The ten employees dismissed from the Fairmont Princess Hotel have not been reinstated, according to Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy.

However, the latest round of the dispute between the hotel and the Bermuda Industrial Union has been referred to a dispute panel for resolution, Senator Fahy added — and the two sides have been engaged in talks.

Calling the state of tourism in Bermuda “precarious”, Sen Fahy said: “We must be mindful of the current state of our economy and the hospitality industry.”

Earlier this afternoon, Sen Fahy noted that the Island in recent days had witnessed “various levels of industrial action stemming from an employment dispute between the Bermuda Industrial Union and the Fairmont Hamilton Princess”.

He acknowledged referring the matter to a dispute panel on Saturday, adding: “It was anticipated that since the matter was referred, that both parties would withdraw any action until the arbitration process has concluded and ensure that business operated as normal as possible.

“However, earlier today, and for the second time this week, I’ve had to step in to address the ongoing industrial action — and this time it was regarding a dispute with the Bermuda Industrial Union and Fairmont Southampton Hotel.”

Sen Fahy said that in the aftermath of the latest referral to a dispute panel, union members had been joined by “some public service workers” in a demonstration.

“My understanding this afternoon is that those public service workers have since returned to work to provide critical and commuter services,” he said.

“Yet, while we recognise the rights of workers to demonstrate in solidarity for their cause, we must be mindful that there are mechanisms in place which allow for the proper protocols to be followed so that it doesn’t result in a disruption of services to the public.

“As it relates to the BIU and Fairmont disputes, at this time, I can advise that earlier this afternoon the parties came together with a view to discussing the matter in accordance with the arbitration process.

“We will continue to do our due diligence to monitor the situation and follow the guidelines set out under the Labour Relations Act 1975 to ensure that we come to some form of resolution that benefits all concerned.”

Sen Fahy urged the two sides to “find some common ground” — adding that while workers’ rights must be upheld, it was also important to protect tourism and the economy.

He said the BIU’s principal objection was the lack of consultation by Fairmont in dismissing the workers, but cautioned that it wasn’t his role to get involved in their negotiations.