May 13, 2013Dear Sir,May I comment on the meetings between union leaders and the government. The unions and government are trying to come to an agreement on wages and employment issues that are fair to all.The Bermuda economy is in a fragile state. Many private sector employees have lost jobs whilst government workers have sacrificed less. In this writer’s opinion now is not the time for government workers to make unrealistic demands of taxpayers. Many private sector businesses have closed and some are struggling to hold onto their staff even at a personal loss.Thousands in the private sector are out of work or underemployed. Many of us are having a hard time meeting our commitments to lenders as non-performing loans sky rocket. Three to four thousand foreign workers have left our shores, diminishing our tax revenue, and reducing the amount spent locally.Some Bermudians are taking their skills abroad as their professional assets are not needed. Our local economy has been contracting for the last four to five years as international business and tourism find us less attractive. All of this pointing to a Bermuda in serious economic trouble.What is the answer? Perhaps we can grow our economy and reverse all of the above. Maybe with new, friendlier policies, we can attract new business and with that the much needed foreign currency. Will reasoning outweigh emotion in these vital talks? Can those on the government side convince labour all is not well, and shared sacrifice is needed?One thing is for certain, if cool heads do not prevail decisions can be made that could make our situation worse.Let’s hope our leaders have our interests at heart and not their own agendas. Our children’s futures depend on it.CHANGERSandys