Public Works staff look set for overtime cuts saving $1.5 million a year as part of Government’s efforts to trim the fat.Bermuda Industrial Union members yesterday agreed to be paid their regular wage instead of double time when they work overtime, as long as Government decreases spending elsewhere, particularly on consultants.BIU president Chris Furbert said workers accepted the measure after Works Minister Derrick Burgess made it clear Government departments have all been told to slash costs.He said similar cuts could be made in other Ministries, with more talks possible between Government and BIU workers in the coming weeks.Public Works employees yesterday told The Royal Gazette they were warned if they didn’t take overtime cuts they could face redundancies.Reducing overtime is said to be one of Premier and Finance Minister Paula Cox’s key ways of making $150 million savings in her first fiscal year as leader.The Works Ministry says this week’s build-up of uncollected trash has been partly because of a concerted effort to reduce overtime, while Swing Bridge’s hours have been reduced for the same reason.And bus drivers say the service from St David’s is being reorganised so they don’t have to do overtime.Meanwhile, civil servants in Bermuda Public Service Union were told earlier this week the only way they could stave off redundancies would be to accept a wage freeze; they have deferred a decision until after next month’s Budget.Yesterday morning, more than 400 Public Works staff attended a meeting at St Paul Centennial Hall in Hamilton to discuss overtime, sick leave and productivity.Mr Furbert told a press conference: “We have had two meetings with the Public Works Minister Derrick Burgess saying Government departments have been charged with trying to cut costs where they can.“He approached us about the suspension of overtime to basically help Government cut costs.”Mr Furbert said workers passed a motion to accept regular pay for their overtime work “provided Government look at cutting costs from the top down”; he said workers raised concerns money was being wasted on consultants.The overtime cuts would take effect from April 1.Asked about redundancies, Mr Furbert said Minister without Portfolio Michael Weeks had told the meeting Government is facing challenges and would have to cut costs “either via overtime or by doing some other things”.One worker leaving the meeting told this newspaper people didn’t want to lose their overtime but felt it was important to protect jobs.Mr Furbert said workers were also told of the importance of working hard and not abusing sick leave during the economic crisis.Economy Minister Kim Wilson declined to comment yesterday when asked about the situation during a press conference on employment.Senator Wilson directed this newspaper to Ms Cox, but the Premier didn’t respond when asked whether Government workers can expect overtime cuts, and to what extent that is likely to happen.The Premier has previously stated Government’s strategy is to preserve jobs and income for families at the least cost to the taxpayer.United Bermuda Party Senator Suzann Roberts-Holshouser said she has been speaking to bus drivers about overtime-related issues with the bus schedule in St David’s.The former Constituency Three MP understands the service has been inconsistent as it relies on drivers doing overtime meaning sometimes the bus doesn’t turn up.But she said now it will be altered so drivers are only required to work regular hours.“They will be paying no more overtime and the service will be reliable,” said Sen Roberts-Holshouser.“I’m just hoping Government will keep people up-to-date with the new schedule.”The Transport Ministry declined to comment on the changes to the service.