A court date is likely to be set this year for the ongoing legal dispute between the Bermuda Public Services Union and four other public sector trade unions, and the Bermuda Government, which is seeking an injunction against walkouts.

The detail emerged in the BPSU’s annual report, presented at last night’s annual general meeting, which included updates on the salary of the BPSU president and treasurer, Jason Hayward.

It also covered the controversy over furlough days, which brought thousands on to the streets in January after a letter from Bob Richards, the Minister of Finance, said that salaries could be cut if furloughs were not continued.

Mr Hayward’s pay dominated an anonymous e-mail widely circulated in recent days that raised questions about his salary increase and dual role in the organisation.

Although Mr Hayward declined to comment in advance of the meeting, the report shed some light on his role: his promotion to full-time paid president was a decision of the BPSU’s general council on February 2. It was supported at a February 13 general meeting by a vote of 274 for and 69 against. A president’s post review committee was also created.

After the committee’s reviews in conjunction with work by an unspecified human relations firm, the president’s salary was set by the general council at $119,478 on September 9.

The committee had recommended setting annual pay for the job at $141,458, while the firm proposed salaries of $110,000 for entry level, $131,000 for mid-level and a maximum of $154,000.

There were no nominations for the post of treasurer at a by-election in May, the report said. Mr Hayward was subsequently elected to the job by the general council.

The report detailed the BPSU’s creation of a 2014-17 strategic plan, covering training, a new division in response to the BPSU’s growth, and the creation of a political action committee reflecting its role as an independent voice for workers and a watchdog to hold political figures accountable.

A community outreach and cultural activities committee promotes the BPSU’s profile in the community.

According to the report, the BPSU has been subject to anti-union tactics. Stating that legislation does not protect workers who are waiting to vote on union recognition, it referred to an unnamed company where many staff believed to be seeking representation were terminated.