LABOUR DAY MARCH -- Hundreds of Trade Unionists and their supporters marched through Hamilton yesterday to celebrate Bermuda's 16th annual Labour Day holiday. The marchers, seen here carrying a Bermuda Industrial Union banner and portraits of union founder Dr. E.F. Gordon (left) and the late PLP leader L. Frederick Wade, were led by the Bermuda Regiment Band.

Building bridges between labour, management and Government to work towards prosperity for the benefit all Bermudians was the theme that emerged from Labour Day speeches by Premier Pamela Gordon, Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith, Labour Minister Quinton Edness and Shadow Labour Minister Alex Scott, who addressed the crowd assembled in Bernard Park yesterday after the 16th annual Labour Day March through Hamilton.

Hundreds of unionists and their supporters entered the park headed by the Bermuda Regiment Band, and according to one observer, yesterday's turn-out was, "the biggest ever.'' Bermuda Industrial Union placards were very much in evidence. Marchers also carried portraits of the late Dr. E.F. Gordon, founder of Bermuda's labour movement, and a portrait of former Progressive Labour Party Leader, L.

Frederick Wade, who died just over a year ago.

Premier Pamela Gordon prefaced her speech with an expression of sympathy for the families of Diana, Princess of Wales, her companion Dodi Fahed and their driver, all of whom were killed in a car accident in Paris on Saturday night.

"This is my first Labour Day as Premier,'' Miss Gordon said, "a new era, new chapter.

"But first I would like to join with others in expressing my condolences for the families of Princess Diana, Mr. Fahed and their driver.'' Miss Gordon acknowledged her family ties with unions in Bermuda. She is the daughter of Dr. E.F. Gordon, considered to be the founder of Bermuda's labour movement.

"I am not my father, but I dare to believe I bring with me the qualities associated with the Gordon name: dedication, compassion and care for the welfare of all Bermudians.'' The Premier said Labour Day was not only a day to recognise the efforts of unions, but a time to reflect on the contribution made by employers as well as workers.

"Management and labour have to work together to assure Bermuda's quality of life.

"More than ever before, Bermudians are asking for equality of economic opportunity, a chance for a greater share in our economic prosperity,'' Premier Gordon said.

Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith was upbeat as she stepped up to the microphone.

"Workers of Bermuda this is your day,'' she said.

"This is my second Labour Day as leader of the Opposition but it may be my last in that position if there is an election in next year.'' Ms Smith congratulated workers on their successes in the last 12 months, saying their action had forced Government to promise changes to labour laws, due to be tabled in the House of Assembly in November.

"I can assure you, when this gets to the House, the PLP will do their part to make sure the bill fully debated.'' Ms Smith said her party has "Labour'' in the middle of its name because it reminds PLP members of their dedication to the principles of the labour movement.

"But make no mistake,'' she added, "these principles will stand for nothing if workers are unemployed.

"Bermuda's workers need jobs and to this end, the PLP supports the efforts of management in trying to make Bermuda's economy stronger.

"Without profitability, there will be no progress for workers. "We recognise, if tourism is not rescued, the Island's business sector will be in jeopardy. We can't ignore this.'' Ms Smith went on to say that failure of the Island's hotels will lead to unemployment creating ripple effects of increased crime, disruption to business, the economy and education.

"If this happens Bermudians will not be able to take advantage of Bermuda's growth.

"The PLP is committed to profitability in tourism and business,'' she said.

"We must work together to introduce changes in Bermuda that will insure Bermudians can work if they want to, and retire when they want to, with decent pensions.'' The outburst of applause at the end of the Opposition Leader's speech turned to a groundswell of chatter, occasional heckling and catcalls as Labour Minister Quinton Edness spoke.

"I am reminded of a story about a very successful man who was once asked what about the secret of success. The man replied, `life is like a tennis match.

You can't win if you don't serve', '' Mr. Edness said.

"Service, particularly customer service, has been the basis of Bermuda's success in the past.

"Service will help propel this Country forward, meeting the needs of citizens and visitors.'' Mr. Edness wound up his speech by talking of Government initiatives in trade union legislation and in new training programmes which are due to be introduced soon.

"This will be a joint venture between Government and industry stakeholders which, along with the individual efforts of each and every person in the community, will help us toward prosperity,'' Mr. Edness said.

Shadow Minister for Labour, Alex Scott, invited the crowd to: "Make this country a place where we can work. Make this a country that works for us.'' Mr. Scott said both the PLP and Bermuda's unions have, "talent vision and ability.

"Through tragedy the PLP has had a change in leadership, but we haven't missed a beat.

"Not long ago, people were saying former BIU President Mr. Ottiwell Simmons had a job for life. That the union could not go forward with out him. "But the BIU has not suffered through a change in leadership. The BIU has talent, ability and vision.'' Mr. Scott then spoke of the recent United Parcel Service strike in America, saying labour had prevailed by, "doing things the old fashioned way. By standing together and not giving in.'' He said Bermuda's workers should stand together to get what they want. "But don't get me wrong, we're trying to build bridges of understanding and respect between labour and business.

"We have to work with others for success. The PLP wants to bring people together so we can reason together, we need to roll up our sleeves and get ready to work.

"You have to do your part. You must promote leadership, not only for Labour but in best interests of all Bermuda,'' Mr. Scott said.