The Bermuda Government’s impending court case against the members of the Bermuda Trade Union Congress has been protested by an overseas group.

The Government is seeking an injunction against what it charges are unlawful industrial actions, in the aftermath of widespread marches by public service workers in January.

A letter has been sent to Michael Dunkley from Fred van Leeuwen, general secretary of a global body known as Education International, contesting the judicial action against the Bermuda Union of Teachers BUT).

According to the letter, to the group represents 32 million educators worldwide.

Sent to the Premier today from Education International’s office in Brussels, the letter states as follows:

“It has come to our knowledge that the Minister of Home Affairs will be seeking from the court next week an injunction that will make it unlawful for the BUT and four other public service unions to engage in any type of industrial action.

“Last January, the BUT showed good faith in working with the government to address budget shortfalls. Budgetary solutions were mutually agreed upon. However your government preferred to ignore them and is now initiating questionable legal action to attack union rights.

“By ratifying ILO conventions 87 and 98, Bermuda committed to respecting the rights of workers and civil servants to freedom of association and to collective bargaining. We hope that your government will keep honouring this commitment. Should it not be the case, EI and the BUT will bring the case to the International Labour Organisation.

“Education International is calling on the Government of Bermuda to:

• Withdraw the legal action against the BUT and the other public service unions;

• Maintain a meaningful dialogue with BUT, and respect collective agreements;

• Respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of teachers in accordance with international labour standards.

“I trust that your government will act swiftly to address this important matter. In the meantime, Education International, and the teaching community.”