Minister Jason Hayward’s Labour Day Remarks
[Labour Day remarks from Minister of Economy & Labour Jason Hayward]
Greetings Bermuda…welcome to all workers, union leaders, special guests, family, and friends.
Today marks Bermuda’s 42nd observation of Labour Day, a day when we come together to celebrate the incredible contributions of our workers – the heart and soul of our island.
On this Labour Day, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of Bermuda’s workers. Your dedication, your resilience, and your hard work does not go unnoticed. Through the efforts of your labour, Bermuda remains a thriving and strong community.
On this Labour Day let us renew our collective commitment to build a future that is bright and full of promise, where every Bermudian has the opportunity to succeed. Let us renew our collective commitment to promoting the welfare of workers. Let us renew our collective commitment to social justice. Let us renew our collective commitment to building stronger unions. Let us remember that our strength lies in our unity.
This Government has been unwavering in our commitment to work for the workers of Bermuda. The Government remains dedicated to ensuring that every worker has the support they need to build a better and fairer life. Our mission is clear: to provide social protections for those in need, to advance Bermuda’s economic growth, to support jobseekers, and to ensure fair treatment in the workplace. The newly established Department of Labour is at the forefront of this mission, championing the rights of our workers and ensuring that fairness and equity are not just ideals, but realities.
Our record of accomplishment has been clear, and our actions demonstrate our commitment to advancing workers’ rights. Over the past four years the Government has:
- implemented Bermuda’s first statutory minimum hourly wage.
- ensured every workplace has a bullying and harassment policy,
- increased compensation for workplace injuries,
- extended [maternity leave to 13 weeks,
- implement paternity leave as a statutory right,
- ensured workers receive meal breaks,
- protected employees’ earned tips and gratuities,
- enabled employees to receive leave entitlement after 6 months,
- ensured a mandatory consultation period prior to redundancy, and
- created guidelines to ensure employees are not misclassified as independent contractors.
The Government also recognizes the vital role that unions play in safeguarding the rights of our workers. As a result, the Government has also worked to strengthen our unions by:
- creating provisions for automatic union certification,
- creating automatic agency shop promptly during certification,
- ensuring the union receives all or 50% of agency shop contributions,
- expanding the scope of who can be unionized, and
- ensuring that the union continues to represent workers after the sale, transfer or merger of a company.
The partnerships we have forged with union leaders are essential in promoting fair bargaining and ensuring decent working conditions. A strong and thriving labour movement requires strong labour unions working with a strong labour government. This Government will continue to work closely with our union partners and employer organizations to promote fairness and protect the rights of employees. This year’s Labour Day theme, “Community is Power,” speaks to the essence of what we stand for. It is only by coming together— government, businesses, unions, and workers alike—that we can overcome the challenges ahead.
While our economic indicators may show progress and we are experiencing the lowest unemployment in 40 years, we are all feeling the lingering effects of the pandemic and global events. Inflation, while on a downward trend, means the cost of living remains a challenge, which erodes the purchasing power and the quality of life for workers and their families.
The Government will continue to address Bermuda’s cost of living with a sense of urgency. We have not been sitting idle while companies place profit over people. We will continue with our commitment to expand affordable housing. We will continue to reduce electricity costs. We will continue with subsidizing fuel costs. We will continue to work towards reduced tax on workers. We will continue to ensure that we give seniors pension increases. We will continue to ensure that the salaries of workers progress. This Government will continue utilising all its resources and engaging all industry partners in its continued efforts to provide for and maintain the well-being of Bermuda’s workers.
Looking forward, the Government has several future-forward initiatives in place. We are working on an updated Work Permit Policy that includes a provision ensuring Bermudians are better protected in the workplace. New legislation is also in the works to eliminate the employer’s portion of payroll tax for Bermudian workers at or over the age of 65. We will also be increasing severance pay for workers who have been made redundant.
We have established the National Certification and Apprenticeship Board with a strategic focus on skilled trades, certifications, and apprenticeships. This Board will focus solely on national certification administration, development in skilled trades, and increased promotion and advocacy for apprenticeship schemes.
In closing, I would like to reiterate the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving our shared goals. By combining our efforts and resources, we can build a brighter future for all Bermudians, where equitable opportunities and economic prosperity are not just aspirations but tangible realities. Let us remain steadfast in our dedication to creating a thriving, inclusive, and resilient workforce for generations to come.
Thank you, and Happy Labour Day!
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