October 11, 2012Dear Sir,“United we stand, divided we fall” still stands today as the Bermuda Industrial Union’s motto, shaped by its founding mothers and fathers many decades ago.This was a powerful call rallying solidarity amongst members during a period when appreciation of the rights of workers and unions were extremely limited both in recognition and legislation. In an era of profound social, economic and political imbalance, workers needed to galvanise themselves with an affirmation instilling unity. Could those early pioneers have imagined that in 2012, this motto would be equally relevant in a time when unity is most needed in the community?Bermuda’s present economic and social challenges have altered the life-scape of our community. Global recession has eaten away at local and offshore businesses and employment levels have dropped across the board impacting the whole community. Additionally, Bermuda’s fiscal management has experienced some levels of inefficiencies and a shrunken tax base has impacted needed Government and private programmes. Some voices speak of dark clouds, offering do or die remedies. Others see silver linings and creative opportunity.Teamwork is the blood of our community, and its health is primarily based on how well community organisations gel. Metaphorically speaking, the head, hips and feet must collaborate in defining, directing and materialising our way of life. As sure as we all need oxygen to breathe, we need each other in achieving our individual and collective potential.Bermuda has an evolving heritage in social and economic frameworks that continues developing toward and at high levels of efficiency. Bermuda’s report card speaks to a model in progress, albeit at a fluctuating pace. Our economic, political and social entities create the space in development, fine tuning and sustainability.Our task in navigating strong economic and social headwinds and shifting currents both locally and globally, calls out for collective strength and commitment. We are invited to renew and re-energise our thinking and actions as the first settlers demonstrated when shipwrecked on our reefs over 400 years ago.For example, earlier this year a challenge between KFC and its workers provided an opportunity for an alternative solution. It was stated revenue earnings had dipped, thus challenging the business operations of KFC. Perhaps in an attempt to keep shareholders interested in the business, and Bermudians employed, management sought to challenge some aspects of the “collective bargaining agreement” between itself and its workers’ union, the Bermuda Industrial Union.Talks began and stalled, BIU workers walked on the KFC business site twice in protest, called for a boycott and Government intervened by way of compulsory arbitration. During a time of deep economic recession, could the costs to taxpayers and KFC on the arbitration process been averted? Perhaps!Imagine an idea considered by the BIU advising the public, BIU members and families to support KFC business by way of purchasing. Potentially, this would raise levels of earnings and restore shareholder confidence in the business. Equally important, a more amicable climate of negotiations would prevail in the interests of KFC workers and management. A win-win scenario?As we all reach within and reach out to our community, as we continue reconciling our understanding and need of each other as human beings and community stakeholders, we may find comfort in this truth: “United we stand, united we succeed!” Think about it!Quote: “If we imagine the success of our goals, we may better appreciate the energy of our hearts, minds and hands.”Peace!LYNN MILLETTHamilton Parish