Bermuda Gas & Utility Company Limited, the Island’s premier importer and distributor of propane (LPG) is currently facing significant disruptions due to industrial action that is affecting its ability to serve both residential and commercial customers.
The industrial action, which began in late November, has persisted longer than anticipated. A company spokesperson remarked today, “We had hoped the matter would be resolved by now, as we had requested assistance from the Labour Relations Office, but unfortunately, that is not the case.” The spokesperson went on to explain, “It is unfortunate that our Union partner has chosen to impact daily operations of an essential service during the holiday season. Although the actions are being framed as a ‘work to rule,’ this action against us is, in effect, a ban on contractual overtime, and is evolving exponentially into a go-slow, with sporadic occurrences of full work stoppage, which in our opinion is unlawful and unwarranted.“
As a result of the industrial action, Bermuda Gas has been unable to fulfil many of its bulk customers’ orders, deliver residential LPG cylinders, or refill the popular BBQ cylinders found at RUBiS stations. The company acknowledges the inconvenience caused, especially during the holiday season, and assured customers that efforts are continuing to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. These efforts include notifying and requesting the involvement of the Labour Relations Office to mediate and facilitate a resolution, and agreement from the Company to arbitration to try and resolve the differences.
“We understand that many families rely on our products to prepare meals and create cherished holiday memories, and we are equally aware of the impact this is having on our commercial clients, – including hotels, restaurants, and laundromats – who have been experiencing disruptions in their ability to fully serve their customers,” the spokesperson added. “If these businesses are forced to pause operations, even temporarily, it opens up the possibility of affecting the livelihood of employees who dependon these businesses to operate.”
Bermuda Gas emphasised that, for the past 75 years, the company has remained committed to providing excellent service and ensuring customer satisfaction and safety. “It is disappointing that we are not able to deliver the level of service we are known for at this time,” the spokesperson concluded. “We continue to engage with the Union and the Labour Relations Office in the hopes of reaching a resolution soon.”
The company remains optimistic that the industrial action will be resolved in the near future, and it is actively working to mitigate the effects on its customers.
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