The Labour Day march by the Bermuda Industrial Union will go ahead despite the pandemic, it was revealed yesterday.

But strict social-distancing will be enforced for the traditional event on Monday.

The times for the march have also been changed because the traditional Labour Day Road Race has not been given permission to go ahead.

Collin Simmons, the chairman of the BIU’s Labour Day Committee, said there would be an early start at Union Square in Hamilton.

He said: “We’re going to bring things forward from what we normally do, with the speakers at 9.30am to 10am here at the square.

“We’re hoping to start the march through Hamilton around 10.15am, before the sun gets too high.”

Union officials will address the gathering, along with David Burt, the Premier, and Jason Hayward, the Minister of Labour.

Mr Simmons said Craig Cannonier, the leader of the One Bermuda Alliance, had also been invited to give a speech.

He added: “The theme for this year is ‘Collectively Working Together Through the Pandemic: Workers’ Lives Matter’.

“We are still keeping the pandemic in mind, but the emphasis is on workers, frontline and not.

It’s about everyone who has been working as one.

“If you are a worker, you matter.”

• To read a statement from Bermuda Public Services Union president Armell Thomas on the Labour Day plans, click on the PDF under “Related Media”