s WORKERS Volume uary 21, 2010 BIU Executive Members at High Belmont/Newstead Level Washington Meeting Staff Hit Hard by Sister Ronnie Burgess (Washington Discussions with the World y^^^ D.C, 18 January Bank will focus on the twin challenges ^Riwe^^ 2011):Addegation ofdevdoping pnxecdon (/labour standards Bro. Chris FurtMrt of over 60 trade in Bank-suppotted loan programmes union leaders from all parts of the worid and of ceasing attacks on labour protection is beginning a 3-day series of meetings in the Bank's notorious "Doing in Washington D.C. with the Managing Business" publication, as well as Dircaor of the IMF, the President of the considering the Banlcs role in the extension of sodal protection woridwide. Mr. Gil Tucker (far left) of Ernest & Young World Bank and other senior officials, listens in as employees of Newstead voice as well as with the Executive Directors Trade union views on the world their concem. of those instimtions. The economic situation are detailed in a new The Belmont/Newstead being Industrial Union is represented at this statement on trade union priorities fi)r put into receivership has hit the meeting by President, Brother (Dhris the French Presidency of the G8 and employees of those two properties very Furbett, Research Officer Brother G20 in 2011 that has just been rdeased: hard. The Bermuda Industrial Union Cal Smith and Treasurer Brother The ITUC represents 176 million met with the staff while the receivers Cecil Durham workers in 151 countries and territories (Ernst & Young) explained what their "In view of the continuing and has 301 national affiliates job was as recdvers. unemployment crisis worldwide, it is Brother Chris Furbett and There were two separate vital that the IMF and World Bank Brother Cal Smith will travd from meetings hdd one at the Belmont Hills recognise the importance of maintain­ Washington, D.C to Barbados to attend and one at Newstead. ing global economic stimulus until a similar event hosted by the Caribbean At both meetings staff recovery is assured," stated ITUC Devdopment Bank-International Labour c:q>rcssed thdr sadness at the news that General Secretary Sharan Burrow. Organisation (CDB-HJO). The symposium they had received. The owner The union ddegation will be will take place at the Lloyd Erskine Mr Kevin Petty tearfiilly calling on the IMF to take a position Sandiford Centre in St. Michad, explained to the staff what had against the attacks on wages and workers' Barbados on January 25 and 26, 2011. transpired in the hours from the time rights contained in the austerity The International Trade Union he received a call at 8:01 am. on programmes implemented in countries Congress is ^nsoring thc'^X^shingpon event Monday morning, January 17, 2011, such as Ireland and Romania, as well as for the executive members of the BIU, requesting him to be at his office for a to advance the case for a financial while the International Labour Organisation meeting with the receivers. transactions tax (FTT). is sponsoring the event in Barbados. • continued on page 12

WORKERS VOICE NOW 50 CENTS For the first time in well over a decade, ihe price of the Workers Voice has been increased from twenty-five cents to fifty cents. Readers will appreciate that the cost of printing and production of printed material in Bermuda has increased over the years and the Workers Voice, has had to meet the cost. Additionally, for the first time in the history of the Workers Voice our readers can enjoy a full colour newspaper, which is no longer printed in-house. E WORKERS VOICE PUBLISHED BY THE Bermuda Industrial Union 49 Union Square Hamilton HM 12 Bermuda T (441)292-0044 F (441)295-7992 E [email protected]

RESEARCH OFFICER AND EDITORIAL ADVISOR Calvin Smith ([email protected])

EorroR iiVeme F LAYOUT AND Phaedra

GENERAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES Shiriene Simons Annual Seaman's Service David Bean by Sister Ronnie Burgess Roger Parris

PRINTED BY Members of the Marine pay tribute to those men and women The Bermuda Industrial Union &C Ports Division of the Bermuda that operate our sea faring vessels and Industrial Uruon along with family and ro remember those that have been lost friends turned out at the Chapd of at sea PUZZLE-SOLUTION Ease, in St. David's for the Annual Rev. Raths remarked that he Seaman's Service on Sunday, January fdt like *the catch of the day as the TRANSPORTATION I6di2011. church was adorned with fishing nets, The service was presided over replica boats, lighthouses and lanterns by Reverend W. David Raths with fidl to mark the spedal service. After the partidpation from the members of the blessing of the wreaths some members Marine & Ports Division. Bro. headed to the dock to board the pilot Edmund *Shinah' Simons (President of boat to head out to sea to place the the Marine & Ports Division) and Bro. wreaths upon the waters. Odwin Berkdey Sr (father of Bro. In attendance at the service was Odwin Berkdey Jr) read scriptures President, Bro. Chris Furbert, General while Bro. Darren Swan read a poem he Secretary, Sis. Molly Burgess, Divisional had written entided *Don t let time pass Organizer Bro. Graham Nesbitt as well us by. Bro. Daimy Richardson paid as other members of the Executive AIWIAHE FERRY RICKSHAW SNOWMOBILE BlCYCLf GONDOUV ROCKET SUBMARINE tribute in song and thanked the Board. Also in attendance was Mr DUMP HORSE ROUBIBLADES TRAIN BOAT JET SCOOTER TRAM CAMEL MOPED SHIP TRUCK seafarers for their services. Kim Swan, Leader of the Uruted CANOE MOrORCYOE SKATEBOARD VAN CARRIAGE PARACHUTE SKIS WAGON The service is hdd every year to Bermuda Party. • ELEVATOR RAFT SLED YACHT ESCALATOR

Th* hlikton transportation mothod Is: HOT AIR BALLOON

THE WORKERS VOICE JANUARY 21,2011 Annual EMT Church Service at Greater Smith's Church of God by Sister Ronnie Burgess

EMTs cdebrated the 30th year injured that he himself having the EMTs for their service and he urged of the Annual Church Service personally benefited from their asmte them to continue to devdop thdr acknowledging the work done by the and caring skills. technical skills for the benefit of EMTs. Although this was the 30th year Bro. Ottie praised Dr Barbara the country. of the service this was the 31st service Ball for the role she played in getting Bishop Lloyd Duncan asked as one year the service was hdd twice. the EMTs to where they are today and the EMTs to come to altar as he prayed The guest speaker for the service this spoke of the 1964 Hospital strike that spedfically for our EMTs. The year was BIU President Emeritus, saw Dr Ball suspended from the hospital. congregation then moved outside for Brother Ottiwell Simmons. He stated there are not enough words the blessing of the Ambulance. Bro. Ottie gave a bit of history of gratimde and appreciation for Dr Also taking patt in the service of the service and thanked Pastor Ball's dedication and sacrifice to the was Mrs. Alice Robinson who read a Eugene Joell for seeing the need to hold Hospital Workers and BIU as a whole. poem she had written for the EMTs. such a service for our ambulance drivers He also paid tribute to former EMTs Mrs. Robinson along with her sister (as they were known back then). He those that are still with us and those that and daughter then sang a hymn for recalled the days when ambulance are now deceased such as Bro. Claude the EMTs. drivers had to wait for an English nurse (Smuggler) Burrows, Bro. Chrissie Pastor Joell was not able to before they could go out on an Brimmer Bro. Robert Scraders and the attend the service as he had a personal emergency call. However our DcVent brothers (one is deceased). family matter to deal with but his wife ambulance drivers who are now fiilly Those that are still alive are Brothers Quillard was a great stand in for trained Emergency Medical Vernd Davis, 'ymimy Duck' Pastor Joell. Technicians no longer waste precious Richardson and others. He also paid The Bermuda Industrial Union time awaiting an English Nurse. ttibute to Major Elverson, Jim pays tribute and would like to thank the Bro. Ottie paused and was moved to Challenor and Mr. Skatten whom he Brothers and Sisters that operate our tears as he thanked the EMTs for considered outstanding Hospital Emergency Services vchidcs. • managing to navigate our nattow streets Administrators. to treat and transport our sick and In dosing Bro. Ottie thanked JANUARY 21.2011 THE WORKERS VOICED BHB Signing

On Thursday, January 13, 2011, Sister Molly Burgess, BIU General Secretary and BIU President, Brother Chris Furbert along with Bermuda Hospital Board (BHB) Chairman, Mr. Wendell Hollis and BHB CEO, Mr David Hill, signed a new two-year Clollective Bargaining Agreemem. Patient Familv Lounge Opened with New Patient Advocate Service

Bermuda Hospitals Board today oflScially opened a new Patient I^ily Lounge on the third floor of the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, along with a new patient advocate service to hdp patients and their families address issues while they are in hospital. The room was officially opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday 17 January 2011 by the Minister of Health, the Hon. Zane DeSihaJPMR Previously, there was no private waitii^ area for patient families at the hospital. While BHB constandy strives to improve clinical services for patients, the family and friends of patients are intend to thdr recovery. The lounge was opened to provide patient families L-R Rachelie Hendrlckson(from Facilities Dept), Judy Richardson (Chief of Nursing, Quality & with a place to wait, or a place of reflige Risk) Minister DeSlka, Preston Swan, David Hill and TonI Bridgewater. while caring for an unwell loved one in Attached to the Lounge is the office of while they are in hospital, if the hospital. It is opened during patient the new Patient Advocate Manager Ms healthcare team caring for the patient family visiting hours (12 noon to 8pm) Toiu Bridgewater This position was on the ward is unable ro resolve ir and can also be available for families in established ro hdp patients and their Minister DeSilva comments: crisis outside of those hours. families resolve any potential issues "Caring and supporting a loved one contirtued on page 15

DTHE WORKERS VOICE JANUARY 21,2011 They^re Still Blaming Dr. Brown!!

In my opinion, those people of the Royal Gazette know if they were who indude bloggers on the Internet, "asserting white superiority" in this instance. radio talk show callers and letter writers Obviously Mr Profit bdieves to the print media who blame Dr Brown that the former Premier Dr. Brown, for everything that has gone wrong in had super powers while he was in office. Bermuda, induding the global recession, Why else would hc blame him for the really show thdr ignorance. Five months fiia that fast ferries and garbage tmcks ago Dr. Brown stepped down as Premier were not repaired? We all know that Dr of Bermuda, and today people are still Brown was trained as a medical doctor NION blaming him for the ill winds that are not a mechanic Certainly one would VIRNE FURI blowing over Bermuda not expea an architect to be competent if one posts something on a blog Recendy Qanuary 19th) Peter as an x-ray technidan. I would have anonymously, they are not subject to Profit wrote a letter to the Editor tided thought that the responsibility for road the laws of the land. They're now "Thank you, Ewart" of the Royal lighting fell on Bdco, not the (jovcmmcnt, "evening blaming Dr Brown for the fi­ Gazette blaming Dr Brown for the so therefore Mr Profit should have nancial problems at Newstead/Belmont following: either thanked Vincc Ingham or Hills because he cut the ribbon at the • "Fast ferries broken down" Andrew Parsons for the faa that opening ceremony. • "Garbage collection vehicles between Shelly Bay and Southampton It is the type of thinking that broken down" Princess Hotd, 53 ligjits are our Mr Profit and others like him have that • "17 lights out from Shelly Bay Now we see posters on is causing some Bermudians to blame to Blackwatch Pass on North Bernews, most of whom I'm sure and the recession on the PLP generally, and Shore Road" pseudonyms for the anonymous posters the former Premier and the former • "36 lights out from Shelly Bay to on Bermuda is Another Worid, blaming Hnance Minister, and now Premier, the Southampton Princess" Dr Brown for the unfortunate situation Hon. Paula C!ox specifically. I indude • The use of fog lights by morons at Newstead/Belmont Hills. In faa, no the Shadow Finance Minister, Bob Before I go any fiirther, I must matter what negative story about Richards in this group of Bermudians point out that Mr Profit, whom I'm Bermuda is published on that website who are blaming the recession on the sure never "knicked marbles" with the that is n^ative about Bermuda, PLP Govemment. It matters not to Mr former Premier refcrted to him as commenters blame Dr Brown. I wonder Richards and others like him that therc "Ewart". In fea, I don't think that Mr how long it will take someone to make is worldwide recession, yet for some Profit would have been allowed to play an official complaint to the Media reason, they do not expea Bermuda to with Dr Brown when he was a child, Council about the nasty comments that be affected by this recession, in spite of whether it was marbles or any other arc p)ostcd on Bemews, not only about the fea that our major trading parmer game. When reading Mr Profit's Dr Brown, but the Government in the U.S. and the mother country, the reference to the former Premier Dr general. While I believe in freedomo f U.K. are also in a recession. Brown, as "Ewart", I was reminded of speech, I also believe that with freedom In one of his recent press why Dr Gordon changed his name to of speech comes responsibility. Just as I statements, Mr. Richards called on the "Mazumbo". According to author Ira had a problem with the Editor ofthe Government to "stop misleading and Philip in his book "From Monk to Royal Gazette publishing Mr Profit's confusing people". I think it's time for Mazumbo", Dr Gordon seized every letter I have a problem with Bernews Mr Richards to stop misleading and opportunity to challenge tactics calculated publishing some of the comments by confusing the people. to reduce black leadership and assert white their readers that I consider to be slanderous It's timefo r him to come dean. • superiority". Only Mt Profit and the editor and libelous. However, it appears that JANUARY 21.2011 THE WORKERS VOICE Moving Towards a New Bermuda

)V r.. iVlcNi:ii .Siovel

I am not one of those people who has resigned (Jack) Sharpe and C^uinton Edness hdd on to what was then themselves to the idea of wnting of the UBP as yet, but I do Warwick West, under legal condiaons concocted by the a UBP bebeve the day has amved that the people of Bermuda have govemment way back m 1962 and by 1998, had lost total deaded that they are not about going back to the so-called control over all of Warwick to the PLP. Even under all that good old days, days that were never good at all to the majonty pressurc being heaped upon the PLP and with Dt Brown and of Bermudians. El James taking Warwick West, it still has not registered with On December 16, 2010, a by-decaon was hdd m Mr Kun Swan that over the years, support for the UBP has Consamency 26 m Warwick Parish, a disoct that was once been on the decline m all areas of the pohacal landscape. held by the fi)nner Prermer Dt Bvart Brown. The day proved And to think that the UBP never had any trouble to be a total washout (or both the UBP and the BDA. Pnor to getting their supporters tovote , that m the year 2010, m one Dr Brown stepping down, I could not hdp but nonce how all of the most important by-elecaons of all times, one would the cnaosm, condemnaaon and personal attacks on have thought that with all of the demonstrauons and Dr Brown came to a screeching halt the moment Dr Brown condemnauons against the allied devil of Bermuda politics, stepped off the stage, and the PLP dected its new Premier, Dr Brown, that the UBP could only muster up just 78 votes Mrs P^Cax,JP.MP m all I guess that the above does not hdp much with one's As the dection results were bemg rdeased to the populanty standing among the votuig pubhc these does it? general pubhc in a late night news flash, it had become dear m No Mr Swan. It's not the low turnout that is to blame my nund long before then that former Senator Marc Bean, for your loss at the polls It is that old time UBP get out to the was going to hold onto that seat for the PLP About half of the polls support that has dned up and blow away with the wmds deaorate tumed out to the polls, non^dess, Mr Bean easily ofchangeand that's that Youmean tosayMr Swanthatyour smoked the compainon three to one judgment is that bad^ I would sugg^ that you watch your I could not help but observe the unpression that Kim back, your own people may wdl be planiung to pm a target Swan was tiymg to gi^ that if the turnout had been higher, the on ir UBP would have had a boter chance. What Mr Swan feils to I am a soong supporter of the PLP and I would be the understand is that he would not have gotten any morc than first tosa y that if the PLP no longer serves the electorate m the two hundred votes at best if it werc a general election and the fiiture, that it would be my hope that they would follow a BDA may have feared just a hrde better but the day would political enaty that would be more progressive then anytliing have been won by a large margm by die PLP without a doubr that has been seen in Bermuda to date. I can't hdp but wonder if Mr Swan ever pays much And I would say m diat case, that the PLP would be atcennon to the wnting that has been appearing on the great that best platform to scan fix>mFo r the UBP can only be seen wall of Bermuda's pohacal history Have his eyes been failing as the residue of deceased pobncs and that of the old stale ideals him over the years^ Does he need glasses^ Does he not of the old oligarchs understand that fewer and fewer Bermudians wish to go back Yes, it's tme. We Bermudians are truly moving m the to a past tiiat did not work so well for them^ direcaon of a new Bermuda. • You know It IS really somedimg tothin k that Sir John

ITHE WORKERS VOtCE JANUARY 21.2011 Bermuda and the Recession A dear friend said to me 4. The building of the new court "Calvin, the world is in crises, get on court street; your head out of the sand". At this 5. The reconstruction of the statement, a couple of bystanders who TCD building which has were enjoying the exchange began to reinvigorated the area often laugh and to echo agreement with referred to as the dump; and phrases such as "that's right Cal Smith; 6. The provision of several get your head out of the sand". housing units for Bermuda's At the time, I did not fed lower income groups in various that I was ducking the issue being sites throughout the island. discussed which was whether or not These new struaures arc all state of we werc having a serious recession in the art masterpieces and I believed \\Y C'AiViN SMI ! H Bermuda and that it was due to PLP that they should make all Bermudians mismanagement. I disagreed proud of the newly eleaed Bermuda marka prices since 1999. vigourously with both assertions for Progressive Labour Party. Perhaps, I It is also of interest how the following reasons: Firsdy, I did should say all Bermudians with the the so-called pillars of the economy not believe that we were in a serious exception of the islands version of (International Business and Tourism) recession although I was prepared to America's *Tea Party' — the hierarchy fared during the decline between concede that the economy was not of the . 2008 and 2009. International nearly as robust as it had been for Following the discussion, Business Activity fell from $1,547 much of the current decade. And I decided to take a good look at the billion to $1,490 Billion, a decline of secondly, I certainly was not prepared latest govemment rdease dealing with 57 million or 3.7%. Tourism, a to accqjt the viewpoint that the slowdown the development of the Bermuda much smaller industry, fell from $308 was due to mismanagement by the economy. My primary resource for million to $243 million, a reduction PLP, a political party that I believed this investigation was the publication of $65 milUon or 21%. The faa that had rescued Bermuda from centuries of the "Gross Domestic Product by tourism experienced a much larger of economic mismanagement that Industry - 2009 highlights by the decrease than international Business was grounded in naked racism. Department of Statistics". A second Activity which is almost five times as I argued instead that important source was in house data large is certainly cause for concern. In under the PLP goverrunent, the economy produced by the Bermuda Industrial terms of the BIU membership. had enjoyed a long period of growth Union dealing with employment Tourism accounts for 1252 or l/3rd that had its origins in the vast expansion reported from comp>anies organized by of the 3779 BIU dues paying of capital plant. Government's die BIU from July 2006 to July 2010. membership as at July 2010. Clearly, contribution to this marked expan­ *A perusal of the government the government survey results for sion was evidenced by the following: document reveals that the Gross 2010 will be awaited with great 1. The rcvitalization of the Ferry Domestic Product (GDP) declined interest by both workers and service with the purchase of from $6.1 Billion in 2008 to $5.7 management. new ferries; billion in 2009, a fall $353 million or While the year to year 2. The construction of the new 5.8%. This decrease becomes of movement of the GDP and our two Berkeley Instimte; increased importance when one major industries is of concern, a brief 3. The reconstruction of the considers that this was the first look at the behaviour of the total Dock at the west end; decline in the GDP in terms of continued on page 12

JANUARY 21,2011 THE WORKERS VOICEI WikiLeaks and the real role of the Ambassador-At-Large In the wake of the diplomatic an embassy in a country, often so-called fellout of the WikiLeaks revelations, it friends and allies arc in faa spying on indeed can be stated that "the Emperor each other has no dothes". Not too long ago the state of Most people think of a country's Israd was caught red-handed spying on embassy in terms of the place to you gp its great fiiend and benefaaor — the if you lose your passport or if you find United States of America And don't yourself in the unfortunate situation of think (or one minute that the Israeli being locked up in somebody else's embassy and or ambassador did not country. But, in fact, there is a polite know what was going on. term that can be used to describe the role The WikiLeaks revelations arc bone smck in their throar of an ambassador in a foreign country— said to have up to eighty-four revelations The rdease from WikiLeaks that would be "(jendeman Spy". concerning Bermuda So fer at least up stated that the British were concemed An ambassador is therc to aa in to this writing, two have been rdeased, that the Americans would have storcd his or her country's interests and so you one concerning British/American policy nudear weapons on its British Overseas will find most ambassadors mingling in to do with the cold war and the money Territory and that an agreement was the highest echdons of the sodeties in spent to lobby on behalf of Bermudian signed. I am no military strategisr But which he is posted. Persons in high interests in Washington. how much time would it have taken sodety get together at dinners, luncheons With the cold war Bermuda America to fly in its nudear depth or other social function wherc the ruling really dodged a bullet in that respect, or charges to arm its P-3 Orions? I think dite of a country arc to be found. Therc should we say dodged a missile made in that the Americans would have ignored you will find the ambassador the fi)rmerSovi a Union. The missile was British concerns and storc them anyway, With respea to leaks, if a launched by one of the Soviet just like in World War II when the country deems that a particular leak is in submarines which patrolled the waters British Navy air arm mounted a raid on the best interest of national concem, off Bermuda as part as a first nudear French naval ships in harbor once the then guess wherc that leak is likdy to strike against the East (Doast of the Frcnch had surrendered to Germany come fiom? It comes from the country^s United States and was not for the defense over concerns that they not be used by very own embassy. of the people of Bermuda The military the Germans against British military And speaking of spying in the operational value for the NATO bases in forces. Dedsions are made like that in country in which you have an embassy, our country would been measured in war or the threat of war Lips arc licking often such spy operations arc run from terms of hours ifthat balloon had gone at the prospea that some revelation will within the confines of the embassy itself up. "Balloon" is a term used for the start come to light about the circumstances You will often have an embassy right on of a war I said hours or less because of suttounding former Premier Brown's the border of a nation that you may not the military role Bermuda would have decision to bring the four U)^iirs to consider to be an ally with dose national played had it been one of the first targets Bermuda, as if some seaet deal was relations. In that circumstance they arc hir There is no way that a Russian stmck between America and Bermuda. spying, or eavesdropping on you and you Admiral in command of the Russian As a Bermudian I would not be upset by arc doing the same to them again fiom submarine fleet would have allowed the such a deal which I would consider to be within the embassy. Such spying is not NATO presence ro exist on this island. in Bermuda!s national interests if I read limited to potential foes who you have It would have been like having a the former Premier correcdy. But how continued on page 9 DTHE WORKERS VOICE JANUARY 21, 2011 the majority of workers m the Parks be wisdom's plea fer us to pause and Lynn's Nu^ets Department The desirc and will to contemplate an invitanon to reinvent and "Uuted in our oommunity" IS our support the Exhibition was evident rebuild oursdves and our oommiinity m a mantiafertheNewYearof20II M^^weaD Discussions between IkioQ aridMati^piKnt sustainable way Our coDecave history calls continue todoourbestat^^hatwedo best, in b^^ and unfortunately escalated mto a upon our GoEeaive vision, talents, strengdis the best mtetest of our dand home, Bermuda three-d^ work stoppage due to what and &ith to guide us througli the diaOengps Our shrinking economy is was considered by employees, as unfeir of uncertamty We have the ability to demanding that we adopt a different disQplinary acuon given to a colleague mioate and endure the necessary changes. approach m how we operate m doing aq>ressuig himself during these It IS my wish m 2011 that busmess. Recent agreements between BIU unprecedented talks. Ultimately an Government^ unions, businesses, churches, members and the Public Works agreement was readied, albeit at the lost of norvgovemmental org^nzzaaons, and yes, Department spdl out the challenges our one ds^sp^ and three working d^ The you and I, continue partncnng m adiievu^ community will contmue to csqxnence agreement determined we would be paid a roconaliatory economic and soaal dimarc through 2011 and onward. one days pay and given one day off fer neoessaiy m sustaining Bennudas spint and Pubhc Works employees have wodat^ on the Saturcby of the Exhibition. balanoe througli this penod of change. agreed to accept strai^ pay m heu of We had achieved compromise that halved IynnAdiBettsame?nier^iheIhisDwmn*^ overtime commencing Apnl 1, 2011 the payroll of the Padcs Departmenr and However great concem was expressed put money m our pockets with ame off WikiLeaks and the about how Govemment mtends to shape a It IS my personal view that the real role of the feu* balance of cut-badcs across the board, above agreement could have been achieved Ambassador-At-Large and what tt will look like. in aspint ofmmnnlianon without ooJI^jai^ continued from page 8 One of Govenunent's "litmus then^poam^process. Thinkaboutit We about this one' What if it is revealed that tests" on overtime cuts b^^ as early as lost tiiousands of our own tax dollars while despite the display of Bntish Apnl 2010 The "Annual Agricultural n^oanng mutual economic mtercsts. mdignanon, what if they knew all along Exhibmon", one of premier ("The thinking that got us iruo difficulty, and the whole thing was put on as show cultural events hdd at the Botamcal cannot be the thinking that will get us out" for the Chinese? But as it turns out, Gardens, became the focal point of a ddxue - Albert Euistem ^xuaphiased) nothing was revealed that pomted to a on overtime As Parks employees, we Moving ferward, consensus urges secret deal between former Prermer partner wnfaahostofvohintccrs in preparing a reduction in government ^)ending dunng Brown and the Amencans, much to the and man^^ the three-day event Pnorto this period of local and global economic disappomtment of his many pohacal the event, Parks Department heads, as wdl uncercamty I^enuer Cox has specified detractors and cnacs as then Minister of the Environmenr the $150 milLon for 2011. As government These two naaons have been HoiL Glenn Blakenc}^ approached staff m emplo)^ across the board, what can we do dose aUies m the post Worid War D era hqxsofcutnngadeaI-"timcK)ff^ mheuof m keeping with tins reakty' Can we as they have pulled stuff like this beferc overtime p^ The proposal meant diat we support the stiengdiening of our tax doDacs Cxinsider the people of the Chagos would work the Satuitt^ and leoovc two by way of moeasing job efficiency, Archipelago and how the Bntish d^offmsteadoftwodaysp^ Man^pnent tnmming our personal budgets, retiaming removed them fiom theu- island home so and the Minister on two separate occasions and bringing innovative ideas to the that the Amencans could erea a mihcary insisted tiierc was no mon^ fer ovemme m services we provide? Can we also devdop a base on what IS now called Diego (jaroa theBudgx However some colleagues werc deeper af^rociation of the quality oflife we WikiLeaks, fer from a spy unconvinced and extremely disappomted. have enjoyed and cdebrate our roles as organizaaon against Amencan mterests, The Annual Exhibiuon and the Caovemment service provider^ has only pulled covers of the real Cup Match Classic serve as the only two Some say the "Gold Age of workings of an embassy and the so-called calendar events providing overtime pay fer Plenty" IS behind us. Whoknow^ hmay ambassador at large. ^

JANUARY 21,2011 THE WORKERS VOICEl Public Works Divisions Agrees to Straight Pay in Lieu of Overtime by LaVeme Furbert

Brodier Chris FuriDCrt, President of the BIU has thrown his support behind the Premier and Finance Minister the Hon. 's effort to cut the Government's budget by $150 million. In a meeting with over 400 Public Works industrial workers. Brother Chris proposed to the workers that they agree to earning straight pay instead of overtime pay when working Brother Chris Furt>ert talks to Public Works employees at St Paul's Centennial Hall longer than thdr r^ular hours. said that they will agree to the overtime manage the projects." Brother Chris, Sister Molly ban if the Govemment does it part by As far as sick leave is concemed. Burgess, General Secretary, Brother cutting costs, like using less consultants." Brother Chris said that the Union has George Scott, Chief Organiser and Other topics discussed with Minister been asking employers, induding Brother Graham Nesbitt, Organiser Burgess werc productivity and sick leave. Govemment, to provide them with had all met with Public Works Minister Brother Chris said that therc have been print-outs of sick leave so that the the Hon. Derrick Bui^ess on two complaints about the kck of productiv­ Union can address the issue with occasions to discuss how the Uruon ity on the part of worircrs employed by their members. could hdp the Govemment meet its Public Worics. "We have been asking objective of reducing the budget by "Some people are saying that govemment to give us quarterly sick $150 million. projects are taking too long," offered leave print outs forove r ten years, but to date we have not received those print-outs," continued Brother Chris. "That is the only way that we can address the matter with our members." Brother Chris said that the Union was gratefiil to the Govemment as none of its members have been laid off or made redundant because of the economic climate in Bermuda. Minister without PortfoUo, the Hon. Ji A Michad Weeks, acting for Minister Over 400 Public Works employees attending mass meeting at St Paul's Centennial Hall Burgess who was on vacation, "Minister Burgess asked that we Brother Chris. "While we can put some encouraged the workers to support suspend overtime and our members of the onus on the workers, supervisors the Govemment in their efforts to agreed to do so, effective April 1,2011," and managers need to take the cut spending. • said Brother Chris. "Our members have responsibility as they arc the ones who

EEITHE WORKERS VOICE JANUARY 21.2011 rVE BEEN COUNTED HAV 0

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JANUARY 21,2011 THE WORKERS VOICEID Belmont/Newstead Staff Hit Hard continuedfrom page 1 Employees at both propemes are fully voiced the employee "Who will want the Bank of Butterfidd and quesaoned supporave of Mr Petty in his bid to to come herc now' The bank owes us where the Goverrunent stood on the retam conaol of his propemes As tears an apology' issue 98% of the workers at also flowed from staff members they The staff asked how they could Belmont/Newstead are Bermudians spoke of hotd staff as being a "Fzrrulf send the Bank a message to let them with only three who are work pemut "It's not just about commg to work," know that they arc not happy with holders The comrmtment to Mr Petty said one employee "Some of us have what they have done to Bermuda as a was somedimg to behold It was been here for the old and new whole, not just Belmont/Newstead heartwarming to see employees give Belmont" Staff wanted to know how They said what was happening is bigger such support to a manner, and to hear they could assist Mr Petty to keep his than Mr Petty as it affected tourism as them repeatedly say we are a femily properaes. One young man said "With a whole The staff pledged to keep It therefore comes as no surprise Mr Petty I see a fiiturc for myself" The workup to attraa tourists to the that workers fed the pam almost as employee said he did not see that Belmont/Newstead and to support much as their employer Mr Petty The happemng now as Mr Petty's plans, Mr. Petty workers contmued to reiterate that this goals and ideas are bemg put on hold "This IS a locally owned was a Bermuda issue and all of Another staff member said that the business and we cannot see it being sold Bermuda should be on guard as ro what busmess was now scarred off to foreigners, lamented one comes next "Who will be next and "No matter what happens now, employee. The staff spoke of the $200 what message this sends to potential they have scarred us busmess-wise," miUion badout the Govemment gave to mvestors,'" quesaoned one worker •

Bermuda and the Recession contmued from page 7 economy and its so-called pillars over in 2009 Thus Armual data for the had decreased to 3779. a fall of 218 the three year penod 2006 to 2009 is GDP over the whole economy from or 5 5% Employment in Tourism also of interest This is because the die penod 2006 to 2009 shows GDP dechned from 1789 in 2006 to 1252 longer period provides information rismg by 6 1% For the two pillars, in 2010 This represented a dedme on eme^ing trends which may not be Internauonal Business acuvity rose 517 or 41%. Clearly, employment m recogmzable over just a smgle year by 14 5% and Tourism dedmed the industties organized by the BIU In 2006 the GDP was by 18 6% mamtamed employment levels feirly valued at $5 4 bilhon It rose from It was worthwhile to well with the excepuon of the Hotds that value to an all time high of 6 1 determine whether the industries and Restaurants which experienced bilhon in 2008 before falhng to 5.7 o^amzed by the BIU fared as well m marked dedmes in employment bdlion in 2009. International terms of total employment as did the In terms of the enare Busmess Activity stood at $ 1 3 Billion enure economy The information for economy, the movement of m 2006 It then rose to a peak of the BIU covers the period 2006 to employment m the Hotel and $16 Bilhon m 2007, than dechned to 2010 (The International Business Restaurant industry (Tourism) was $1 5 bilhon in 2009 The much industry is not induded among the the mam cause of weakening m whole smaller tourism mdustry on the other industries orgamzed by the BIU) In economy and should properly hand stood at $299 million in 2006, July 2006 companies organized by be of concern in the ongomg rose to a peak of $320 million in the BIU reported a total employment recession years • 2007 than slumped to $243 million of 3,997 By July 2010. this number

THE WORKERS VOICE JANUARY 21.2011 International Union News Editors Note: The following was sent by our sister union. Public Services International

Pufc>lic Services Intemalional EgInternational e des Services Pufc>lics Internacionai de Servicios Publicos Internationale der Offent lie lien Dienste internationalen f^r Stats- och Kommunaianstc^ilda

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11 January 2011

Re: "The struggle with public-sector unions should be about productivity and parity, not just spending cuts " and "Public-sector unions have had a good few decades. Has their luck run out? "

Attention Editor The Economist,

While private companies are fundamentally motivated by profit, public services are mandated to serve democracy and the public good. Investment in quality public services benefits current and future generations: wealth Is equitably redistributed to citizens through public services such as education and healthcare; private businesses profit through the use of public highways, railroads, justice systems, and well-trained workforces. The debt crisis fincing many governments today was not caused by the amount they spent on any public worker*s paycheque. It was caused by relentless corporate and income tax giveaways, and the amount governments spent to save banks from the consequences of their own greed. The G20 nations put up $11,918 billion in guarantees and liquidity measures, including $1,896 billion in upfront spending. The International Monetary Fund estimates the loss will be 6.8% of GDP for advanced G20 nations. Financial institutions have made huge profits betting against national economies and driving down currencies. Only 2.5 percent of foreign exchange transactions suppon trade in goods and services. The rest - measured in trillions of dollars - are speculative. As we've seen, when the financiers bet wrong, they get bailed out. Ordinary workers should not be made to pay for this. C^lity public services are even more essential in hard times. They help individuals, communities and businesses to deal with and recover from recession. They help build sustainable economies and just, democratic sodeties. Public service unions around the worid are at the forefront of finding ways to deliver these services efTectively and erficiently - because our members want the tools to do a good job for the citizens, communities and nations they serve. if fmancial institutions were public utilities, they would be making investments to create new jobs, promote energy efficiency and support national economies. They would be working for us, not betting against us. Sincerely.

Peter Waldorff Carola Fischbach-Pyttel ^-^^^ ^ssJ^oJ- General Secretary! General Secretary Public Services International European Federation of Public Service Unions

('Source for the bailout figures cited in this letter: "Why we need publk: spending' PSIRU publication October 2010 pgs 15-16 tirftninr wfli-«l imrriTmlHtfH rtnTTwHtiirYrfflilmBy^^ .fc.>/»..«i.,«uifw^i«»%

JANUARY 21,2011 THE WORKERS VOICEEB EAP CLIPS: JANUARY 2011 HOW TO STOP PROCRASTINATING

Procrastfnation comes in many forms. wheAher you are a ooHege The authors note "merely thinking at)out the task m more concrete, student putting off a dreaded paper, or a homeowner putting off specific terms makes tt fael tike it shouM be completed sooner and doing chores like cleaning tho gutters We eO procrastinate, thus reducmg procresbnation" They condude that these results thinking that tomonow win be a better time to tackle undesirabte have Important implications for teachers and managers who may dutes and chores, tiut it can have negative consequences want their students and employees starting on projects soorw tn addition, these findings are also relevant for those of us resolving to Procrastination fs a curBe, and a costly one Putting things off have bettertime managemen t skilis leads not only te lost productivity but also damages setft^steem For these reasons, psychologists are trying to determine what's MANAGE YOUR TIME AND STOP going on tn the mind that makes it so hard to actually do what we PROCRASTINATING setouttodo Are we programmed for postponement and delay? Do you typically put off work, chores, or other duties until the last minute? Oneway to stop procrastinating ts to leam better time As reported by the Association of Psychological Sdenoe tn January management skills. Here are a few quick ways to better manage 2009, an international team of psychotogtsts lead by Sean McCrea your time of the Umversity of Konstanz in Germany wanted to see if there m^ht be a Dnk between how we think of a task and our tend^icy to Oef organ/zed To use time more wisely, (^aniza your life and postponeit In other words, are vve more likely to see some tasks keepftthatway Go through papenivork, etc and filter out the un- as psychologicaUy 'distanT - thus making us save them for later needed Items Enmmata dutter in your work area rather than tackling them now? Mate To Do" lists Goodtime manager s make To Do' Qsts a The psychotogists handed out questionnaires to a group of regular part of their Bves. whethertt's o n the computer, a PDA or a students and asked them to respond by e-mail within three weeks simple piece of paper Afl the questions had to do with rather mundane tasks like opening a bank account and keeping a diary, but different students were Finish one task before moving on. Save yourself time by given different instructions Some were given abstract instructtons, finishing one projed before moving on to another while ottrars were simply toti about the nuts and bolts of doing each activity- speaking to a bank officer, fQQng out fbnris, making Reward yourself for finishing tough projects. The hardest an initial deposit and 80 forth The idea was to get some students tasks are those that we have to do but which are difficult or boring thmktng abstracUy and othera concretely Then the psychologists Get over the dnidgery of these tasks by promising yourself a waited And in some cases, waited and watted Theyrecorded ail reward after finishing a tough project theresponse times t o see if there was a diflierence between the two groups. EUmtnate non-pTOOucUve actMUes Watching television or aimlessly surfing the tntemetisnt a productive use of time Good J\\& findings, reported In Psychok^gtcal Sdenoe, a journal of the time managers create time t)y ndding their Bves of these and other Assodation of Psychological Sdenoe were veiy clear Even bigtime waster s though all of the students were being paid upon completion, those who thought about the questions abstractly were much more likely Plan ahead So that you're not cramped fortime, pla n ahead If to procrastinate ^ and in fact some never got around to the you are working on a targe projed vrith a pressingtime line , do a bit assignment at all By contract, those who were focused on the each day Make it manageable, so that you can avokl a huge how. when and where of doing the task o-malled their responses amount of work tn the end much sooner, suggesting that they tackled the assignment rather than delaying iL

If you need help please call the EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME OF BERMUDA at 292 9000

THE WORKERS VOICE JANUARY 21,2011 Patient Family Lounge Opened with New SANDRA Patient Advocate Service contimied from page 4 JENNINGS HUTCHFUL who is unwell can be upsetting and they are in hospital, so that they can be OUT OF sttessflil. Having a place to recoup hdps resolved, rather than waiting to sttengthen the support group around complain afrer being discharged. AFRICA our patients and that in turn hdps the Mr Swan comments: "The INVITES VOU recovery. I am also pleased to see that department of Quality & Risk TO A TOUR OF the new Patient Advocate Manager will Management deals with both the have an oflSce here. Catering to patient patient satisfection surveys as well as TOUR 1 needs and troubleshooting issues while recdving and investigating complaints. DUBAI 8i EGYPT patients are in the hospital will greatly Torn Bridgewater is our Patient enhance BHB's ability to meet the Advocate Manager and her role will be Mar.28-Aprilia2011 expectations and needs of the people of to deal with issues as they arise, if a COST: Bermuda It gives me great comfort to patient or family member hasn't been see that BHB is focusing on making able to resolve them with their health­ $4,350 important upgrades to King Edward to care team. This could be as simple as the improve itsm services." deanliness of the room, the quality of David Hill, CEO of BHB the food received, or a clinical need that comments: "We believe renovating this a patient or family member feels is not space for the use of famihesmand being addressed. Our driving bdief is fiiends of patients, and providing a base that if we can resolve an issue while from which our Patient Advocate patients are actually in hospital, then Manager can work and meet they will be able to describe their TOUR 2 with families will help us improve the hospital experience in a more positive overall experience of patients and hdp maimer when they leave. Addressing GHANA 8i BENIN them in their recovery. There is a deli- issues proactivdy also reduces the need VIA TOGO carc balance investing in improvements, for patients and their families to resort while remaining mindflil of controlling to a formal complaint afrer they have Aug. 4-16,2011 healthcare costs and also that we will been discharged. Making improvements COST: have a new facility in about three years. that can make a difference is our goal This was an important investment as and we hope that the levd of satisfection $3,750 there was nowhere private for families that patients and their families fed to wait before." whilst in hospital will continue to rise." The Patient Advocate Manager Mrs. Bridgewater can be contacted on reports to the VP, Quality & Risk ext 1425 at the hospital or 239-1425, or Management, Mr Preston Swan. via email at [email protected]. Although this is a new role, the position Her office is located in the new Patient does not replace the oflidal complaints Family Lounge and she is available process. Instead, it provides an between 8.30am and 4.30pm. • Contact Sandra at: additional resource for patients and [email protected] their families to address issues while Phone: 248+355-4014 Fax: 248+355-2311

JANUARY 21,2011 THE WORKERS VOICE! PUZZLE P U Z Z L E P U Z Z L E PUZZLE

Transportation Find and circle all of the transportation words that arehidden in the grid, The remaining letters will reveal an additional method of transportation. c D E L S K T Y L E M A C M V A N L C N A E G S K 1 S O E H N U E C O A K 0 T E A T w M R O H V 1 W E c D 1 B 0 A T 1 T E R A S M A O G 1 R H A R R R N C T L O O R C C S O B A A A O B O N B Y Y Y l< B C M L M R G D R R 1 C C C S K A T E B O A R D T L L 1 A T E L B L U E W F N E E R O J L L A L F S A P 1 H S R M O P E D A 1 R P L A N E L R E T O O C S M H O R S E E T U H C A R A P P O T 0 N

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EQTHE WORKERS VOICE JANUARY 21,2011