Union and government officials took part in a training session this week focused on interest-based bargaining to help set a foundation for future negotiations.

Representatives from the Bermuda Industrial Union; the Bermuda Public Services Union; the Prison Officers Association; the Fire Services Association; the Bermuda Police Association; and the Bermuda Union of Teachers took part in the two-day training session, along with government negotiation chairs and their technical teams.

Crystal Caesar, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, said: “This session marked the beginning of a constructive and collaborative negotiation season.

“We met with a shared purpose to engage in negotiations that are fair and forward-thinking.

“Our government is committed to entering into new negotiations with all our union partners, recognising the importance of maintaining strong and productive relationships.”

A government spokeswoman said interest-based bargaining focused on “mutual gains and collaborative problem-solving, fostering co-operation, reducing conflicts and achieving sustainable agreements”.