A construction worker led a small demonstration to the House of Assembly on Friday to protect Bermudian jobs.

Shawn Dill, formerly employed at the new hospital building project, called for tighter immigration laws to increase opportunities for Bermudians.

“Too many of my people have fallen victim to workplace discrimination that has led to a feeling of anxiety, confusion, frustration and anger,” he said.

“The fact that so many people who possess skill and talent are having difficulty finding a job indicates the challenge that we face.

“In order to strengthen our economy and provide stability and security to the Bermudian people, the Government must make immediate changes to resolve this problem of injustice.

“I am asking that Government take the responsibility and commit to providing job placements for all unemployed Bermudians and to work promptly in order to give them a chance to not only get ahead but also to increase their dignity and financial security.”

Mr Dill, a skilled technician specialising in drywall ceiling construction, was laid off from his job with a subcontractor at the Paget hospital site in March, but he said less well-qualified workers from overseas were retained.

“There was no room for Bermudians to be streamed into any of the other companies.

“Therefore we had foreign workers who were still working who weren’t on my level of skill gainfully employed,” he added.

He spoke to Premier Michael Dunkley as he and around ten other people stood outside Parliament, and said Mr Dunkley had promised to call him and arrange a meeting.

Mr Dill added that he also wanted to see term limits of just one year on work permits during which a Bermudian should be trained to take over the roles of overseas workers.

He said that all contracts should have a clause allowing for an overseas worker to be replaced within three months if a suitably-qualified Bermudian was identified.

“However, if the company is financially capable and decides to be corporate friendly, termination will only occur at the end of the foreign worker’s term limit,” he said.

He added that an independent commission should police work permits and contracts for people from overseas, while the commission would also investigate grievances.