The contribution of Bermuda's workers to the Island was celebrated yesterday, at the second annual International Workers Day.

Mr. Eugene Blakeney, one of Bermuda's union trailblazers, was presented with an award to honour his years of service.

There was also an award for former Bermuda Industrial Union President Mr. Ottiwell Simmons.

The Governor, Sir Richard Gozney, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs and Housing, Senator David Burch, the Opposition Leader, Kim Swan and many other union leaders were all in attendance on the steps of City Hall.

Sen. Burch said: "To the workers of Bermuda and the world, I say thank you for doing the jobs that are sometimes not appreciated until you stop doing them.

"We all have a greater appreciation for the sanitation worker when our trash isn't collected for a few days."

"Back in February when I was on some other steps in the presence of a gathering of workers on terms not as friendly as today's, someone said: "Minister, they are marching on you," and I said 'they have a right to' and I welcome the sound of freedom."

He added: "A vital part of good labour relations is recognising the rights of workers – it is key in reaching a resolution.

"Likewise, workers must also recognise the responsibility of Governments and the role we must play in reaching resolution.

"I commend the Bermuda Trade Union Congress and all its member Unions and Associations for organising this celebration and joining workers around the world in pausing to acknowledge International Workers Day."

Mr. Swan said he recognised the collective power of unity. He said: "We celebrate the contribution organised labour has played, in making fairer and more equitable working conditions and remuneration for the working class.

"Today many need to work well beyond the eight hour day to survive so we urge all resources to carefully consider and address this modern day challenge to our workers."

Mr. Anthony Wolffe, Bermuda Trade Union Congress president stressed that to a union leader, trade unionism was not a job, it was a passion.

He said: "It is a passion to ensure that the rights of workers are not violated, that the conditions of employment include the humanistic aspects of the workers, that workers are earning a salary that is at least livable, and a passion to ensure that economical growth is equitable.

"With this in mind, we must commit to supporting our leadership, commit to being united and standing firm in solidarity."