Workers hurt in industrial accidents will be entitled to greater compensation under new plans from Industry Minister Kim Wilson.

Sen Wilson pledged a review of the Workmen's Compensation Act to update the existing payout which has been unchanged in 28 years.

It comes after the Minister met with Bermuda Industrial Union and Bermuda Public Services Union to "set the tone for industrial relations between unions, employers and the Government".

Currently, workers are allowed a maximum $170 per week when they are temporarily incapacitated as a result of an on-the-job injury.

Sen Wilson said this would be changed to "something more realistic and meaningful" after a proposal to amend the legislation is presented to Cabinet in the coming weeks.

In an Industry Ministry statement about last week's meetings, Sen Wilson said it is important to forge a close working relationship with the Island's unions to ensure all labour related issues can be discussed in a mutually respectful environment.

Other topics discussed included management representation, with Sen Wilson saying managers have an individual right to belong to a union, and that employers have a right to deny formal recognition for collective bargaining purposes.

She promised to work to ensure industrial disputes are dealt with in a fair, open and transparent manner with parties agreeing to talk and work to resolve issues before any industrial action is taken.

"In this protracted economic downturn it behoves all parties — unions, employers and the Government — to resolve any disputes so that we can keep the Country working and moving forward," she said.

"I look forward to a good working relationship with all unions in Bermuda to ensure that workers and employers rights are protected."

Sen Wilson will this week meet with the Trade Union Congress, which represents eight of Bermuda's unions.