Burch: 'One Case of Abuse of Workers is Too Many'
Today, Minister David Burch opened a seminar at the BIU entitled The Migration Projection. Minister Burch reaffirmed the PLP Government's commitment to fair treatment of non-Bermudian workers. Minister Burch:
For the most part I believe non-Bermudian workers are being treated fairly during their employment in Bermuda. However, one case of abuse of workers is too many and when reported will be fully investigated and addressed.
When reports of exploitation and abuse of guest workers are received within our Ministry they are investigated by the Department of Labour and Training. We do not wish to see anybody Bermudian or non-Bermudian ill treated by their employer. I urge those who are being exploited or abused on their jobs to seek recourse through the Department of Labour and Training. Recently, I have noticed an increasing trend of abuse of workers generally and I wish to put all on notice that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.
Minister Burch went on to discuss an English proficiency requirement that helps to ensure that command of language is not exploited by employers to harm workers. Minister Burch:
In July 2008, I wrote to stakeholders to advise that the Ministry was looking to introduce a policy that would ensure that persons issued a work permit needed to be proficient in the English language. This is not an attempt to shut out workers from non-English speaking countries, but a means to assist those persons while they work in Bermuda. If they have a level of proficiency in English it decreases the chances of them being exploited by their employer because of their limited understanding of English.
Proficiency in English also provides the employer with a level of comfort that the worker they are bringing into an English speaking country will have the ability to function on their jobs and in the community...
I see this seminar as a worthwhile venture and trust that you will leave here with a better understanding of the migrate worker in Bermuda and globally. I trust that organizers have included as part of your work an opportunity to enjoy some of our Bermudian hospitality and libations.
On behalf of the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, the Government and people of Bermuda, I wish you a most successful seminar.
While the PLP Government is a government that puts Bermuda first, we also embody the Bermudian ethic of welcoming our guests and treating them with kindness, respect, dignity and fairness.
