Premier Ewart Brown yesterday encouraged the Island's unions to continue to push one another towards a better Bermuda.

Yesterday marked the 29th Labour Day march and hundreds of people gathered at Union Square, Hamilton, to participate in the annual parade.

Short political speeches were the order of the day with Bermuda's three political leaders keeping their addresses under five minutes.

Dr. Brown reminded the crowd it was his last Labour Day address before stepping down in October and said that while his Government and Bermuda's unions may not have always agreed on everything he believed that the unions had done better under a Progressive Labour Party Government.

"I believe they have gone from strength to strength," he said. "And I would like to challenge the leadership to challenge the fellowship and the fellowship to challenge the leadership to move forward."

Opposition UBP Leader Kim Swan said he was impressed that the hotel division of the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) and Hotel Employers of Bermuda had agreed to a wage freeze in return for waiving payroll tax in order to keep costs down and people employed.

"Earlier this year BIU President Chris Furbert announced that hotel employers and hotel workers agreed to accept a wage freeze — a major announcement that demonstrated good faith. Clearly it was an act of hotel employers, employees and the union working together and acting responsibly during tough times.

"An act that builds a trust bond between the employer, employee and their union; and more importantly preserved jobs during uncertain times.

"In my estimation this announcement by BIU President Chris Furbert and the Hotel Employers was huge! A major announcement that demonstrated Leadership and good faith."

Craig Cannonier, leader of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance, gave his party's first address at Labour Day. He said the holiday was about celebrating Bermuda's workforce which keeps the Island moving forward.

"Its because of unions that we enjoy the Bermuda we have today," he said.

He added that his party was focused on unity in the community and it was important that everyone worked together to ensure a brighter future for Bermuda. In a speech at the BIU annual banquet on Friday, Dr. Brown said many people had tried to divide the unions and PLP.

"When they ask what have we done for you, tell them that the Progressive Labour Party expanded opportunity by introducing free education at the Bermuda College allowing countless Bermudians who had the will, but not the means to improve their skills and their lives," he said. "When they tell you we did nothing for Bermudians, tell them how we protected our construction workers jobs by restricting work permits for companies that don't display the will or commitment to employ Bermudians.

"When they say we don't care about our seniors, tell them about how we brought you FutureCare; quality, affordable health care that is already covering two thirds of Bermuda's seniors in just its second implementation phase.

"Let those who oppose progress in this Country know that for the first time in our collective history we have a government that is just a phone call or e-mail away.

"A Progressive Labour Party Government that is responsive, responsible and accountable. A PLP government whose priority is to putting Bermudians first and moving Bermuda forward.

"So the tools and weapons that were used to extract justice and fairness from those who opposed progress should not always be viewed as the first option in dealing with your government. Let us pledge that before we take action against each other, that we should talk first. "

Looking forward Dr. Brown said the Island must raise the work ethic and skill level of its labour force and he added that unions should only support just causes.

"This will not only make us better employees and open new opportunities, but will give the union a stronger foundation for the future," he said.

"Together we must hold our workers accountable. Not every person's behaviour is defensible and not every cause a worthy one. We must be discerning so that our moral authority is not undermined by the taking up the banners of dubious causes and individuals."