Column: Burgess On Workers, Salaries & More

[Opinion column written by MP Derrick Burgess]

Whenever there is talk about dealing with the issues facing our country, the first thing that some people want to do is dump on the workers and push all of the sacrifices and job cuts on them. Our workers built this country and for anyone to look towards them as the ones to carry the full weight and full sacrifice of any of Bermuda’s ills is wrong and we will not stand for it.

The recent editorial laying out some of the positions of the FDM made it very clear that, like the OBA, they see the Civil Service as the first on the chopping block to achieve their goals. We oppose this approach, and we will fight against anyone who plans to put any of our people out on the street or cut their pay.

This is why we stand so strong against those who take this approach. First, under the OBA, the workers were treated like the “low-hanging fruit” and insulted, belittled, and subjected to salary freezes and pay cuts through furlough days. They’ve seen enough, sacrificed enough, and received little thanks for what they did, while those making the big dollars went untouched.

Second, losing a job and losing your income, and your ability to pay your bills and meet your responsibilities is traumatic.

Third, the FDM approach will create a whole new class of unemployed in Bermuda. How does the FDM plan to deal with that?

These are the things that aren’t said or even thought about when people boast about how they will cut what they and their supporters call the “bloated civil service.”

The FDM’s proposal to shrink the size of government mirrors the OBA approach that we had to fight and march against. Cuts to education, scholarships, workforce development, social services, and infrastructure were just some of the burdens placed on the workers just a few years ago. We won’t allow them to go through that again.

Now, if we want to talk about making the government more efficient and work better for our people, that’s fine. The PLP would take that approach before throwing our people out on the street.

The FDM also says they want to get rid of the Economic Empowerment Zones, an initiative designed to help our people and our communities that need some uplift. We should never forget that Michael Dunkley took the same approach leading up to the 2012 election.

Why would you take benefits designed to help people, entrepreneurs, and areas that need it most and give it to people, areas, and businesses that already have a headstart in life?

It makes no sense.

One thing you can be sure of is that the PLP will always fight against those who want to put any burden on our workers or cut their jobs. while giving everything to those already doing well in life and financially.

- Derrick Burgess

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