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Bus drivers to return to work

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Two Bus Operators report back to work yesterday morning, as they greet one another with a hug, both standing up in what they believe is right. (Photo by Akil Simmons)August 19,2011

By Sirkka HuishRegular bus service is to resume tomorrow after Transport and union bosses agreed to go to arbitration to solve the bus dispute.Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Kim Wilson today announced that the dispute will be resolved with an independent tribunal.Minister Wilson said: “ I can confirm that pursuant to Section 4 of the Labour Disputes Act 1992, a labour dispute exists with Bus Operators and Allied Workers Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union.“In accordance with Section 11 as read with Section 4, of the Labour Disputes Act 1992, I am referring the dispute for settlement to the Labour Disputes Tribunal.”Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert and union representatives met with Government at Cabinet earlier today over the industrial action.Premier Paula Cox said the "key and fundamental issue at hand, was to get the members of the Bus Operators and Allied Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union back to work".The Premier rejected the idea of a Board of Enquiry on the Department of Public Transport.Part of the aim of the tribunal was to have the bus operators to return to work as soon as possible, she said.The group also reached an agreement on the bus driver at the centre of the dispute, Jennifer Harvey.Said a spokeswoman: “Agreement was reached that the employee should remain terminated. It was also agreed that her pay would be reinstated for the period of suspension until termination.”The news comes as residents angered by the strike launched a petition against the action taken by union drivers.The petition can be viewed at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/bdaagainstbiustrikeaug2011/.Bermudians Against BIU Strike Action has attracted 1151 signatures so far.* Watch this website for updates.