Ottiwell Simmons MP told a joyous Labour Day crowd yesterday.

Anyone thinking of attacking labour would have to think again, the BIU boss told celebrating supporters.

But Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan met with jeers when he told the audience no-one was trying to put the unions out of business.

Yesterday's annual gathering, under the theme "In Defence of Labour'', was in honour of veteran BIU activist and PLP member Dr. Barbara Ball.

Politicians from all parties shared the Bernard Park stage with labour officials to pay tribute to Dr. Ball, 68.

And after a series of inspirational speeches, families stayed soaking up the sunshine for an afternoon of music, fun and food.

Bermuda's 11th Labour Day began with a march to the park from BIU headquarters in Union Square, to the beat of bands from the 2nd Hamilton Boy Scouts and the refuse collection service.

Joining Mr. Simmons at the head of the march was Labour Minister the Hon. Mr.

Irving Pearman, in what Mr. Simmons joked was a "miraculous'' joining of hands.

Supporters and spectators, including many tourists, greeted the procession with smiles and waves.

Marchers were welcomed at the park by the Rev. Harlyn Purdy of the Bermuda Christian Ministerial Association, who told workers: "Your efforts provide life's necessities and pleasures''.

Then Mr. Bill Doherty of the American Institute for Free Labour Development paid tribute to the BIU. "Today you've got a powerful union and you've got everybody's respect on this Island,'' he said. "The union has made you strong.'' He appealed for aid for fellow workers in Haiti, Somalia and hurricane-hit Florida.

Mr. Simmons then reminded the audience of the summer's strike action in support of the Bermuda Forwarders dispute.

"This year is a very threatening one for labour,'' he said. "At one point many people thought that the labour and trade union movement was finished.

"We are only surviving because we're determined and prepared to make sacrifices. We have nothing to lose but our chains.

"If anyone thinks they can attack labour they have got another think coming.

I pledge to you to be a fighting union and a fighting movement in this country, from this day onwards.'' The Premier then told the gathering: "I commend the whole trade union movement for having held together in an effort to provide the workers with a sense of direction and commitment to ensure they fulfil their collective responsibilities.'' He praised Dr. Ball as "tenacious'' and "tough'', and as a "wonderful lady''.

To some jeering, he added: "I don't know of anybody who has any intentions of putting the trade union movement in Bermuda out of business. You might have a perception of things, but the reality is that the trade unions are a very important movement in Bermuda.'' Each part of society had its own responsibility, he said, and Government's was for the public as a whole. It wanted the unions' respect as it respected the unions.

PLP Leader Mr. Frederick Wade said that over the past two years jobs had been lost, three-day weeks had been introduced, firms had closed and holiday and pay improvements had come to a standstill.

"The workers are in fact carrying the brunt of the payment for the recession,'' he said.

When people spoke about not trying to break the union, the $100,000-a-day fine imposed on the BIU during the strike should be recalled, he said.

Later, Mr. Pearman called for a collective effort to end unemployment, and to make Bermuda more prosperous, environmentally sound and competitive. "I continue to commit myself to you, the workers,'' he said.

Shadow tourism minister Mr. David Allen appealed to black and white Bermudians to unite and protect their rights.

Bermuda Public Services Association leader Mr. Eugene Blakeney called for unemployment insurance and a system encouraging Bermudians to learn two trades so they had something to fall back on in hard times.

The day's star guest speaker was Dr. Delores Tucker, former secretary of state of Pennsylvania and chairwoman of the Democratic national committee black caucus.

"There can't be justice for one unless there is justice for all,'' she said.

"Management must understand that and labour must understand that, and develop a partnership in this changing global economy.'' MC Mr. Gene Steede introduced inspirational singing from Ms Gladys Darrell and the BIU choir, steel band sounds from the Bermuda Stealers, and a martial arts show from Mr. Skipper Ingham and family.

Among others taking part in the day's festivities were the Bermuda Regiment band, Gombeys, dance troupes and majorettes.

SOLIDARITY -- Labour Minister the Hon. Mr Irving Pearman (just to the right of the third sign from the left) joins BIU leader Mr. Ottiwell Simmons MP on the Labour Day march yesterday.