union solidarity.

Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith challenged workers to unite for a better Bermuda -- and make the late Frederick Wade's dream of election victory come true.

"Unions are essential, but unionism like politics is not a spectator sport,'' she told the crowd at Bernard Park.

"The union needs your support; we need your votes. Together we can achieve a better Bermuda.'' Also making his first Labour Day speech was Bermuda Industrial Union president Derrick Burgess, who appealed for an end to personal dislikes and "nitpicking''.

It was time for workers to support the Co-Op and stop complaining about the prices there, he said.

And he championed the cause of senior citizens, urging Government to do more for them.

Both Mr. Burgess and Ms Smith paid fulsome tribute to former Opposition Leader Mr. Wade, who died last month.

Ms Smith said too often people failed to appreciate a person until he died -- this was certainly true with Mr. Wade.

"Freddie Wade crystallised for me our frailty.'' Hailing Mr. Wade's personal sacrifice and contribution to Bermuda, she declared: "Use his life and legacy as a source of inspiration to achieve the victory that eluded him.'' Ms Smith said she and Mr. Burgess were following in the footsteps of giants.

"Derrick Burgess is ready to face the challenges of unionism in the 21st century.'' It was a critical time for unionism, made worse by the shrinkage of jobs, Ms Smith continued.

Some employers felt Bermudians were not willing or able to work properly -- while Bermudians felt abused, used and betrayed by their bosses.

"There is no doubt that there are Bermudian workers living below the poverty line and that is why the PLP have been calling for unemployment insurance.'' Mr. Burgess said the Labour Day holiday was the result of several years of struggle.

And he applauded former BIU president Ottiwell Simmons for his role in that struggle.

Mr. Burgess said the only organisation talking about harmony in the workplace was the BIU -- and it was a pity very few employers took part in today's march.

"Employers must join the march.'' Mr. Burgess urged black Bermudians to support their own enterprises.

Too many Bermudians walked into a "black'' shop and looked at the prices, while they had no such qualms about spending in white-run stores.

"We need to have some self-pride.'' Mr. Burgess went on to take his hat off to senior citizens, saying they did not get the respect they deserved. Government had to do more to take care of them.

"They are gems in my life. They were in the struggle. Today they get a pension from Government, but it is taken up by prescription drugs and health insurance.'' Premier David Saul said Bermuda was known as the "friendliest place on earth'' because of cordial relations between Government and labour unions.

"Bermuda can have a golden age opening if we work together as friends,'' he said.

He called on organised and non-organised labour to pull together.

"On behalf of Government I want to thank you because without you this Country wouldn't be the little great place that it is.'' Labour Minister Quinton Edness doffed a bow to Ms Smith, saying she would make a dynamic and formidable Opposition Leader.

"I wish her every success.'' Mr. Edness said these were difficult times for labour, with "downsizing, amalgamations and redundancies'' the realities across the Island.

To meet the challenges, Government had set up a Department of Labour and Training, and a National Training Board was being created.

"This board will also establish standards for various occupations that will be recognised on a national scale.'' A Code of Good Industrial Relations Practice and a Guide to Good Employment Practice had been published as well by Government, Mr. Edness continued.

Mr. Edness finished by praising former BIU president Ottiwell Simmons for his "tremendous contribution'' to labour.

"His commitment has been absolute.'' He also wished Mr. Burgess every success as Mr. Simmons' successor.

Deputy Opposition Leader and Shadow Labour Minister Alex Scott remembered Mr.

Wade, adding it was a pity tributes were only paid to him after he died.

Mr. Scott urged people to get behind Ms Smith and Mr. Burgess, declaring: "Do not let them lead alone and go up front to pick their way through the minefield. Support them.'' There was no more persuasive union leader than the one with a united membership behind him.

It was time, said Mr. Scott, for an end to divisions in the labour movement.