Opposition Leader Patricia Gordon-Pamplin called on employers to enforce equal opportunities in the workplace in her Labour Day message.

Ms Gordon-Pamplin said: “Labour Day is a time when all our citizens can be heralded for their part in creating a Bermuda that works.

“Whether citizens are retirees who previously contributed, current workers who are presently bearing the brunt of the economic stimulus that is very necessary for stability of the country or the next generation intending to join the workforce and preparing themselves to do so — we applaud their efforts.”

Ms Gordon-Pamplin, who took over as leader of the One Bermuda Alliance from Michael Dunkley after July’s election defeat, added: “The working population has been the foundation on which our beautiful country has been built.

“It is appreciated that while every worker has not enjoyed the measure of respect or reward that is fair, their efforts nonetheless are crucial to Bermuda’s success.

“We encourage employers to enforce equitable treatment, examining the requirements of the position, and not the ethnicity of the position holder.”

She added: “It is incumbent upon all employers to ensure that our Bermudian workers in particular are embraced in a meaningful way in hiring decisions, as we believe a stable and happy workforce translates into a stable and happy community.”