Government has awarded 1,100 blue collar workers a five percent pay rise, it was announced today.

The pay increase is effective from January 1 this year.

Bermuda Industrial Union President Chris Furbert said at a press conference this morning: “Membership ratified the agreement for five percent. It has been a long and tedious process for the past nine months.”

He added: “Further negotiations will start early next year to discuss a 35-hour work week proposal and other items.”

* Full story in tomorrow's Royal Gazette.