Dear Sir,

The impasse between Government and the union congress is most unfortunate and the longer it continues all Bermudians will be the losers.

Our fragile economy is only just beginning to show signs of recovery and it will take time and cooperation to get out of the hole that was dug for us by the last government.

Labour action makes no sense. A possible casualty is our hotel bookings for the season ahead and the livelihood of those in the hotel industry and other related industries.

What about our senior citizens who are dependent on their pension cheques? Are they not our brothers and sisters too? Are we not cutting off our noses to spite our faces? Did anyone in their right mind think that the OBA or any government could turn this horrendous financial debacle around in only two years?

I appreciate that Government workers have made sacrifices. Times are tough for all Bermudians. But it is a fallacy that Government workers have had to bear the brunt alone.

In the private sector, three thousand jobs have been lost, while no Government workers have been laid off, despite the fact that the Government has had to borrow money to pay your salaries.

I have sympathy for Government workers who have had to struggle to get by with half a loaf, but I am even more sympathetic towards those who have had no choice but to turn to financial assistance because they have lost their jobs altogether.

I appreciate that civil servants have sacrificed and given back concessions for more than five years but let us not lose sight of an inescapable fact — Bermuda is not yet out of its financial crisis.

As tough as it is, as tough as it has been, if sacrifices are not continued for the next few years, we will bury any chance of future recovery. The Finance Minister has indicated that the Budget will be tough on all sectors of the economy. This isn’t easy for anyone but it is necessary.

Truth and good ideas are emanating from both sides and both sides want what is best for Bermuda. So may I suggest that the unions and the Government cut each other some slack, for the good of Bermuda, and agree to start from scratch negotiating a way forward, with the understanding that the issue of the furlough only be brought up, if necessary, after having negotiated all other items first.

It may be that the furlough option might not be needed, or can be modified. Mr Premier and Cabinet, if you listen carefully, sandwiched between all the tough rhetoric, this is what the leader of the union has suggested. Take this olive branch and get both parties together.

One thing is clear, there must be compromise on both sides. United we all stand, divided we all will fall.

ANONYMOUS,

Warwick