Hundreds of union members are to march on Parliament today in protest at Government's rejection of a binding arbitration award.

Members of the Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) have still not ruled out strike action – a decision they will take after arbitrators reconsider the pay award in the next few days.

The Bermuda Trade Union Congress, a federation of several unions, asserted its solidarity with the BPSU and Bermuda Police Association on Wednesday, accusing Government of attempting to "cherry pick" and "make a mockery of the process of binding arbitration".

The Royal Gazette understands the Bermuda Industrial Union is also to meet this morning to discuss its stance.

With the prospect of a general strike looming, the BPSU will first present a letter to Labour Minister Senator David Burch this morning, requesting arbitrators hold a hearing at which the Government must argue its position.

The request to the Tribunal is being made under section 25 of the Labour Relations Act 1975.

Up to 400 members rallied at union headquarters yesterday in response to Government's call for the Tribunal to reconsider a refund awarded of the one percent increase in employees' pensions payments from April 2008-9.

Senator Burch has said this is outside the 'terms of reference' and contrary to the Public Service Superannuation Act, 1981.

Asked whether he could foresee a general strike, BPSU general secretary, Ed Ball Jr, said the unions' reaction hinges on the arbitrators' reconsideration of the BPSU Award and Government's response.

Mr. Ball said: "The members will decide on that action, based on what's going to happen in the next couple of days, with the final determination of the members of the Tribunal.

"But they are frustrated enough to act out their frustration, and send a message to Government that they're not being treated fairly as workers."

Armell Thomas, BPSU president, said: "The (BPSU) members were very much in solidarity this morning. It is going to be a hot summer, in that we will be in and out of meetings because we're also getting ready for a new set of negotiations, as the contract ends on September 30.

"Membership has to determine if there is going to be a strike, but they are ready to walk, they are so frustrated."

Mr. Thomas added: "The unions are not going to back down. We are here for the people, and I can assure you we are not going to die. So for how long the Government wants to take and play hardball, we are here for the long haul."

The TUC has also criticised Government's call for a judicial review of the BPA's binding Arbitration Award.

Senator Burch said on Tuesday that the Permanent Police Tribunal's award of a housing subsidy for Bermudian officers was also outside the 'terms of reference'.

Workers fear Government's rejection of two binding Arbitration Awards could now set a precedent for future labour negotiations.

Mr. Ball said: "This is the first time two arbitration awards are being questioned, one for reconsideration, the other for judicial review.

"We are not so insensitive as to harm the economy of Bermuda, but sometimes workers have to sacrifice.

"We are not doing anything intentionally to jeopardise the economy, but workers do have rights and if they're expected to abide by the laws of the land, then we expect it when we go to arbitration.

"We see nothing, having been witness to what transpired at the arbitration, to say that this award was wrong."

Mr. Thomas said: "This is the first year I've ever seen, where our relationship has gone sour with Government.

"For 20 or so years we've had a good relationship, but from 2008, 2007, everything has gone the other way. Every union in association has gone to arbitration.

"We (the BPSU) are arguing about $1.5 million, that's what one percent equates to for our members. $1.5 million ain't no money.

"All we want is cost of living so the people can try to survive. If the people can't live in today's society, how the heck are they going to live for tomorrow?"

He added: "There's a lot of things for capital expenditure that have not been in the Budget, which are happening and which have cost more than $1.5 million.

"The issue comes down to pay. When the membership and their staff see the capital expenditures are growing and not even budgeted for, and there's no increases or movement in the employees' pay, it's a problem.

"They (Government) are stating we should be saving but at the same time they're being boisterous and saying they can do what they want with the public's money."

Mr. Thomas cited "consultants and private jets" as an example. He said: "People need information.

"Don't just buy a car and not explain why. If we need new golf courses and hotels, also spell it out."

Asked about this newspaper's call for Public Access to Information legislation, Mr. Ball said: "We've been on record as being for PATI. If you're running an honest camp you should never be fearful of being audited."

Mr. Ball said he wished to remind Government they had a mandate to the people.

"This attitude that we are the Government and we can do what we want — that was based on a promise to the electorate, and to also act in a responsible and principled manner, so that an auditor can come at any time and see things clearly and visibly. That is what is expected of us as unions.

"The PLP was founded with workers. This country has been fought off the backs of many people and I would hope that as people, we don't forget that.

"Any person in a leadership role, your role and function and the respect you earn is how you respect others.

"Every person brings something to the table, whether they are the garbage man, gardener, the doctor or lawyer."

Mr. Ball said: "There is an arrogance in Government, that is the whole problem.

"Arrogance is when you don't want to listen to the people. If you feel you are greater than the people, how can you get the respect of the people?"

Mr. Ball said the rising cost of living in Bermuda was resulting in members coming to the BPSU every day asking for financial assistance.

He said: "They say they can't buy gas, Pampers, food, 'shoes for my kids', clothing, or they say 'my lights have been turned off'. The people are suffering."

Last night Opposition Labour spokesman Michael Dunkley said Government had done a very poor job of handling the recent labour issues.

He said: "The march on Friday says it all; people are not happy, people feel they are not being paid attention to and people feel they are being taken for granted.

"To avert a further deterioration of affairs Government must show that they care and are sincere in fair resolutions. We are aware that any Government has to act in a responsible, prudent and fiscally sensible manner.

"However this Government shows that it can not control its spending - Faith Based Tourism being one good example - but yet they push back against unions who present sound cases.

"Furthermore we are most concerned that in the case of the Bermuda Police Association, Government agrees to the use of the Tribunal and then goes against the binding award."

He urged both sides to hammer out a settlement.