Recognised on May 1, International Workers’ Day or May Day is an opportunity to honour and celebrate the historic social and economic struggles that brought hard-won achievements. It is also to remind us of the extraordinary sacrifices, accomplishments and contributions of workers worldwide and their importance to the strength and prosperity of our country.
The Covid 19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the adversity that many workers face and has caused governments worldwide to re-evaluate their policies to focus on a human-centred recovery that promotes equality, fairness, and respect for all workers.
I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to each and every worker as you continue to show dedication and selflessness during these challenging times and commit to getting the job done while being an example for others as you strive towards a better Bermuda for all.
The Ministry of Economy and Labour is committed to ensuring social justice and fundamental rights at work and is steadfast in its obligations to the workers of this country.
Working in consultation with the Unions and Employer organizations, the Ministry is conducting a targeted review of the Employment Act 2000. The goal is to further strengthen employee protections, focusing on equal pay for equal work, formal guidelines concerning tips and gratuities, wage theft protections, and establishing guidelines to ensure independent contractors are correctly classified.
Understanding the continued challenges that workers were facing due to the pandemic, the Ministry extended the Supplemental Unemployment Benefit to those workers who found themselves without a regular income.
The Ministry is currently reviewing the implementation of a statutory minimum wage that will enhance the lives of those workers considered low-income earners and ensure that all workers will have access to a fair and decent wage. The Ministry continues to support the Wage Commission as it concludes its comprehensive review of a living wage for Bermuda.
As we continue to move beyond the pandemic, the Ministry looks forward to building a better future for the workers of Bermuda. I thank you, the workers, for your invaluable service to your places of employment, customers, colleagues, and our country.
Thank you.