Only a day after an industrial dispute that brought buses and ferries to a standstill was resolved, Government met with union leaders and employers groups to continue discussions on shared sacrifice.

The Tripartite Economic Committee gathered on Friday in the wake of a week of unrest sparked by redundancies at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess hotel.

“We had a very difficult week which resulted in emotions and tensions running high due to a labour matter,” said Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy. “Fortunately, we were able to resolve the labour differences and this was only accomplished by ensuring that there was a collaborative effort between Government, the BIU and the Fairmont Hamilton Princess.”

He met with members of the Bermuda Trade Union Congress, the Chamber of Commerce, the Bermuda Employers Council, the Bermuda Hotel Association and others to look at steps that could be taken to ease the burden on the public in the challenging economic climate.

The retail sector was highlighted with presentations from a local grocery store and the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Sen Fahy, who is Chairman of the Tripartite Economic Committee, confirmed he will be convening a meeting of the Labour Advisory Council to allow further the discussion on various labour matters.

“Friday’s meeting was a testament that despite the labour challenges, we can manage to come together in a harmonious way and work towards finding solutions for the betterment of Bermuda,” he said.

“This Government recognises that we are still living in some very tough times where many Bermudians remain unemployed, where people are struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table for their families, and where they are desperately trying to fulfil their basic obligations.

“So Friday, we convened a meeting to hear two very important presentations on just what can be done to help ease the burden for Bermudians.”

Sen Fahy said the meeting was “positive and productive”, and that he looks forward to further dialogue with the unions to ensure that Government is doing the best it can to support Bermudians.

The Committee first met in October as part of an effort to improve communication between the parties involved, and members took part in a two-day retreat in November.