Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert dropped a bombshell last night, as he announced his intention to relinquish his position as leader of the Island’s largest trade union in 2028.
Speaking to a packed Harbourview Ballroom crowd during the annual BIU Labour Day Banquet, Furbert said his current term would be his last.
The announcement came moments after the president’s daughter delivered a surprise tribute that moved him to tears, highlighting his impact on the labour movement over four decades.
Furbert then talked about his tenure at Bermuda’s largest, most influential trade union, recalling that he started his union career as a Longshoreman at the Hamilton Docks.
He was elected assistant secretary of the Port Workers division in 1971 and later became Vice President.
In 1981, after the general strike, he became president of the Port Workers division, a role he held for 15 years before becoming a full-time organiser.
He then served as BIU vice-president for 10 years after being elected in 1995.
He recalled winning in a landslide against two challengers, marking a new era of leadership that differed from his predecessors.
“I ran for the BIU presidency in 2006, and Brother Collin and Brother George ran against me,” explained Furbert. “The vote came out 33-2-1, so they knew who they wanted as their leader.”
“I’m not Ottie. I’m not Derrick. I am Chris.”
“I understand I could be a little bit more respectful when I’m saying things, but that would be me not being Chris.”
Furbert continued, noting that he has run unopposed in four successive elections, but that 2028 would be different.
“So, in 2010, I was not challenged. 2014, I was not challenged. 2018, I was not challenged. 2023,” he continued. “In 2028, somebody’s going to challenge me because I’m not going to be there.”
“I’ll retire. My 22 years will be the same as Ottie.”
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