Disruption Of Garbage Collection Services
[Updated] “Concerns raised by workers in the Waste Management section have temporarily disrupted garbage collection services,” the Ministry confirmed today, adding that “dialogue is ongoing and a meeting is scheduled tomorrow to address the concerns.”
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Public Works and the Department of Works and Engineering advises the public that concerns raised by workers in the Waste Management section have temporarily disrupted garbage collection services.
“As part of our mandate to provide reliable garbage collection services, we are committed to working with the BIU and its members to resolve the issue raised and restore this essential service as soon as possible. Dialogue is ongoing and a meeting is scheduled tomorrow to address the concerns.
“The Ministry very much appreciates and understands the concerns raised, and we are determined to resolve this impasse and restore full service to the island.
“The Department of Works and Engineering apologizes for the inconvenience and will provide updates as new information becomes available.”
Update: Premier David Burt said, “Unfortunately, we have had an issue today with trash collection. We are working through this with the Bermuda Industrial Union and the Ministry of Public Works.
“I am concerned that the result of this impasse would be counter-productive to all that we are trying to achieve by causing more people to be out of their homes and in unnecessary contact with others just to dispose of their trash. My hope is that this impasse can be resolved in the best interest of all of us.”
This is an essential service in Bermuda.
Who the hell does this department think they are?
What if the nurses, doctors and emt’s did the same thing. What do you think would happen.
Agreed!
This virus has us all concerned… and now we hear that garbage is not being picked up, what the hell is this all about ? and on a good note thank you Premier for your up dates and calm manner on keeping us informed.
I appreciate very much what the garbage collectors do on a daily basis. I cannot understand why they would consider themselves at risk at work. They are a perfect example of social distancing without the need for prompts.
Sure safety is safety, but wrong time for the unions to start doing their thing.
Public sympathy in short supply – get them protective gear, and get them back to work.
This is a national emergency not a holiday!
Thank you Premier Burt for trying to be calm and cool and collected…we need that but we need you to be firm with the union as they must do their job…many thanks for what you are trying to do on our island
“we need that but we need you to be firm with the union as they must do their job”
Yeah, good luck with that. The Premier did not even hint at the fact that his friend and colleague had called an illegal strike.
I am tired of these selfish BIU actors – fire then all and no assistance for loss of jobs! An essential service is an essential service and if you don’t work you get fired!
Why is there always an issue? Give them their protective gear. Can’t we do anything righti? SMH!