Dockworkers ban overtime

The overtime ban came into force at noon yesterday and will remain in force indefinitely, Chris Furbert from the BIU told a press conference this morning.

He said the action was prompted by workers’ concerns about their loss of hours and loss of income, which had been brought on by the economic down turn.

Mr Furbert said the union had given Stevedoring Services Ltd notice last Friday that it would act if nothing was done to address their its member’s concerns.

He told the press conference he believed Stevedoring Services had behaved “pretty poorly”.

Peter Aldrich, CEO of Stevedoring Services, released a statement saying: “Stevedoring Services Ltd can confirm reports that the Port Workers Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union has instituted an overtime ban on the Hamilton Cargo Docks.

“We have been in discussions for some time with regards to the renewal of our Collective Agreement but talks are deadlocked over our desire to alter hours of work due to the significant reduction in cargo volume.

“It is an unfortunate reality that our economy continues to contract and any reluctance to accept the consequences of these changes only makes matters worse.

“We remain committed to our staff and the importing public as we all try to walk an economic tight rope of providing stable employment and the financial stability that provides that employment.

“We do support the negotiation process and are still hopeful that we can resolve these differences without any protracted inconvenience to the importing community.”

A statement released by Bermuda Container Lines said: “BCL is truly disappointed that this situation has degraded to this point especially at a time when the economy can least afford it.

“Without overtime our operation, along with the other lines, will be greatly affected.  This will have a knock on effect to our customers who are already reeling from the effects of this economic down turn.

“As Bermudians we have great concerns as to the effect this will have on our nation’s supply chain.  We will do everything we can to minimize the impact on our customers, but please understand that this situation is completely out of our hands.

 “Oleander voyage 1615 will arrive on Sunday August 14th.  Unfortunately, with the ban in place they will not commence discharge until Monday morning 0800.”