Premier David Burt’s Labour Day Remarks
[Labour Day remarks from Premier David Burt]
Good Morning, Brothers and Sisters of the Bermuda Industrial Union, Bermuda Public Services Union, Bermuda Union of Teachers, Fire Services Association, Electricity Supply Trade Union, Bermuda Entertainment Union, Prison Officers Association, Bermuda Police Association and all trade union members and workers across our island…
I bring greetings on behalf of the Bermuda Government and the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party.
It is an honour to stand with you today as we celebrate the strength, unity, and progress of Bermuda’s labour movement. Labour Day is more than a holiday—it is our national recognition of the sacrifices made by those who fought tirelessly for the rights we enjoy today. This year’s theme, “Community is Power,” reminds us of the strength we derive from unity and collective action.
The history of Bermuda’s labour movement is a testament to the power of community. It is through solidarity, sacrifice and a joint commitment to equality that we have achieved significant victories for better working conditions, fairer wages, and the recognition of workers’ rights.
These accomplishments were not won by individuals acting alone but by the community standing together to demand change and fight for the rights that every Bermudian deserves.
From the strikes at the U.S. Naval Dockyard in the 1940s to the general strike of 1981, to more recent battle against privatisation and furlough days…our history is rich with examples of what we can achieve when we stand together.
But, brothers and sisters, our work is not done. We know the cost of living is still too high for too many, and the cost of healthcare is a concern for many Bermudians. As we balance the country’s budget, your Government will invest in those who deliver our public services to ensure their wage increases catch up to inflation, and we will invest to improve GEHI.
Do not let those who seek to divide us succeed. They wish for us to focus on personality politics and not policy. However, it is important that we focus on policy changes.
It is policy and legislation that has reduced taxes to the lowest level ever, ensuring that Bermudians keep more money in their pockets while making sure that the wealthy pay their fair share.
It is policy and legislation [not personality] that increases seniors’ pensions by the rate of inflation every single year.
Policy and legislation enhanced workers’ protections and implemented a minimum wage for the first time in this country’s history.
Rest assured, we know who we represent, and we know that this labour community is our community. Together, we have accomplished so much, but our work is far from finished.
And as I close, I reaffirm to you all today that your Government will always stand with and for labour. Our commitment to the workers of Bermuda is unrelenting because it is not just who we represent; it is who we are!
Thank you.
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