Workers and big business will both get a say in policymaking if the Progressive Labour Party wins the General Election.

Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith yesterday announced the PLP would form a National Tripartite Commission to forge a new alliance for economic and social policies.

Ms Smith used her Labour Day platform speech to unveil the initiative before hundreds of workers at Bernard Park.

And she said the Commission would comprise business, labour and Government officials.

The PLP leader, who gave the last of 12 speeches at the labour rally, added: "The essential purpose of the National Tripartite Commission will be that its consultations should be central to the formulation of all economic and social policy.

"This concept of a tripartite commission is consistent with the PLP's stated commitment to a government of genuine inclusion.

"Now the time has come for us to fashion a genuine participatory democracy in which all the social partners, all the Bermudian people and indeed all of the stakeholders of Bermuda contribute to the shaping of the new Bermuda.'' She singled out a series of Bermudian labour leaders as "heroes'' of the workers' movement, adding: "Their contribution to building today's society has been immeasurable.

"The development of the Progressive Labour Party has been inextricably linked to the development of the labour movement.

"But if by the Grace of God the PLP does form the next Government, it will not be the end of that long and challenging journey. It will be the beginning of another journey.

"The journey ahead of us will be just as challenging as the journey behind us. I remain convinced however that better days are coming for the new Bermuda.'' Shadow Labour Minister Alex Scott, who joined other platform speakers to give Ms Smith a standing ovation, had said earlier: "It's a revolution that's going to bring justice and fairness.

"The chance is now...it's in your hands. You will be required to use your vote shortly. Use it wisely, use it smartly, because next year when we stand here, we will be talking about your accomplishments.'' BIU president Derrick Burgess spoke out against new labour laws which he claimed stopped representation rights for 15 percent of Bermudians.

UBP MPs avoid politics And Government Ministers Jerome Dill and Maxwell Burgess both rose to say they would not make political speeches on Labour Day, when the theme was "Bermuda's Youth -- 2000 and Beyond'.

Acting Premier Mr. Dill thanked Derrick Burgess for calling for an end to confrontational negotiations between unions and managers.

He added: "Each of us have to play a part in making sure Bermudian values are instilled in each Bermudian generation.

"The tools for success must be available to every single Bermudian hand, especially as we approach the new millennium.'' Labour Minister Maxwell Burgess added that all Bermudians needed to show "respect, honour, choice, perseverance and dignity''.

"All of our choices deserve respect,'' he said. "Difference doesn't mean wrong. Difference doesn't mean right.

"Difference simply means another view of the world -- another way to get what we want for ourselves and our children, and to get what we want for you and your children.'' Their speeches came at the end of a parade through Hamilton from Union Square.

The Bermuda Regiment Band led the marchers, including New York City hospital employees, Warwick United Majorettes and Drum Corps, the North Shore Band and the BPSA.

Bus operators, postal staff and prison officers all marched.