I have the people behind me and the people are my strength.
Huey Newton
For more information contact our Education Officer Bro. Collin Simmons
The 1972 island-wide Construction Workers strike was one of the BIU's landmark industrial actions. It was at the height of a building boom, and lasted nine weeks, involving 900 masons, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and other mechanics, as well as labourers.
At stake was the Union's demand for three major benefits, namely check-offs by employers for a joint contributory pension; and for sick and vacation pay to be placed in a central fund to be controlled by the Union. The strike was costly to contractors who lost hundreds of thousands of dollars on a daily basis through crippled projects that were picketed from one end of Bermuda to the other. Workers also suffered loss of income during the nine weeks, but to their everlasting credit, they never made demands on the Union for strike pay.
The April 1972 negotiations between Telco and the BIU became completely deadlocked by August when the two sides could not agree. A 21-day strike notice was served on Telco by BIU as required by law with respect to an essential service.
The strike was set to take place at midnight, Monday August 16; both sides had taken utter precautions for anticipated 'siege', a term used by historian Colin Benbow. With the benefit of the BELCO experience behind them, the Union had planned the strike with almost military precision, entailing around-the-clock picketing.
The Union pitched a tent and set up canteens on the grass plot near the plant, now site of the city bus terminal. Members picketed to singing and the beat of drums.
Management on the other hand had its top executives and salaried staff prepared to man switchboards and keep other operations going. Rather than exposing them to having to cross picket lines, as was part of the showdown at BELCO, the plan was for them to remain inside the plant at all times.
"As a result of the historic 1981 strike, Bermuda had to accept the fact that if you attempt to break the trade union movement, you run the risk of breaking the country. This was the catalyst that helped to bring about an official Labour Day holiday. Because of the strike and the public outcry, the way was paved for Bermuda to celebrate its first Labour Day on Monday, 6 September 1982.
The general strike of 1981 is something that will live forever in the minds of all those who were there, but it need not have happened. It was only a last alternative to a seemingly non-negotiable situation between Government, the Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Bermuda Industrial Union. It was a great victory for the workers of Bermuda. They won a tremendous victory for the labour movement and its legitimate role in Bermudian society and is the reason why we celebrate Labour Day today."
Taken from the book "The story of The Labour Day" by Alvin Williams & Leleath Bailey
The BIU History book which became a reality under the administrastion of former president and now Deputy Premier of Bermuda the Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, JP MP, was written by Ira O. Philip, MBE. and published in 2003.
This book has been made possible by the contributions of many people and organizations. But the author is especially grateful to the Bermuda Industrial Union's Education Officer Collin Simmons, General Secretary Helena "Molly" Burgess and former Presidents, Hon. Derrick Burgess, JP MP and Hon. Ottiwell Simmons, JP for their sensitive and relentless attention and research. Also for the invaluable and highly professional assistance of the Staff at the Bermuda Press.
The Bermuda Industrial Union has been at the forefront in achieving:
The right to join a union is enshrined in the Constitution (Section 10 [1] ) and the Law of Bermuda (Trade Union Act 1965 [Title 18, Item 2, Section 30].
It is a punishable offence for any employer to attempt to interfere with this right - as some renegade employers have found to their cost.
To read more about these and other great Union leaders purchase a copy of the BIU History Book. Ask about other great books written by Ottiwell Simmons, Roosevelt Brown, Alvin Williams & Leleath Baily and other local authors.
History of the B.I.U.
By: Ira Phillip
$40
Our Lady of Labour
By: Ottiwell Simmons
$35
The History of the Labour Day
By: Alvin Williams & Leleath Bailey
$10
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T:+1 441-292-0044
F:+1 441-295-7992
49 Dr. E.F. Gordon Square
Hamilton HM12
Bermuda
If you have liked what you have seen on this site, request an appointment to meet our Education Officer, Bro. Collin Simmons to learn more about the our great Union!
From BWA to BIU 1946
Strike 1959
Strike 1965
General Strike 1981
BIU History Site was designed by: Renee Jones
