The Government will work to prepare Bermudians for jobs and an economy of the future, David Burt shared during a Labour Day address yesterday.

The Premier said that while the Progressive Labour Party remained dedicated to workers and the vulnerable, more needed to be done to ensure that every Bermudian is secure.

Mr Burt, who is also the Minister of Finance, explained: “Artificial intelligence, the digital economy and new technologies like electric vehicles are no longer distant ideas, they are here today.

“Our workers cannot be left behind, and with training, skills and opportunities, we will ensure Bermudians are ready not just to face the economy of tomorrow but to be leaders in it.”

He added that Bermuda’s minimum hourly wage had increased yesterday from $16.40 to $17.13 per hour.

Morning rain may have caused certain festivities in Union Square to be cancelled including bouncy castles, go-karts and some food vendors, but it did not dull the spirits of those who attended the celebration and marched through Hamilton.

The Bermuda Public Services Union appeared to have the largest representation in the parade and its members showed solidarity by wearing red.

Reggae artist Mitchell “Live Wires” Trott, saxophonist Wendell “Shine” Hayward, Lady Royalty and other artists performed during the event, centring on the theme Labour is the Link.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of the Economy and Labour, told attendees: “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.”

Chris Furbert, the president of the Bermuda Industrial Union, commended the minimum wage increase, but highlighted Bermuda’s cost of living.

He said: “If Bermuda is going to address this high cost of living, we simply cannot do it by moving the minimum wage by $1 and thinking we’ll make all sorts of gains, the gains will happen when we reduce Bermuda’s high cost of living.”

Mr Furbert said that addressing the price of health insurance and housing can bring down the cost of living and give people the help they need.

Armell Thomas, the president of the BPSU, also commended the wage increase but criticised the Government’s proposal to raise the minimum pension age for public sector workers to 70.

He explained: “Before 70, we have people fighting more mental health issues and chronic disease. I’m supposed to work all my life and now I have to wait until 70 to get a full benefit? It’s not going to happen, so I wish we could talk a bit more before rushing into this.”

Kevin Pilgrim, the president of the Electric Supply Union, said the wealth created by workers in countries is often concentrated by a privileged few.

He explained: “Prosperity should be shared, not ordered. Shared prosperity is fairness.

“Fairness means that when companies thrive, workers should also, not just economically, they should also thrive mentally and socially too.

“Business owners must be held accountable, not just for chasing profits, but for how those profits are earned, and how they are shared.

“They are accountable for ensuring safe workplaces, for treating workers with dignity, paying fair wages and for respecting collective bargaining agreements.”

Dawn Simmons, the PLP’s chairwoman, said in a statement: “Labour Day is a reminder to us, and to all, that the rights we enjoy at work, the laws that protect workers … did not come to us by chance.

“It came through decades of protest, agitation and organisation to make something as simple as having a weekend off a reality.

“This Labour Day, we remember the path it took to get us here and we look forward to more progress, more rights and more protections for our workers. Labour Day also calls us to keep building a fairer Bermuda.”