United Bermuda Party leader Kim Swan last night urged Government to conclude its long-running dispute with Bermuda Industrial Union by accepting the union’s “huge” concession on overtime.Mr Swan offered kudos to the BIU for pledging to work overtime for straight time pay, with a caveat that overtime is payroll tax free, saying it shows the union is aware of its role helping the Country through the economic crisis.The UBP leader said the move should guarantee workers keep their jobs while Government also gets to make crucial savings.“For Government to get the man hours it needs while only having to pay straight time is huge,” Mr Swan told The Royal Gazette last night.“I think the fact the BIU have come with an offer like that, it sends the signal they are prepared to ensure their workers continue to work. The union is acting responsibly and looking after the long-term benefit of its members; I think the members recognise that during a recession everyone has to take a hit.“We’ve always said half a loaf is better than no loaf at all.“It’s important now for Government and workers to come to a reasonable settlement. Given what appears to be a reasonable offer from the union, it’s now up to the Government to respond.”BIU leader Chris Furbert has stressed many workers rely on extra overtime pay to supplement their wages, but union members have told this newspaper they’d rather lose overtime pay than lose their jobs.Workers have also agreed to a pay increase of 1.55 percent as part of the deal, which will run for a trial period of six months.Premier Paula Cox yesterday declined to comment on the negotiations; the Premier hasn’t said exactly how much she intends to save from overtime cuts, but February’s Budget indicated she would slash $10.9 million from Government’s wage bill this fiscal year.Mr Swan said the union had been far quicker to respond to the recession than Government, securing better deals for workers including hotel staff in recent times; meanwhile Government has repeatedly been accused of ignoring warnings the downturn was imminent.“The BIU, with hotel employees, were way ahead of Government with how it should approach the recession,” he said.“I wish the Government had been so proactive.”It’s estimated about 1,500 workers will lose overtime if the deal is struck; some of them currently get double pay when they work overtime, others get time-and-a-half.Two months ago, Government had offered the union a wage freeze and straight time pay instead of overtime until the end of this year. The union said it would only accept that if Cabinet Ministers agreed to lead by example and take a pay cut themselves.However, Ms Cox dismissed that notion as an empty gesture, saying it would be wrong for Ministers to take a pay cut when they’re having to work harder than before.