OBA condemns union over docks overtime ban
The Bermuda Industrial Union has come under fire from the Opposition after imposing a six-month overtime ban at Hamilton docks.
The ban, introduced two weeks ago, has led to problems with the offloading of cargo. On Monday there was a backlog of empty shipping containers clogging up the dock after issues with the two cranes.
Last night, Vance Campbell, the Shadow Minister of Economy and Labour, urged the union to end the ban.
Mr Campbell said: “The residents of Bermuda cannot afford to take another hit to their pockets.
“It’s unsustainable and, to be frank, unfair to make the island suffer over a dispute that involves one former employee. Is it fair to hold the country hostage?
“I urge the Bermuda Industrial Union to lift the overtime ban which is currently in effect. I implore you to think about the thousands of families that your industrial action is negatively impacting. Do the people of Bermuda deserve this?
“While I recognise the importance of unions in various industries is not only important, but needed, to prevent the distribution of goods at this juncture is simply untenable.
“The people of Bermuda deserve better.”
The ban stems from a long-running dispute over the unfair dismissal of Chris Furbert Jr, the son of BIU president Chris Furbert, from Stevedoring Services Ltd in 2020 after a clash with management.
However, a tribunal ordered that there was no obligation for Mr Furbert Jr to be reinstated.
SSL confirmed last night that both cranes had been repaired and were operational.
Concerns have been raised that the ban — which will be reviewed every month by union bosses — may drive up the cost of goods on the shelf.
However, the union has given assurances that “essential cargo will continue to be prioritised and handled appropriately during regular working hours”.
Mr Furbert did not respond to requests for comment by press time.