Overtime ban on docks set to continue
An overtime ban at Hamilton docks could be extended in a dispute over a sacked worker who is a relative of a top Bermuda Industrial Union official, The Royal Gazette understands.
It is believed BIU members employed by Stevedoring Services are not behind a strike -- but would consider steps short of all-out industrial action.
An overtime ban imposed last week is still in force. And tomorrow management have been called in to assist the cruise ship Zenith to leave port.
Dock workers met yesterday for more than an hour. But last night BIU president Derrick Burgess said he was not aware of what had been discussed at the meeting.
And he declined to comment on whether the docks might face further disruption.
The news came as it was claimed BIU first vice-president Chris Furbert had landed in hot water over the dispute -- which centres around his nephew, Shawn Perrott.
It is understood Bermuda Industrial Union first vice-president Chris Furbert has had his knuckles rapped for bypassing the union chain of command by intervening in a dispute involving his nephew and Hamilton's Stevedoring Services.
According to a source, BIU organiser Robert Johnston reprimanded Mr. Furbert for acting without consulting with union officials responsible for negotiations involving dockworkers.
The man said: "He was reprimanded because of the way he handled the situation was contrary to all union procedures. He refused to recognise the union official responsible for the dock area.'' Mr. Burgess last night continued to decline comment on Mr. Furbert's role in the controversy.
But he denied claims that he was unable to shift Mr. Furbert from the docks on Sunday morning.
Mr. Burgess insisted: "There is no truth in that at all -- none whatsoever.'' According to sources, however, Mr. Furbert was eventually escorted from the docks by Police.
The row blew up after Mr. Furbert's nephew Shawn Perrott -- who was on light duties due to a work-related injury dating from several years ago -- was offered another job or redundancy terms.
Mr. Perrott was given a day off to consider his future -- but when he turned up late on Friday to discuss the matter he was dismissed.
Mr. Burgess said: "The management is unchanged in their position. I don't know what's going to happen at this point.'' Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness said: "All we can do is wait and see what the outcome of the talks are.''