The war of words between Government and the unions rumbled on last night with the Bermuda Trade Union Congress firing another salvo across the bows of the One Bermuda Alliance leadership.

In a detailed seven-page statement, the BTUC said it was “utterly disappointed” by the “slander and accusations” made on Thursday by Premier Michael Dunkley and Finance Minister Bob Richards.

Mr Dunkley had said that reduction targets had not been fully reached and Government would continue to look at “all options” as it puts together the next Budget. But the BTUC claimed that the leader of Government’s team, Gary Phillips, approved the cost savings discussed during the meeting, and indicated that they were successful in reaching their goal.

“No further proposals were discussed as the Government group was satisfied that the cost-saving goals had been achieved,” the statement said.

“Acknowledging that the press corps was waiting outside, the Government team was invited to make a joint statement.

“The Government team indicated that they would prefer to make a statement at 2pm on Thursday. However, the BTUC felt that they were obligated to report the outcome to their membership immediately.

“It was at that point the BTUC first vice president Chris Furbert extended an invitation to the Premier to attend this joint press conference through the Government team.

“The Government team left the room and it was indicated to us that persons would call the Premier.

“We waited and then received confirmation from the Secretary to the Cabinet, Derrick Binns, that the Premier was not coming. As a result, we proceeded with the press conference.”

Mr Dunkley had stated categorically that he had not been invited to attend the BTUC press conference that was held at about 11pm on Wednesday after talks had ended.

Crunch talks between Government and the BTUC had been trying to come up with cost savings that would remove the need to continue with unpaid furlough days for staff — a dispute that saw employees stop work.

The union statement said the meeting of the working group discussed savings including a 12-month hiring freeze and a reduction of overtime, while the “caps” on financial assistance, consolidation of schools, travel and the cancelling of the Agricultural Exhibition were all said to be preapproved items from Cabinet.

“The BTUC, after some discussion, agreed that if these cuts are to be made, it was the Government who must justify its position on these contentious items to the public,” the statement said.

“The BTUC wondered why the Government needed permission from the BTUC for such cuts.

“The BTUC realised it was a sad way for the Government to place accountability on the BTUC for their political decisions.”

The statement concluded: “We once again have come to the table with clean hands, a pure heart and in good faith representing our members and urge the Government to begin to display a level of respect.

“The foregoing has demonstrated that the BTUC met the required cost reductions.

“Therefore the BTUC reaffirms to its members that furlough days are off the table indefinitely.”