Employers, unions and politicians signed a proclamation yesterday celebrating workers of all kinds as they came together to get involved in organising Labour Day.

Labour Minister Terry Lister told guests at City Hall that Bermuda already practised tripartitism on the Labour Advisory Council, set up in the mid 1960s, and pointed out that the Employment Act 2000, which ensured standards in the workplace, was drafted with input from all sides.

The Joint Labour Day Committee proclamation embraced diversity in the workplace and promised to transcend barriers and unite to celebrate labour.

Mr. Lister is leading a delegation of worker, employer and Government representatives to Geneva for the annual International Labour Organisation conference in Switzerland.

Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) vice president Chris Furbert said employers and unions were joining hands for the future economic stability of the Island.

Festivities planned for the summer include sporting events, a family day at Clearwater Beach, "Labour at Harbour Night" and the Labour Day banquet as well as the 21st Annual Labour Day celebration at Bernard Park.

BIU president Derrick Burgess said of the proclamation signing: "It's first class. The committee is trying to make people appreciate labour. Labour isn't just blue collar workers, it's nurses, doctors, lawyers."

Chamber of Commerce executive vice president Diane Gordon agreed and said the committee would promote better understanding.