BTUC: “Safe And Healthy Work Environment”

The Bermuda Trade Union Congress [BTUC] is launching their “We built this island campaign’ emphasizing every worker’s contribution to service on our island” noting that “unions must take responsibility to ensure that workers in today’s new world of work are afforded the opportunity of a safe and healthy work environment.”

BTUC General Secretary Kevin Grant said, “The International Labour Organization [ILO] will be celebrating International Workers memorial day by emphasizing the importance of the fundamental right for there to be safe and healthy environments in the workplace.

Now more than ever, in the aftermath of a worldwide pandemic, there must be a heightened awareness for employers to ensure that all workers are afforded adequate safety and any necessary protection within their work environments.

“The International Trade Union Congress recently indicated that on April 28 Unions worldwide will be incorporating the ILO’s ‘fundamental right to a safe and healthy working environment’ to address the horrifying reality that 3 million workers die each year because of their work.

“Reinforced via the 2 ILO Conventions 155 and 187, it is envisioned that jurisdictions will now have the obligation of enforcing this fundamental right of occupational safety and health. Unions have a responsibility to ensure awareness and recognition of a safe work environment to both employers and employees.

“As we approach the celebration of International Workers Day on Monday May 1, 2023, the Bermuda Trade Union Congress [BTUC] will be launching our ‘We built this island campaign’ emphasizing every worker’s contribution to service on our island. Unions must take responsibility to ensure that workers in today’s new world of work are afforded the opportunity of a safe and healthy work environment.

“A healthy and safe work environment requires:

• that employers must ensure a workplace that is void of any Bullying and Sexual Harassment or Incivility

• a work environment that ensures the safety of workers with regards to Mental Health and the impact this may have in the workplace

• a work environment whereby employers ensure that adequate resources and equipment allow for workers to carry out their day to day duties and responsibilities without fear of circumstances that may negatively impact public services

• an environment whereby the physical conditions of buildings and their infrastructure ensure the safety and protection of workers

• a work environment whereby employers invest in human capital, providing necessary training for workers in relation to health and safety in the workplace

• a work environment where appropriate benefits regarding sick leave and health insurance policies ensure adequate coverage for healthcare.

• an environment whereby consistent joint consultation between employers and employees ensures the establishment of Health and Safety Committees, and enforces necessary policies and procedures in accordance with the Occupational Safety Health Act [OSHA].

“On this International Workers Day:

“The BTUC are committed to ensuring the health and safety of workers and encourage key stakeholders on the island of Bermuda to engage in the necessary dialogue that encourages best practices to ensure the health and safety of all workers in the workplace.

“The ‘We built this Island’ campaign emphasizes the need to respectfully acknowledge the significant contributions that unions have made and will continue to do so, through ensuring transparency and good governance that transcends into the necessary and meaningful dialogue that will lead to the establishment of what the ITUC has determined as the ‘New Social Contract’.

“It is through the human centric initiative of a New Social Contract, that the ITUC World Congress 2022, endeavored to enforce the necessity for building workers power, freedom of association, collective bargaining and social dialogue.

“A New Social Contract is envisioned to address the inequalities and injustices that remain prevalent in today’s world of work. The ITUC have emphasized that the existing conditions are unsustainable and there must be an urgent transition and the adaptation of a New Social Contract by governments worldwide, to address key issues such as;

“Jobs, Rights, Wages, Social Protection, Equality, and Inclusion.

“As we celebrate International Workers Day, we must never forget the struggles and the difficult battles endured by our forefathers who fought for the many benefits and working conditions that we enjoy today. However, we must recognize and acknowledge the significant achievements made through collective bargaining, consultation, and collaboration.

“It is with this backdrop that the BTUC will advocate for a human centric approach through appropriate Social Dialogue, to address the many concerns facing this country both physically and economically.”

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