Hayward: Labour is the link that empowers us
Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, released the following statement in recognition of Bermuda’s workers on Labour Day:
“Good morning, brothers and sisters, and happy Labour Day.
“Today, we celebrate the workers of Bermuda, whose dedication and tireless commitment has contributed to the strength and perseverance of our society.
“This year’s Labour Day theme, Labour is the Link, serves as a powerful reminder of how interconnected our society is. It's a theme that speaks directly to what makes Bermuda such a strong and vibrant place.
“Labour is the link that connects our history to our present. It’s the link that binds our economy to our community. Labour is the link between effort and opportunity, ambition and achievement, and service and prosperity.
“Labour serves as the foundation on which the Government continues to build and shape our national character, and create accessible and sustainable opportunities for all.
“Every job, every task, every single act of labour, from the essential frontline workers keeping our island running, to the innovative minds shaping our future, to the dedicated public servants who serve our people, is a vital link in the chain that is Bermuda.
“Without a robust and valued workforce, our economy cannot thrive. Without a strong social safety net, our community cannot be resilient and without a government committed to fair labour practices, the fundamental link between work and dignity is weakened.
“This government understands this truth. We are unwavering in our commitment to Bermuda’s workers. Our mandate is clear — to build a better, fairer and more prosperous Bermuda for all. This is not just a promise, it is a mission we diligently work on every single day.
“Our record is a testament to this commitment. We have taken concrete steps to reinforce the link between labour and a decent life for every Bermudian.
Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, said the Progressive Labour Party has worked to:
• implement Bermuda’s first statutory minimum hourly wage
• ensure every workplace has a bullying and harassment policy
• increase compensation for workplace injuries
• extend maternity leave to 13 weeks
• implement paternity leave as a statutory right
• ensure workers receive meal breaks
• protect employees' earned tips and gratuities
• enable employees to receive leave entitlement after six months
• ensure a mandatory consultation period before redundancy
• create guidelines to ensure the correct classification of employees and independent contractors
• increase the maximum severance pay for long-serving employees, providing greater security during times of transition, and
• protect opportunities for Bermudians by continuing to have closed and restricted job categories
“I am also pleased to highlight that as of today, Bermuda's minimum wage will increase to $17.13 per hour.
“This is a significant step forward in our commitment to ensuring a fair and equitable economy for all residents. This adjustment reflects our ongoing dedication to supporting workers and their families.
“In addition, we have been dedicated to workforce preparation and development, creating pathways for Bermudians to acquire the skills and certifications needed for high-demand jobs. Over 230 Bermudians participated in industry training and certification programmes so far this year, building careers, strengthening industries and keeping our island strong.
“I am also pleased to say Bermuda has seen a notable decline in its unemployment rate, reflecting a strengthening labour market. According to the May 2024 Labour Force Survey, the overall unemployment rate for Bermudians stood at a low of 1.6 per cent, a significant decrease from the rate reported in November 2023.
“This is part of a positive trend, as the unemployment rate has consistently dropped since the height of the pandemic, when it reached 7.9 per cent in November 2020. This positive trend is also evident in the youth unemployment rate (for those aged 16 to 24), which fell to 2.4 per cent in May 2024 from more than 30 per cent.
“Every milestone, from enhanced labour safety nets to skills development, marks a strand in the powerful link connecting our aspirations to real progress. Labour is the link. Labour is not just work. Labour is community. Labour is resilience. Labour empowers individuals, it empowers industries and it empowers Bermuda.
“The labour movement is the crucial link between economic growth and social justice, between progress and fairness, and between the recognition of workers’ rights and the wellbeing of our communities.
“We will continue to build on these successes as we look to the future. Through collaboration with the unions and our social partners, we commit to strengthening our links and working together on a human-centred agenda that promotes equality, fairness, respect and dignity for all workers.
“To that end, I thank every worker for your resilience, your dedication and your daily contributions, which form the very foundation of Bermuda’s strength.
“Thank you and Happy Labour Day.”
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