Government and the labour movement have a "shared vision" despite the fact that the two parties may on occasion have disagreements.

That was the message from acting Premier Randolph Horton at yesterday's Labour Day festivities at Bernard Park.

"Whatever the concerns and disagreements that we experience, no one can erase our fundamental shared vision and history together of working toward a more equitable Bermuda," Mr. Horton said.

"While all has not been smooth sailing, let us not forget the untold story of daily consultation and cooperation amongst unions, employers and Government.

"We now have a Government that does not see unions as the enemy but rather as an integral part of the tri-partite social partnership that the International Labour Organisation promotes."

Mr. Horton said that union input was sought in drafting legislation and advising him as Labour Minister.

And he reminded the audience that Government had enacted labour friendly legislation such as the Employment Act and amendments to the Workers Compensation Act.

"Honest dissent and airing of legitimate grievances are hallmarks of a sound democracy. While we might not always agree, we should not forget that now ? for the first time in our Island's history ? under this PLP Government, the union movement is listened to with respect and understanding," Mr. Horton said.

"Unions are no longer regarded as a 'necessary evil' ? but are full and equal partners at the table.

"Does this mean that every proposal that the unions advocate for will be accepted as gospel?

"No ? unions must advocate their positions, but Government must govern for all of Bermuda.

"We must have both a long and broad view and take the interests of all sectors into account when we make decisions."

He added that Government was committed to resolving disputes "using a conciliatory approach that is principled, grounded in reason and that places the interests of the broader community as its epicentre."

And he urged supporters to resolve differences "on the back lawn, not on the front street ? or on Front Street ? or on the front pages of the very media that seeks to sensationalise and exploit our differences."

Mr. Horton added that it was important in resolving those differences to disagree without being disagreeable. "We need to value justice and fairness above ego and emotion, and we should strive to resolve our differences with maturity and wisdom ? in a way that enhances rather than destroys our relationships."

Besides Mr. Horton and Deputy Premier Ewart Brown, the Opposition United Bermuda Party's David Dodwell and Kim Swan as acting Opposition Leader and representatives of all the Island's unions showed up to celebrate labour.

The crowds were somewhat sparser than usual, and the festivities were somewhat dampened by the labour movement's disagreement with Government over the termination of Pro-Active Management Systems' contract to build the new senior secondary school.

Some workers carried placards critical of Government on the march to Bernard Park.

Dr. Brown addressed the audience as "family" and promised to convey those messages "where you would like them to be taken".

He added: "And you will see, as events unfold in the coming weeks, that we are more united than those who would divide us would tell you."

He, too, stressed that divisions should be dealt with within the family and that Government had to govern for all the people.

But Bermuda Industrial Union leader Derrick Burgess struck a conciliatory tone, while admitting that the last two weeks had been painful for him.

He likened losing a job to the death penalty and said it was never easy to find another job despite the fact that Bermuda has over-employment.

"And there's a big difference between a unionised shop and a non-unionised shop," Mr. Burgess said.

"In a non-unionised shop you have to work 52 hours before you get overtime. It's difficult when you lose your job, you have to adjust your life."

Still, he said: "I'm happy to be in the PLP ? I know my grandfather wouldn't have it any other way."

And he urged Government to consider those they are making decisions for as family.

Mr. Burgess also played tribute to the "elder citizens" saying "they were the ones that laid on the ground to build a bridge for us."

Anthony Wolffe, the president of the Bermuda Union of Teachers told the crowd that teachers were the "real leaders" of any society, and he praised his membership for their solidarity.

"It's because of your actions that we are able to sit a little better than we were 85 years ago."

President of the Bermuda Public Services Union Nigel Pemberton took to the stage to say that he was disappointed at the turnout.

He said he was hurt by reports in the Press that civil servants were being blamed.

"To the Press, I'd like to say that I know you have got a job to do but sometimes everybody in Bermuda likes good true and faithful reporting."

Mr. Pemberton said that there were two types of poverty. "I'd hate to think that my countrymen have a poor mentality," he said.