Unions: Members Expected To Report To Work
[Updated]
The BPSU addressed a message being circulated asking workers to engage in work stoppages and sickouts on Monday, saying the BPSU “wishes to make it clear that it has not endorsed any actions which may be contrary to our members’ conditions of employment” and they “have advised our membership that they are expected to report to work on Monday.”
The statement, from 1st Vice President Wendell Burchall, said, “The Bermuda Public Service Union [BPSU] has been informed of a communique that is being disseminated allegedly from the Bermuda Trade Union Congress [BTUC] asking workers to engage in work stoppages and sickouts on Monday.
“The BPSU wishes to make it clear that it has not endorsed any actions which may be contrary to our members’ conditions of employment.
“We have advised our membership that they are expected to report to work on Monday as normally required. In addition, the BPSU requests that persons cease forwarding the alleged communique.”
Update 3.46pm: The BUT’s Michael Charles said, “The BTUC has been made aware of information circulating concerning industrial action taking place tomorrow February 29, 2016. Please be informed that the BTUC has not called for any industrial action at this time. Please report to work as per usual.”
Update 4.24pm: BIU President Chris Furbert said, “Like other unions who are members of the Bermuda Trade Union Congress [BTUC], the Bermuda Industrial Union has also been made aware of information that is circulating that there the BTUC has called for an island-wide work stoppage.
“As President of the Bermuda Industrial Union and the BTUC, I can assure members of the public that no such call has been made.
“All members of the BIU are requested to be at their posts on Monday, February 29, 2016 as normal.”
Update Feb 19, 6.57am: For the avoidance of doubt, both buses and ferries are running this morning.
It looks like some people want a broken country to descend even further than it has so far; well let them, maybe 2016 is the time for some spoilt Bermudians to experience real poverty. No manufacturing, no IT type of industry etc etc. Perhaps a third world type of country is what we need before the ‘penny drops’ And what is the new call that we have been hearing ‘Lets shut the Country down’ I hope they have a war chest ready to dip into. SMH
So, the BTCU/plp have been caught in their attempts to once again disrupt normal business by calling for sick outs and work stoppages!!! I would like to thank Jason Hayward for doing the correct thing and denounce this once again attempted unlawful actions by those that think our labour laws do not have to be followed by they themselves?? If this action by the BTUC/plp workers is actually successful, then I truly hope for once those that are breaking the law for once will be held accountable, those workers that partake in this illegal action should be instantly terminated and those that organized it, have serious $$ Fines imposed on them and whatever the courts can penalize them with!!!!
Now the article has been updated and the BTUC is claiming to be not supporting this unlawful action? So, it is easy to see what is going on here by that lawless Walton/plp!!! This is part of thier ” civil disobedience” and as I stated earlier, all those that partake should be held accountable through instant dismissal from their jobs, and the lawless Walton/plp held accountable financially and whatever other penalties the courts can hand them????
Kangoocar, obviously you have a problem with reading. Sad!!
Actually I think you have a problem with the way Bernews works?? The update came after I posted, and I have since made a reply to my comment correcting it, but un be known to me why, it has not been posted??? Your comment just proves what I always think, when it comes to your type of common sense, which leads me to remind everyone of the fact that your type of thinking in no way shape or form, should ever be allowed to be in a posistion to control our destinies!!!!!
You really don’t help yourself.
Your posts are becoming as pointless to read as Betty’s.
Becoming pointless? lol… that was 5 years ago.
Wait a second Troll, you know it was just a rumor about the industrial strike.
Same rumor that’s going around with 50% of the OBA big shots thinking that they will win the 2017 election!!!I can tell you this, not with all the crap they continue pushing down the average voters throats.
The other 50% of the OBA big shots already know if the party keeps playing Russian Roulette with the voters down this road…….the party will be out.
If you think that the strong support base is on Bernews clicking like or dislike. You best talk to the majority which is the average brother or sister on the street. This group helped the OBA win the 2012 General Election by not voting PLP or OBA, then again some switched teams and voted only OBA.
You need to read my reply to Laverne, and if you have one once of decency?? You will apologize!!!!
Actually, Jason Hayward has NOT denounced the email being circulated. He has been totally silent.
Could help but notice that, as the head of the BPSU, he should be at the top of the list condemning this action… so why is it the statement calling for workers to show up at their jobs came instead from the 1st Vice President??? I can’t even think of a time when a statement from the BPSU hasn’t come from the president.
Aaaaawwwwww shucks
Bunch of ignorant people are behind this foolishness. Just to utter the rubbish thoughtS of bringING the country to a standstill us evidence of this foolishness. We people need to stop wearing our ignorance as a badge of honor. This is madness. No one gonna give you any handouts… or hire you just so you have a job then you don’t want to work.
I think we’re all tired of the wildcat walk-outs….even the Unions. This rumour is pure mischief making
Yea, grow up people. You act like a bunch of school kids hoping for a huricane day (or a snow day in the states) so you don’t have to go to school.
Meanwhile, in other news, grown ups all over the island with respect for their jobs and paychecks show up for work on time as usual.
Had to add the racist undertones didn’t you.
The unions are saying that at this time they have not instructed their membership not to report to work. Ignorance is believing that this is neither a possibility nor necessary. It is imperative that Bermudians take what ever action necessary to defend their best interest.
Probably best to turn up to work then if that’s what’s been publicly advised.
Better that than risk your job.
And I think this is where you and others are missing it… People have had it with this gov’t, I think they are being reminded about a horrible past and they will refuse to allow it to happen again, that’s what I saw with those older folks shouting no, no, no at the town hall..they had been down that road before. Bermuda had better be very careful.
People always bring up their past but fail to remember what the PLP did. How millions were spent on utter nonsense and millions “disappeared”. Did you know that our debt began with the PLP? As of 2000, we were $160 million in debt from former PLP member Jennifer Smith. Then it was Ewart Brown and WE all know what happened then. We went from $160 million in debt to $2 billion in debt. So what, do people just choose to be colorblind?
Let us be honest here….The OBA have been very good to the civil service. They did not come in and make sweeping job cuts as the opposition fairy-tailed. They put in programs of voluntary redundancy and hiring freezes instead.
The blame for any of todays difficulties on this island sit firmly with the PLP. Pretending otherwise shows ignorance or worse wilful manipulation of reality.
I have no clue what the hell is going on.
Seems like Mr. Alah Akbah needs a good kick in the assabah.
I feel for you Bermuda.
Shalom.
@Hmmm who said anything about Black people.
Hmmmmmmm,mm,
that’s not me….looking back at what they wrote, they don’t mention race at all in that comment….
Honestly people don’t think. As if the economy needs people to come to a standstill. Go on then. And while we’re at it, let’s make all of those foreigners that have been here for the past decade leave as well. Let’s see how that goes into play. You can all kiss your pensions goodbye.
Looks like the unions have lost control.
My union, The BPSU, has a solid history of respecting and abiding by the CBAs (collective bargaining agreement) that were negotiated in good faith. The BTUC has made it clear that this message is not endorsed by them…. whomever listens and follows this rumour is on their own.
Kangoocar you need to go plant a garden or take up a hobby of some kind!
It is clear that long history came to an end over a year ago when spurred on by the BPSU president, its members and members of fellow BTUC unions took illegal action that not only violated its CBA’s with government, but also local labour laws and the international labour guidelines from the ILO. And where is that president now, speaking out against this illegal action, why is it instead the 1st VP.
Except when they didn’t…
Was there any reason given? Surely you cannot expect someone to stay away from work without a good reason. Or are they just expected to do what the leader tells them?
Buckleys…tastes awful but it works.
So don”t they work a leaps year? Shame the Court’s are powerless.
I guess that court order has begun to sink in!
To be honest, I don’t think the court order ever mattered…it was just a formality to slow down the inevitable..
It would seem that the ongoing quest (as demanded not too long ago) to totally destabilize the island and unseat the (OBA) government is reaching a crescendo .
Employers should forward the wages of anyone who strikes to the Government general fund with a message saying: “Please use this contribution from a BPSU worker towards defraying Bermuda’s National Debt.”
I don’t understand. They say that they are concerned about jobs, and now some are suggesting the very thing that is likely to destroy jobs and the prospect of future jobs. A reality check is needed, and a little common sense.
My guess is that you’ll never understand then.. I’ve seen a history of people who have sacrificed their lives for what they believe…
What they committed suicide…who are these people you speak of?
I was thinking of the Bermudians who went overseas during the last two World Wars who never came home .
It is the only power they have – withdrawal of labor. All other power has been emasculated. Slow simmer. What happens in the dark will come to light.
Quo Fata Ferunt
They just want a three day weekend…
Let ‘em walk, and then let’s fire them.
*Flashback to the 1970′s Alert* I bet those exact words were uttered.
A great way to cut the bloated civil service. You don’t show up your fired. Period end of story
BEST IDEA EVER! That way they have no one to blame for their unemloyment but themselves.
If we are talking about performing civil disobedience here. TO HACK WITH WHAT THE UNIONS HAVE TO SAY!!!
The real question is…Will anyone notice?
A message can not be ‘randomly’ circulated representing the union. How was this message received and from who? it is beholden upon the Union to investigate what individual is mis representing the organization and the workers and name and shame them.
To not name the individual who started this rumour to the point that it seemed to come directly from the congress is seriously concerning. As a BPSU member, i would like my union to clearly identify the individual(s) and lambaste them for creating fear and controversy in our name, we have it rough enough right now without undue and harmful agents further slighting our union.
A fair amount of you are chumping at the bit when it concerns the civil service you look like a school of breams after some bait.I have not seen one union rep admit to or even condone this action but I’m sure you wanted to get what you posted off of your chest anyway………bloody amusing if not also sad.