HAMILTON, Bermuda – The Bermuda government and the Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) have hammered out a new three-year collective bargaining agreement.
Negotiations had been under way since July. The government’s offer of a 2.5 per cent pay increase, retroactive to April 1, was accepted by the BPSU.
Minister of Cabinet Office with Responsibility for Government Reform Lovitta Foggo, who made the announcement, called the accord “a very important development for the government and for the BPSU membership.
“Since coming into office (after winning July’s general election), this government committed to upholding fairness. And with this new collective bargaining agreement, we are fulfilling our promises whilst demonstrating that we appreciate the good works of our public service.
“While the negotiation process continues with various other unions, the government is pleased to highlight the successful completion of the BPSU agreement,” Foggo said.
BPSU president Jason Hayward, who is also a government senator, said the agreement would operate until September 2020.
Hayward said it was the civil service’s first negotiated collective bargaining agreement since 2008 — when the PLP was previously in power — and “a significant milestone for our membership”.
The 2.5 per cent cost of living adjustment and other contractual gains were “a morale booster for our members, especially after years of sacrifice”, he added.
“This agreement was achieved through a collaborative process of interest-based negotiations. The new collective agreement will ensure a working environment where public service officers can focus on providing world-class service both locally and internationally.
“The agreement also strengthens the BPSU’s working relationship and partnership with the government, and will enhance working conditions for public service officers.” (CMC)
