Recently there has been much talk about the Progressive Labour Party Government and its relationship with trade unions. Some have gone so far to say that the PLP Government has forgotten its labour roots and has become elitist.

I personally have been accused of ignoring the needs and request of union members in my capacity as the Minister of Works and Engineering. These assertions cannot be further from the truth. I can state categorically that the PLP Government has the interest of Bermudian workers at heart.

In fact some Ministers and back-benchers have already expressed support for those workers seeking a 35 hour work week.

Long before I became a Member of Parliament, I was a member of the Bermuda Industrial Union. It was that membership experience that shaped my perspective.

I developed an appreciation and abiding respect for those heroes of the Labour movement whose sacrifices earned rights that all of us now enjoy. My gratitude is so ingrained that I will remain committed to worker's rights until life's end.

I am a worker at heart. I worked at the beach club of Castle Harbour when I was a student. Upon graduation, notwithstanding what other employment I had, my second job was in the hospitality industry. During my hotel career I worked in a variety of positions from dishwasher to general manager, the experience has enabled me to be sensitive to the concerns of workers.

In later years in my capacity as President of the Bermuda Industrial Union I encouraged members to upgrade their skills, to give a full day's work for a full day's pay and I stressed the importance of good industrial relations.

This can be achieved by establishing and maintaining open lines of communication enabling each party to gain an understanding and appreciation of the other's point of view.

I believe all of my Parliamentary colleagues hold similar viewpoints, however, our responsibilities as Government means that, after all factors are considered our decisions must be made to serve the common good, even when some, whom we are pledged to serve, may disagree.

I applaud the workers who wish to protect their rights, I hope they never waiver.

I do hope that we go forward with, mutual respect and understanding. Bermuda would be the better for it.

Derrick Burgess is the Minister of Works and Engineering