLP are planning to cut jobs after the election.
Liar.
Bring back Ewart Brown. When he was Premier, Bermuda was spending money like there was no tomorrow. Even though the bottom of the US economy was dropping out for ALL to see, Rwart Brown and the PLP spent money like nothing would affect Bermuda. Well now we have all woken up and founf that we are all screwed. I always thought the $10m for cricket was a great idea and we have seen so many returns on that. What a joke.
Who is Ewart Brown? does this person live in Bermuda
The PLP Government has been very kind to all government workers, you have a job and do very little I know as I said before I see it everyday. I am sure the OBA has a solution and that is privatize many departments I see it coming if they get in try talking to a few behind I have.
Who would buy a government deparment and operation. You cannot be serious. Sounds like another scre the electorate propaganda post to me.
DREB sits in the pavillion gleefully watching as Madamn Matador finishes off the sadistic work he started with the demise of The Mid-Ocean .
Thanks Maddog for providing us with such a comprehensive listing PLP achievements. It’s mind boggling how when presented with the facts,the humungous spin emerges in full regalia,each person quickly adorning head gear that literally numbs their faculties. ….the consequence is spewed rubbish.