The Opposition has renewed its calls for an overtime ban by dock-workers to end, claiming that critical non-perishable goods are delayed in reaching retailers, hoteliers and other purchasers.

Vance Campbell, the Shadow Minister of Economy and Labour, also argued that the industrial action was unjustified because the incident that prompted the work-to-rule is still before the courts.

The ban stems from a long-running dispute over the dismissal of Chris Furbert Jr from dock operator Stevedoring Services Ltd. Mr Furbert is the son of Chris Furbert, the Bermuda Industrial Union president.

Mr Campbell called for a halt to the action last week. Yesterday he claimed that the action — which began three weeks ago and is planned to run for six months — was having “a deeply damaging effect on Bermuda and Bermudians”.

Mr Campbell said: “The cargo ships that service Bermuda are unable to keep to their normal schedules, critical non-perishable goods are delayed and key sectors of our economy are suffering as a result.

“The wholesale and food industries are challenged in trying to maintain inventory levels, and the hospitality industry, which is still recovering from the devastating impact of Covid-19, is being severely tested.”

Mr Campbell said that the hospitality industry was experiencing “a welcome surge in activity“ that the overtime ban was severely hampering the ability of hotels and restaurants to deliver the high-quality service that visitors expected.

He said: “Our establishments are in the midst of their peak season, but they are finding it increasingly difficult to meet guest expectations.

“These are guests who are paying top dollar for their vacation or business trip, and they deserve the best that Bermuda has to offer. Unfortunately, the backlog at the docks is making that nearly impossible.”

An opposition spokeswoman said that according to industry estimates, it will take several weeks to clear the existing backlog, even if the ban was lifted immediately.

Mr Campbell warned that the long-term damage to Bermuda’s reputation could be significant.

He said: “This is not just about containers and cargo. It’s about jobs, livelihoods, and the global perception of Bermuda as a stable and dependable jurisdiction.

“I urge the BIU to act in the national interest and end the overtime ban immediately while the legal process runs its course.”