The issue of Independence is set to spill over into Labour Day celebrations whether Bermuda opts for Independence or not on August 15.

Either way the day will be a weighted one with either a `yes' vote launching Bermuda onto the Independence route or a `no' vote expected to bring about a far-reaching Cabinet reshuffle.

While so far speakers at the annual Labour Day march have been named as the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, Opposition leader Mr. Frederick Wade, Labour and Home Affairs Minister the Hon. Irving Pearman and Shadow Minister Mr. Alex Scott. Both Sir John and Mr. Pearman have announced they will be resigning if Bermuda votes against Independence.

"It will be a very significant Labour Day,'' Bermuda Industrial Union president Mr. Ottiwell Simmons said yesterday.

But, he added, a `no' vote would be all the more reason for workers to fight for an independent Bermuda.

"There is no justification for workers being denied an independent country,'' he said.

And although the BIU was against the referendum method, its members were still "very much in favour'' of Independence, he said.

It was unfortunate the Independence issue was raised by the Premier in the way it was, Mr. Simmons said, adding the Premier would have done better to have had the full support of the Government, the co-operation of the PLP and the corroboration of the trade unions.

"We could have gone to Independence in such an exciting way. The absolute confusion coming out of the UBP is pitiful.'' This was unfortunate, Mr. Simmons added, because Independence was a matter of such importance that it required the blessing of the whole community to succeed.

"At least there should have been a bi-partisan consensus,'' he said. "At least we could have got that far.'' In the run-up to Labour Day on Monday September 4, this year's celebrations will follow the double theme, "From Gordon to Independence''. Events organised by the Joint Labour Day Committee will be especially highlighting the 100th birthday anniversary of BIU founder and labour movement leader, the late Trinidad-born Dr. E. F. Gordon who settled in Bermuda in 1924.

The opening of an educational and cultural exhibition of arts and crafts at the Bermuda Industrial Union multipurpose hall will kick off events on Wednesday August 30, to be followed by the annual Labour Day banquet at the Southampton Princess on Saturday, September 2.