Government and labour leaders pledged support for each other at the opening of the Bermuda Industrial Union's (BIU) delegates conference.

"I love my leader and I respect my leader Premier Jennifer M. Smith. It's no easy job being premier of this country. It's no easy job being president of this union. It's no easy job being president of the BPSA. It's no easy job being president of the teacher's union," said BIU president Derrick Burgess.

Mr. Burgess then declared his unconditional support for the Progressive Labour Party (PLP). "Some of you think that we don't get along with the PLP but the BIU has always gotten along with the PLP and my commitment to the PLP is unconditional. Some of you may remember during the Berkeley situation and Alex (Scott) and I we had our little battle. But it's healthy. And as Alex said last week `you cannot make an omelette without cracking an egg'. And sometimes shells fall in there you know, and we eat them too."

He said: "The freedom fighters in this union will march no matter who is in Government and no matter who is president of the Bermuda Industrial Union."

Mr. Burgess then paid tribute to the role played by AME church leaders in the founding of the Progressive Labour Party.

"The founders of the PLP - that great party - most of them were AMEs - African Methodist Episcopal... And we'll get Dame Lois Browne Evans there also."

He criticised radio talk show hosts saying they often didn't challenge some critics of the BIU. Relations between the Government and the union have been less than smooth in recent months. Last month, 1,500 workers marched on parliament, to stress a number of outstanding issues with a host of companies.

Labour Minister Terry Lister, who gave opening remarks at Thursday's start, assured the audience that Government was supportive of the BIU.

He praised the role and positive impact of the labour movement in Bermuda. "The PLP has valued labour and has been committed to the protection of workers rights. It has always, and must always,emphasise the dignity in labour and appreciate the tremendous contributions that workers have made to the Island's well being," the Minister said.

"The leadership of the BIU today is, I believe clad in Dr. (E.F.) Gordon's mantle. You remain steadfast in your resolve to protect and enhance workers' rights. Nothing will deter you from this laudable goal. The Government... stands shoulder to shoulder with you, in this regard."