A rift between Government and the Bermuda Industrial Union has been healed following crisis talks between the two parties.

At a joint press conference this afternoon, Labour and Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy and BIU President Chris Furbert said the two groups were now working in the spirit of collaboration to address concerns after a meeting between the Cabinet and BIU officials yesterday.

Senator Fahy revealed that Government has agreed to postpone pushing through controversial legislation that would outlaw wildcat strike action by public transport staff, although he said the Labour Relations Amendment Act would remain on the Order Paper for debate at a future date.

On Wednesday about 200 public transport workers marched to the House of Assembly in protest at the proposal. while Mr Furbert said the relationship between the two sides was “broken”.

“Todays press conference is to show the public that, despite differences that exist between the BIU and Government, we can continue to dialogue and that’s an important message to show the members of the public,” Sen Fahy said.

“Yesterday, president Furbert and his members reached out to the Premier to facilitate a meeting between members of the Cabinet and members of the Bermuda Industrial Union, to hear and discuss concerns related to the Labour Relations Amendment Act.

“At that meeting there was some very fruitful, frank and collaborative discussions. A number of concerns were raised that we’ve taken on-board in respect of outstanding issues with the Department of Transportation and the Department of Marine and Ports.

“I as Minister of Labour will look at those issues and we will address them as best we can in as short a time as possible.

“We have agreed today the Labour Relations Amendment Act will not be debated. However, it will stay on the order paper to be debated at a future time. During that period of time the BIU and the Government will continue to discuss that and other issues.”

Mr Furbert said he recognised that dialogue had to continue if ongoing concerns were going to be solved.

“We are looking for continued collaboration with the Government, looking for dialogue,” he said.

“We reached out to the Premier of the country yesterday to try to make sure we can find resolutions before things get out of hand.”