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BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Commonsense must prevail

Chris Furbert

This newspaper has recently put on record that it is a firm believer in unions — but in the same article it also called for unions to exercise some commonsense.So the latest sabre rattling by Bermuda Industrial Union President Chris Furbert is somewhat alarming and it is to be hoped it is just that, sabre rattling.It is a crucial time in Bermuda’s economic history, and everyone must be united in one aim — to improve the lot of all the Island’s citizens, not promote one group to the detriment of another.However, if Mr Furbert is correct in his assertions that removing some people from the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal is a breach of the Labour Relations Act and the union was not consulted, then maybe he has a genuine issue.Presumably the Minister, Michael Fahy, took legal advice which said he did not need to consult, but regardless, a courtesy hand should have been extended to the BIU.The union needs to act responsibly and not take any action that could jeopardise any economic recovery.The Government has a responsibility to consult, to ensure everyone buys into its vision and to act transparently.Whoever is right or wrong in this instance — and this newspaper knows there are always two sides to the story — commonsense must prevail now and in the future.