Recent labour disputes "highlight the need for change in the system of relations between employers and unions'', according to Labour Minister Paula Cox.

In a press conference yesterday, Ms Cox announced a National Tripartite Labour Seminar will be held next week, April 14 and 15. The seminar will include representatives from employers organisations, trade unions and Government.

Describing the event as the first step in a "journey to change the paradigm for labour relations on the Island'', Ms Cox also pointed out that the seminar has been so well received that it is already completely full.

Close to 80 participants are expected to be in attendance. Three labour relations specialists will make presentations and run workshops at the two-day conference.

Dr. Dan Kruger, a noted labour relations expert in the US who also has experience in Bermuda, will be a guest speaker. Dr. Kruger a professor at Michigan State University has served as consultant to the US Department of Labour and served on Presidential panels.

The Director of Labour programmes at Cornell University, Arthur Matthews, will also be present. He has worked for both unions and management in what he describes as a diverse background. Best known for his work in mediation-training for the US Postal Service, Mr. Matthews has also consulted on how to develop collective bargaining strategies, formulate diversity initiatives in the New York area to promote wider inclusion in further education and develop curricula in the area of health and safety. He also developed Cornell's mediation training programmes.

The third speaker will be Jerry Goolsarran, a senior specialist with the Internal Labour Organisation's Caribbean Office. Mr. Goolsarran has expertise in several areas, including coordinating training programmes throughout the Caribbean for both employers and trade unions.

Slated to take place at the Bermuda College, Ms Cox said the goal of the seminar "is at least twofold''.

"We see participants gaining new and practical skills which can be applied in the workplace,'' Ms Cox said. "In addition, the collaboration that takes place will provide the chance for us all to reflect on the way that we do things now and examine new approaches.'' UNIONS UNS