The Human Rights Commission is encouraging the public to attend a forum on the controversial Workforce Equity Bill. The bill, which is in its draft form, will require companies to broadly reflect the racial make-up of the workforce in which black Bermudians make up 47 percent.

It will give the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE) powers to fine companies up to $50,000 if they block the progress of the Island's largest racial group.

It will also give Government powers to investigate how employers go about hiring and firing and promoting and paying their workers.

A number of people have spoken out against the bill but the Government has said it is not intended to be punitive.

Ministers have insisted that it is an attempt to help companies which can't see they need to change if Bermuda is to stave off further division.

"This forum provides an opportunity to discuss the legal aspects and social implications of the proposed Bill," said HRC chairperson Venous Memari. "The public is invited and encouraged to participate in this important discussion."

The forum will also be broadcast live on 1450 Gold, and recorded for later television broadcast."

Guest panellists will be Delroy Duncan, Dr. Henry Johnson, Timothy Marshall, Garry Madeiros, Cordell Riley, Denny Richardson and Gerald Simons.

The forum will be held on Thursday from 6 to 8.30 p.m. at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.