The founders of Bermuda's trade union movement would be proud of the constitutional reforms set in motion by the Progressive Labour Party, Premier Jennifer Smith told supporters at yesterday's Labour Day rally.

An estimated crowd of around 1,000 people enjoyed a day of sunshine, music, games and speeches after marching from Union Square through Front Street and onto the rally at Bernard Park.

The celebration got off to an uplifting start as the Bethel Family Choir sang to the crowds outside the Bermuda Industrial Union headquarters before the march set off.

A train carried a party of seniors at the front of the march, which started at 11.45 a.m. before the Bermuda Regiment band headed off the parade.

The Warwick United Majorette and Drum Corps in their bright green outfits entertained the marchers near the front of the parade, followed by a succession of union banners. Bermuda Public Services Association, the BIU, Bermuda Union of Teachers, the Prison Officers' Association and the bus operators, port workers, public works, Telco, and construction divisions of the BIU all had banners.

The Second Hamilton Scout and Bugle Corps band joined the Warner and Place's New Generation gombey troupes on the march.

Among the prominent PLP figures seen were Finance Minister Eugene Cox, Attorney General Dame Lois Browne Evans, and Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott.

The Premier told marchers the Island would be nowhere if it were not for the efforts of workers and that everyday benefits which are taken for granted such as employment benefits were fought for by unions.

"Being in Government is a different sort of struggle, but a struggle nonetheless. Despite the challenges of change, much has been done to advance the cause of labour,'' she said.

"For the first time in history, we have an Employment Act. For the second time under this Government, the BIU and the hotel owners have negotiated another contract. In spite of those who would wish we would lose our way as we go about delivering our promises we will continue to deliver our promises to you.''

She said the constitutional amendment came into effect last month, taking Bermuda "to the threshold of our long-held promise of one man, one vote, each of equal value.''

Home Affairs Minister Paula Cox said the PLP had a love and affinity for labour which it was demonstrating in practical terms.

She cited examples of progress since the PLP came to power: the Employment Act; Works and Engineering developing and encouraging local labour; a forum for young Bermudians looking for jobs established by PLP . Acting Opposition leader Michael Dunkley said his message on Labour Day last year was that everyone had to pull together as we will all sink or swim.

Mr. Dunkley said the "roaring 90's'' of strong economic growth were over and Bermuda was now feeling a sense of uncertainty.

"Most of us are not uncomfortable, yet more Bermudians are wondering why it is tough to put bread on the table and a roof over their heads. We need to stick together. Let's enjoy this day, but more importantly, let's all unite to move forward."

Michael Charles brought greetings to the rally from the Bermuda Trades Union Congress, and Alan Roberts, the first vice-president of the Bermuda Public Services Association stressed the importance of unions working together in harmony.

Anthony Wolffe, the president of Bermuda Union of Teachers, said his members struggled every day to educate the young people who would shape the nation. Teachers worked unpaid overtime which sometimes amounted to another full-time job.

Prison Officers' Association President Michael Tuzo thanked Ms Cox and Labour and Home Affairs permanent secretary Robert Horton for setting up the board of inquiry into the Prison Service.

The Service has serious problems, but Ms Cox and Mr. Horton had always made time to sit down and talk about them, he said.

The board of inquiry has achieved a lot and will result in a Prison Service that will perform better than any sector on the Island, he promised.