A walkout by hundreds of workers is proof the Government has lost touch with the people, according to the United Bermuda Party. Bermuda was hit by two industrial crises on Friday as more than 400 staff downed tools to demonstrate against the Ministry of Works and Engineering.

Shadow Labour Minister Trevor Moniz said a confrontation should have come as no surprise to union workers as the Government had shown a lack of consideration towards “every other segment of the population”.

More than 400 employees — ranging from postal workers to garbage truck drivers to ferry workers — walked out to attend a Bermuda Industrial Union meeting following reports the ministry had abandoned negotiations over staffing issues at the new Recycling Plant.

Members marched on the Department of Works and Engineering before returning to work several hours later.

In a second dispute, thousands of locals and tourists were left stranded after bus drivers refused to adopt a new timetable outlined by Minister for Tourism and Transport, Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, on April 6.

Dr Brown wants the service on routes 7,8,10 and 11 extended to every 15 minutes by May 14 but drivers want more consultation. They joined fellow union members in the walkout and held a separate meeting before resuming work at 3.30 p.m.

Although it is understood meetings with the Government were pending, they did not take place for “various reasons”, according to BIU president Chris Furbert.

However, Mr. Moniz said Friday’s events had shown up the Government as “disorganised” and out of touch. He said Dr Brown had “failed to consult” with the drivers and that the PLP had shown “no consideration” to staff at the old recycling plant.

Mr. Moniz said: “Unionised workers should not be surprised to find themselves at odds with the PLP Government. They are experiencing the same treatment that virtually every other segment of the population has experienced when dealing with this government — from people in need of housing, to Medical Clinic patients, to students needing an education that will enable them to succeed in our economy.

“This government does not know how to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of the people. It does not know how to work with them and it is too far removed from understanding their needs, concerns and feelings. “The reality is that it is a disorganised government. It has become a one-man show with the Premier’s out-of-the-blue decision-making followed by the scramble of ministers and bureaucrats to catch up.”

He added: “We urge the Government to resume its talks with the union to resolve the issues.”<@$p>A spokesman for Dr. Brown said: “The Premier has absolutely no comment on Mr Moniz’s weekly ridiculous statements.”