Union head Chris Furbert refutes utility provider’s claims
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Industrial action has led to disruptions at Bermuda Gas. The company says customers have not received deliveries of gas cylinders as a result of an ongoing labour dispute. Both residential and commercial customers are effected.
In a press release, the company said the industrial action began in late November and has persisted longer than anticipated.
A spokesperson said the company had requested assistance from the Labour Relations Office, but unfortunately, quote “that is not the case … It is unfortunate that our union partner has chosen to impact daily operations of an essential service during the holiday season,” end quote.
Bermuda Gas says although the actions are being framed as a ‘work to rule,’ this action is in effect, a ban on contractual overtime, and, quote “is evolving exponentially into a go-slow, with sporadic occurrences of full work stoppage, which in our opinion is unlawful and unwarranted,” end quote.
Responding to a request for comment, BIU President Chris Furbert told us that the dispute stems from unresolved issues surrounding a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The BIU says despite numerous meetings with management, the response has been, quote “less than satisfactory.”
The union lists outstanding issues including the misuse of non-unionized staff and safety issues surrounding excessive work hours by managers covering for union members.
Meanwhile, Bermuda Gas says it has has been unable to fulfill many of its bulk customers’ orders, deliver residential Liquid Propane Gas cylinders, or refill the BBQ cylinders found at RUBiS stations.
The company says it remains optimistic that the industrial action will be resolved soon.
