Comments on: Ferries To Resume Today, Not Run Tomorrow

By: Minister Fahy: “Workers Should Return To Work” | Bernews.com

Minister Fahy: “Workers Should Return To Work” | Bernews.com — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 23:38:04 +0000

[...] and Ports staff, BIU President Chris Furbert described various issues staff had and stated that ferry service would be suspended on Thursday until further [...]

By: Labour Dispute: Ferry Service Still Suspended | Bernews.com

Labour Dispute: Ferry Service Still Suspended | Bernews.com — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 12:50:03 +0000

[...] is the third day of disruption to the ferry service, with Marine & Ports staff citing longstanding issues with management and ferry maintenance that they have been attempting to resolve [...]

By: Minister Obtains Injunction In Ferry Dispute | Bernews.com

Minister Obtains Injunction In Ferry Dispute | Bernews.com — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 21:02:05 +0000

[...] staff downed tools, however later returned to work to take evening commuters home. At a press conference that afternoon, BIU President Chris Furbert described various issues staff have, and said they will be off the job [...]

By: Ex Mea Sententia

Ex Mea Sententia — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 17:16:10 +0000

I totally agree with cowpolly – this is a concerted effort to overthrow the current Government. I just wonder who is behind it (give you two guesses).

The OBA needs to now grow steel balls and handle this the way it needs to be handled.

By: Huh?

Huh? — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 16:40:29 +0000

They let you travel on unsafe ferries for 3 years???

By: Me

Me — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 16:25:13 +0000

It is a testament to the naivety and lack of education of the BIU that not only do they once again think they are justified in instigating unreasonable action, but someone had to write the exhibited letter…. poorly….. then the same person presumably proof-read it……. and didn’t pick up on the grammatical mistakes……. and then someone else had to edit it……… without noticing the same mistakes……… and then someone published it, presumably after reading it………… and still, not one of them – not one person found any fault with the way it was written. What is even more disturbing is that most of the Bermudian populace who read it will be thinking ‘yes! Well said!’. And we wonder why our population cannot compete for jobs in the international market………….

By: Tricks Are For Kids

Tricks Are For Kids — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 15:07:17 +0000

Guys as a person who catches the ferry I support you for the stance that you have taken. Finally after three years of trying your voices will be heard. Thank you for looking out for my well being and also that of fellow commuters as it is a hazard to travel on vessels that are not mantained to the level that they should be.

Whilst it may be an inconvenience thank you for the advance notice as I was able to work out means of transport over night….continue to do what you have to do to make things right…

By: PBanks

PBanks — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:33:32 +0000

… unless you’re someone who relies on public transportation, particularly seniors.

By: Just want to be sure I understand

Just want to be sure I understand — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 14:00:02 +0000

According to the letter from the BIU these problems have been going on for years. Why did they wait until now to bring it the attention of the public rather than do so when the previous government was in office? After all, the OBA wasn’t in power five years ago so the problems aren’t the result of their actions. Of course, if they do act to clean up the mess we’ll hear people screaming about the number of Bermudians that were let go/made redundant (and we’ll hear the usual groups complain if any new staff isn’t 100% Bermudian).

The decision to act now couldn’t have anything to do with the fact that Bean and Burt are about to be sued for slander could it? Hate to think what the union will do if/when they’re found guilty.

By: English teacher

English teacher — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 13:41:52 +0000

What an embarrassing letter, a simple grasp of the fundamental basics of the English language would go a long way. How can they expect to be taken seriously when they can’t even construct a simple sentence. The children of Bermuda should be shown this letter as a perfect example of how not to write. Mr Samuels should be ashamed for putting his name to it.

By: joe

joe — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 13:40:25 +0000

*demonic

By: Argosy

Argosy — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 13:27:34 +0000

A few weeks ago, the BIU pulled everyone out because an employer didn’t follow the letter of the CB Agreement. Now, they flaunt a CBA and the LAW by pulling a wildcat strike! Go figure!!

By: mitchell

mitchell — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 11:58:52 +0000

Enough is enough. Bring in the uk and have them settle this nonsense. It is quite obvious politicians on either side of the floor are not up to the task, and in the meantime it the average joe who supports either party who suffers the most!

By: Mazumbo

Mazumbo — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 11:04:42 +0000

And I said or bus.

By: Fred

Fred — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 06:03:42 +0000

This all will end up in a National Emergency, ban the BIU now or you will pay a big price later!!

By: Huh?

Huh? — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 03:56:15 +0000

Remember Bermuda, unions helped to bring the city of Detroit to its knees! Now it’s a barren wasteland where productivity and prosperity are almost nonexistent.

By: Jean Guy

Jean Guy — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 03:52:08 +0000

Your an idiot, and it’s because of degenerates like yourself that this place is gonna go to ****.

By: jt

jt — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 03:44:58 +0000

This is about no overtime – the rest is just window dressing.

By: Bermyboy

Bermyboy — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 02:56:23 +0000

Privatizing is not the answer. We need to all stand together and protect the rights our forefathers fought hard for. You people that have been on easy street all your life or are on easy street would never understand the struggle the field slave has or is going through. Stop burying your head in the sand and pay attention. The threat is real and you could be next!

By: Looking in

Looking in — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 02:23:51 +0000

Furby is out to get the OBA on behalf of the 14 yrs.

By: shaka zula

shaka zula — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 02:18:37 +0000

Knowing brother Chris, he will probably have the horses and donkeys unionised

By: Karma

Karma — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 02:09:38 +0000

Somebody in Government needs to grow a pair of Ronald Reagan-sized b@lls and fire the lot of them. Public transportation should be considered an essential service.

By: Lance

Lance — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:52:28 +0000

Thank you, I think I may wait till it settles down. The leader of that organization seems a tad agitated at the moment.

By: Jamwasea

Jamwasea — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:50:09 +0000

Here`s a thought, who are they (biu)hurting with these unlawfull meetings ? Not me !!!! It is my opinion Bermuda does not need buses or ferries. Bring back horses and donkeys and Chris Furburt and his stupid chest banging goes away !! No buses on the road, no ferries on the water, its a beautiful thing.

By: Miguelito

Miguelito — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:46:35 +0000

Enjoy your day off BIU. Hopefully, you’ll be enjoying many more real soon.

By: Jus' Askin'

Jus' Askin' — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:31:11 +0000

The ones that work, will be let go too

By: Come Correct

Come Correct — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:28:57 +0000

BIU HQ.

By: Lance

Lance — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:23:47 +0000

Hi, I am new to the island. Does anyone know where I will be able to get my prorated refund for the time missed on the quarterly pass?

thanks!

By: Coffee

Coffee — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:23:24 +0000

And all that for $15 one way from Dockyard ! Guess I’ll see you on board when your dream comes true .

By: BERR

BERR — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:22:27 +0000

Well said!

By: Coffee

Coffee — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:15:49 +0000

The owners of those properties took their monies including the workers pension contributions and ran .

By: Passive Aggressif

Passive Aggressif — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:08:49 +0000

B.I.U is a joke Union. They may have strength in numbers and the power to cause chaos, but it is not well run or well managed and certainly not respected as a union. Their accounts at one point were 11 years behind, yes 11 YEARS behind. They couldn’t manage their accounts properly, the CO-OP, credit union, Taxi Dispatch etc… Bring back Otti.

By: Capt T

Capt T — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:06:43 +0000

Yes that is why it has taken so long. When do they get to take a stand. Only if it convenience others. Like it says in the press statement it has been 3 years

By: Capt T

Capt T — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 01:01:52 +0000

No M&P is not one of those that have to give notice

By: Triangle Drifter

Triangle Drifter — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 00:38:00 +0000

Whatever the timeline is for privatising the ferrys, speed it up. The boats will be better cared for. The boats will no longer be overcrewed. We will get schedules that make sense. Ferrys will run at the convenience of passengers, not the hours the crews feel like working.

Best of all, NO MORE MEETINGS.

By: Walter Burgess

Walter Burgess — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 00:36:50 +0000

3 words.

Privatize Privatize Privatize………..

Just the way I see it.

-FWB Jr

By: Take it Easy!

Take it Easy! — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 00:35:37 +0000

The PLP/BIU KNOW full well the OBA is on the right track! But as Jose Mourinho would say they are “parking the bus”! LMAO!!!

By: Triangle Drifter

Triangle Drifter — Thu, 20 Feb 2014 00:14:01 +0000

How is that fight for workers rights going? Just ask the folks who USED to have jobs working at places like Sonesta, EBSC, Marriott, Lantana, Pink Beach, Ariel Sands, Harmony Club, loughlands, Skytop, Horizons, Coral Beach, Belmont, Glencoe, Bermudiana? Want more? How is it going for all of them?

Tell us Mazumbo, what has the BIU done for all of those folks? Are you proud of all those jobs that are now gone? You really showed em didn’t you?

By: MB

MB — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:48:37 +0000

So they don’t like any of their 5 Bermudian bosses (unqualified,bad management style, they bang up boats & spent 1.2 million on a ferry now outa service), and they don’t like the plan to bring in two non-Bermudian managers … so they are not going to work tomorrow. What do they want? Brother George in charge? Just tell us!

By: Mirror

Mirror — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:40:28 +0000

Can someone associated with the BIU please at least get a message to management in regards to the Hinson’s Island residents. Every other stop is accessible via road transport. While I do not understand all the situation here, please consider that this island has several seniors who do not own a boat or are unable to pilot a boat. In addition there is not a single place to berth a boat outside of the private yacht clubs.

If this is to be a long action could they perhaps see fit to run a morning and then a lunch run so that the residents can get groceries, see doctors etc. I believe if the union asks their staff they will confirm that these residents and the pilots and crew have an excellent relationship and that private boats for some are not an option.

Again, please pass this request on to BIU leadership for consideration.

Many thanks,

By: Girlspeak

Girlspeak — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:24:59 +0000

Getting ready for May?

By: Mazumbo

Mazumbo — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:24:40 +0000

Ya and treat workers like indentured slaves like the Indians, Philippines, Jamaicans and anyone else who comes from a country where their dollar is weak. Our ancestors sacrificed so we can live a better life from the hands of the Oligarchy mindset and that mindset is still around.

By: campervan

campervan — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:17:17 +0000

Yes you hardworking family folks who live in Somerset, take mazumbos advice and take taxi. Don’t worry it will set you back $70 a day. throw your ferry pass and take a taxi just like mazumbo recommends.

By: Story Teller

Story Teller — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:14:59 +0000

From page 3 of the BIU letter:

“Numerous reports have been given to Marine & Ports management that Mr. Randolph Smith has damaged boats trying to slip them and nothing seems to have been done, but when this infraction is done by a blue colour worker they are severaly dealt with by management.”

No wonder the ferries are in such bad shape. Apparently we have smurfs employed at M&P.

By: S O B

S O B — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:13:56 +0000

Nah, I’m good. I’ve been on strike…..for a real reason.

By: Anon

Anon — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:04:52 +0000

Apologies, that comment That was meant for Magumbo or dumbo whatever it is

By: Anon

Anon — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:03:23 +0000

Your uneducated, small minded ignorance is endless

By: Mazumbo

Mazumbo — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:00:43 +0000

Idiot, that’s why its called Public Transportation.
So if no one rides the bus or catches a taxi and depends on the ferry that leaves you with one form of transportation and hope there are no windy days. Idiot

By: Frank

Frank — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 23:00:25 +0000

Mr Furbert says this has gone on for 3 years. So in the PLP going to take any reposibilty for these issues???? That is the reason its ok to wlk out with no notice. Wow!

By: Hmmm

Hmmm — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 22:59:31 +0000

Not talking about history…talking about the 21st century. Stop living in the past, you cling onto it so desperately.