Trade Union Congress will hold lunchtime event to mark Workers’ Day
The Bermuda Trade Union Congress (BTUC) will join fellow workers around the world tomorrow (May 1) in recognition of International Workers’ Day.
And the union is urging members of Bermuda’s workforce to join them for an open air lunchtime event in Victoria Park from 12pm to 1pm.
A number of surprise guest artists will join BTUC president Wendell (Shine) Hayward for a free entertainment session that will also feature a short address by the union’s executive.
“There will be music and entertainment for your enjoyment, bring your own lunch,” said Mr Hayward.
International Workers Day, or May Day, is the day marked for recognition of International Labour Day when workers are celebrated universally. Mr Hayward extended a public invite for workers to “join us as we celebrate our workers and labour in Bermuda”.
Mr Hayward added: “We would like the public to be mindful of the fact that the fight for an eight-hour work day took place in May, a significant contributing factor in the celebration of International Workers’ Day or Labour Day.
“Based on that, the BTUC feels that its birth should be correctly recognised and celebrated as it pertains to the internationally recognised time of the year,” said Mr Hayward.
He added: “After all, when do we celebrate our birth dates?”
The Government recently turned down the BTUC’s bid to have the September date recognised for Labour Day in Bermuda moved to May 1. The May Day holiday is observed in more than 80 countries worldwide.
After consultation with key stakeholders, Economy Minister Patrice Minors said it was decided to keep the holiday in September. “While the BTUC’s view is relevant, I had to take a broader view of what kind of effect such a date change could have on our overall economy, our school system, our hoteliers and tourism product and, of course, our residents. Simply put the negatives outweighed the positives,” said Ms Minors.
The decision prompted the BTUC’s decision to host a May Day event tomorrow. Mr Hayward noted: “The BTUC will also host a social Happy Hour after work at Shine’s House of Music on Reid Street in Hamilton at 5pm.”
Need to
Know
2. Any poster that insults, threatens or verbally abuses another member, uses defamatory language, or deliberately disrupts discussions will be banned.
3. Users who violate the Terms of Service or any commenting rules will be banned.
4. Please stay on topic. "Trolling" to incite emotional responses and disrupt conversations will be deleted.
5. To understand further what is and isn't allowed and the actions we may take, please read our Terms of Service
- Should liquor stores be able to sell alcohol on Sundays?
- Yes
- 71%
- No
- 27%
- Don't Know
- 1%
- Total Votes: 2016
- Poll Archive
Comments
You must be registered or signed-in to post comment or to vote.
Published Apr 30, 2012 at 9:01 am (Updated Apr 30, 2012 at 9:01 am)