'We are stronger together,’ Hayward tells unions
Downpours failed to dampen the spirits on the 44th Bermuda Labour Day as politicians and union members gathered to celebrate the contribution of workers to the island.
Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, said a strong labour movement was vitally important for progress.
Speaking to the crowd of a few hundred outside the Bermuda Industrial Union, Mr Hayward said: “Brothers and sisters of the labour movement, today we celebrate the workers of our island. Those dedicated, those who have sacrificed and those who were committed to help build Bermuda.”
He added: “As I reflect on the Labour Day theme ‘Labour unites culture, diversity and resilience of our people’, it is imperative that we understand that we must have a strong labour movement. That is strong labour unions and a strong labour government.
“This morning, I don’t simply stand in front of you as your Minister of Economy and Labour; I stand in front of you as a son of Bermuda’s labour movement.
“One who has worked his way through the labour movement, our labour unions and the labour party.
“I have always viewed our labour unions and our labour government as two branches of the same tree.
“Different branches and different responsibilities, but one tree. A tree that is rooted in justice. A tree that is rooted in fairness. A tree rooted in solidarity. A tree that is rooted in economic and social empowerment.”
Among those gathered on Union Square were the Bermuda Public Services Union, Bermuda Industrial Union, Bermuda Union of Teachers, Bermuda Fire Service Association and the Bermuda Prison Officers Association.
Also in attendance were the Bermuda Police Association, Electricity Supply Trade Union, Bermuda Entertainment Union, Bermuda Trade Union Congress, the Progressive Labour Party and the One Bermuda Alliance.
Led by the PHC Majorettes and Drum Corps, the organisations marched through the streets of Hamilton, along Front Street, past the City Hall and back to the BIU where union leaders and politicians made speeches.
Mr Hayward said: “I stand here as a representative for the Progressive Labour Party. A party that stands for Bermuda.
“Where hard work is supposed to be rewarded. Where workers are supposed to be respected. Where opportunity should not be determined by privilege. Where we have a social responsibility to assist and help those in need. Where we can allow Bermudians to prosper in life.
Mr Hayward went on to list policies brought in by the PLP over the past nine years, including implementing and increasing minimum wages, extending maternity leave and introducing paternity leave, strengthening redundancy protections and the trade unions.
He said: “That is the progress we can achieve by working together.
“Brothers and sisters, let us remember who we are, let us remember from where we have come and let us remember where we must go.
“Brothers and sisters, we are the labour movement and I know deep down in my heart that we are stronger together.”
David Burt told those in attendance that their work kept the island “moving forward every day”.
The Premier said: “Today, we honour your contribution, thank you for your service and reaffirm our commitment to stand with you.
“Nine years ago this labour government was returned to office with one goal — to build a fairer Bermuda for all.
“For working people, that goal was not just what they wanted to hear, it was what they elected us collectively to achieve in office.
“Progress comes when we are united because if we are divided, workers lose.
“If we are divided, legislation lacks protections that reflects workers needs and policy falls short. If we are divided, the only ones who win are those who benefit from a weakened labour movement.
“Brothers and sisters, we have made progress, but we know that too many working families still feel the pressure.
“Our responsibility must always be to keep working together for better wages, stronger protections and a Bermuda where working people can build a secure future.”
Trade unions are preparing a document to present to the Government that contains information as to how they can help Bermudians, it has been revealed.
Chris Furbert, the president of the Bermuda Industrial Union, gave his appreciation to those in power for what they are trying to do to help; but he warned it was not enough.
He cited the high cost-of living and said that people needed “real help”
Mr Furbert said: “I appreciate what’s been done but we’ve got to really get down and look at what really needs to happen.
“People need real help.”
He spoke about the corporate income tax and said: “If the Government is now receiving this tax, how is it going to benefit the people?
“I’m not saying take all of the corporate tax money and give it to the people but there’s no way that the quality of life for Bermudians should not get a whole lot better than it is right now.
“So, what does that mean?
“It means this; the Bermuda Trade Union Congress, we are putting together a document that we are going to give to the Government.
“It’s going to be our proposal as to how we think the Government needs to help Bermudians.
“We are not just saying, take care of the union membership; we are talking about the country.
“We can’t continue on the way we are.”
Mr Furbert said the document would be presented to the public and the unions would be coming to the people of Bermuda for support.
Ben Smith, leader of the OBA, spoke about the importance of coming together regardless of culture and background.
Mr Smith said: “We don’t have to agree on everything. We can disagree. We can debate. We can challenge one another but we should never lose sight that at the end of that conversation, we still have to live next door to one another.”
He added: “Unity means we canacknowledge our differences and still choose each other. It means we can be proud of where we come from, while making room for somebody else’s journey, and both can be true.
“That is the opportunity in front of us — not to erase our differences but to connect them. We don’t have to be the same to stand together. We just have to remember that we belong to one another. That is our strength, that is our resilience and that is the Bermuda I believe we can build together.”
Curtis Dickinson, PLP leadership contender and former finance minister, emphasised in a statement how the island is carried forward by the efforts of its work force.
The Progressive Labour Party leadership contender and former finance minister.
Mr Dickinson said Bermuda is lifted by “the hands that build our homes and communities, the people who care for our families, keep our businesses moving, serve our neighbourhoods and contribute to the life of our island”.
“Their work is our shared foundation. Their solidarity is our shared strength.”
“Solidarity means standing together, making room for one another and listening even when conversations are difficult.
“It means remembering that what unites us must always be greater than what may separate us. The labour movement has taught us that lesson for generations.”
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