A group of trade unions has called on Government not to amend the Employment Act.

And the Bermuda Trade Union Congress said yesterday in a surprise statement that employees who want better working conditions than those laid down by the legislation should turn to the unions to represent them in negotiations with employers.

Prior to the 2003 General Election, then-Labour Minister Terry Lister said abolition of the overtime opt-out clause in the Employment Act 2000 was one of his top priorities. The clause allowed employers and employees to negotiate away the right to premium pay for overtime.

Mr. Lister also mentioned amending other areas of the Act, such as those relating to maternity leave, payment of employees also serving the Regiment, and payments to employees by companies which are going out of business.

"We do not believe that Government should become a bargaining agent for Bermuda's workers," said the BTUC. "This is and will remain the purview of the trade unions.

"The Employment Act 2000 provides in law a set of minimum standards for the workers of Bermuda. The Government of Bermuda has fulfilled its obligations under international conventions and recommendations to provide a minimum set of standards for all workers in Bermuda.

"There being plenty of discussion to amend the Act, the Bermuda Trade Union Congress believe that other than the need for some housekeeping to make certain sections clearer, the Act should be left as is.

"We believe that workers wishing better conditions of employment than provided for by the Act should seek to become organised and join a union of their choice to achieve this."

Members of the BTUC include the Association of School Principals, the Bermuda Public Services Union, the Electrical Supply Trade Union, the Prison Officers Association, the Bermuda Federation of Musicians, the Bermuda Union of Teachers and the Fire Services Association.

The Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) is not part of the BTUC. Before the Election, BIU president Derrick Burgess was said to be pleased about a Government move to abolish the overtime opt-out clause, which he had been calling for.

Mr. Burgess declined to comment on the BTUC statement last night.

The Labour Advisory Council is due to meet sometime next week.