BIU 'concerned' about dirty docks

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24: The Bermuda Industrial Union has raised concerns about the cleanliness of Hamilton Docks.

President Chris Furbert told a press conference on Wednesday that dock workers had raised the matter with management  but nothing had been done.

He said: “When I spoke to the workers today they were concerned about how unsafe it is in relation to the cleanliness of the docks.

“No matter how many times they have spoken to management it’s dirty for six to 12 months before management even decide to get it cleaned up.

“The guys are very concerned about that and how there is no real maintenance programme as far as how the dock is cleaned on a regular basis.”

The claim comes as the dispute between Stevedoring Services Ltd and the BIU rumbles into a third week.

Mr Furbert said that management company had not co-operated with his members adding: “If they want to escalate the situation... I would not advise they do that.”

The over time ban has disrupted shipping schedules and meant ships have left Bermuda with far less empty containers than usual.

Shipping agents says they have also incurred extra expense on fuel in a bid to prevent the ships running too far behind schedule.

Mr Furbert used the press conference to criticise the print media.

He claimed newspapers had failed to publish all of the BIU’s arguments, including the fact dock workers had given up a days pay in the last two years and the fact the BIU was not in favour of closing the shed at the docks, for implementing the over time ban.

Mr Furbert also rounded on management at the docks saying: “Several years ago there were 67 men that worked on the dock now there are 38. Back then we had two superintendents to supervise.

“Today we have 38 men and management has three supervisors.

“So let’s talk about management’s unproductive time.”

The Bermuda Sun gave equal space to Mr Furbert as it did to all other parties involved in the dispute in today’s paper.