Bus Service Resumes, Drivers To ‘Work To Rule
[Updated] Minister of Transport Lawrence Scott will be holding a press conference this morning [Dec 17] and we will stream it live, so the video below should start at around 10.30am. The topic of the press conference was not stated, however we assume it is likely to be about the bus situation, with service currently suspended due to industrial action.
Update 10.49am: “We believe that the industrial action is unlawful,” Minister Scott said. “A letter has been delivered to the BIU urging them to return to work by noon today. Failing that, we will take whatever steps open to us to bring the work stoppage to an end, which may include commencing proceedings in the Supreme Court.”
He added the Government “will uphold its no work no pay policy in this instance.”
Update 11.25am: Minister Scott’s remarks:
Good morning members of the media,
There is a work stoppage at the Department of Public Transportation concerning the Bermuda Industrial Union’s Bus Division. We believe that the industrial action is unlawful and contrary to section 87[2][ii] and/or [iii] of the Trade Union and Labour Relations [Consolidation] Act 2021.
A letter has been delivered to the BIU urging them to return to work by noon today.
Failing that, we will take whatever steps open to us to bring the work stoppage to an end, which may include commencing proceedings in the Supreme Court for damages and an injunction preventing any further inducements of breach of contract by the BIU on these issues [pursuant to section 94 of the 2021 Act].
The government will uphold its no-work no-pay policy in this instance.
Update 5.15pm: Bus service has resumed, and the BIU Bus Division issued notice that they will ‘work to rule’.
A spokesperson said, “The Department of Public Transportation advises that bus service resumed shortly after 12:30 pm today, operating on a regular weekday schedule. However, the Bermuda Industrial Union’s Bus Division issued notice that they will ‘work to rule’. For commuters, this may cause some delays and additional cancellations.
“Commuters are advised to check for the latest cancellation notices and updates at www.gov.bm/bus-alerts. The Department appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation and shares the frustration at the interruption of services.”
Update: Part of a press conference with BIU President Chris Furbert. Please note — our apologies for this! — it is not the full press conference as we normally post, as it was called with short notice so we scrambled and were late, but filmed what we could.
Be the first to set an example and start at 10.30, not sometime around. Sums up this sloppy don’t care attitude that is so common.
There was no hesitation when asked whether the PLP Government was considering privatisation of the bus service. There was a firm “no”.
It is a shame that our Government will not even consider an alternative to the current public bus system.
“The government will uphold its no-work no-pay policy in this instance”
Riiiight, like you did last time. And the time before that. And the time before that…and…?
Sure you will.
Jason Hayward (http://parliament.bm/parliament/view/17) is our Minister of Labour, he will protect the union from the public. He will NOT protect the public from the union.
Dear Government, If you will not privatize the bus service, at least make them Essential Service workers. That way, they cannot hold the Public and the island’s Tourism at ransom. Their petty disputes should immediately go to arbitration and not leave bus and ferry riders in the lurch.
That’s how it’s supposed to work, but good luck with that. They’ll still strike knowing nothing will be done.
Just a distraction from the gr8 wall of harbor road
Typical start out strong then fold like a deck of cards !
Actually the Bee High Yoo have been doing this crap since the days of Barbara Ball.
Everytime unlawfull strike/work stoppage then ……..point made and work to rule.
Whose damn rules…………………………….
WTF does work to rule mean with these twats? Honestly?
The service is sh*t , half the buses don’t run , government are incapable and incompetent.
Will anyone notice?