Today, we celebrate the workers of Bermuda, whose dedication and tireless commitment has contributed to the strength and perseverance of our society.
This year’s Labour Day theme, “Labour is the Link”, serves as a powerful reminder of how interconnected our society is. It’s a theme that speaks directly to what makes Bermuda such a strong and vibrant place.
Labour is the link that connects our history to our present. It’s the link that binds our economy to our community. Labour is the link between effort and opportunity, ambition and achievement, and service and prosperity.
Labour serves as the foundation on which theGovernment continues to build and shape our national character and create accessible and sustainable opportunities for all.
Every job, every task, every single act of labour, from the essential frontline workers keeping our island running, to the innovative minds shaping our future, to the dedicated public servants who serve our people, labour is a vital link in the chain that is Bermuda.
Without a robust and valued workforce, our economy cannot thrive. Without a strong social safety net, our community cannot be resilient. And without a government committed to fair labour practices, the fundamental link between work and dignity is weakened.
This government understands this truth. We are unwavering in our commitment to Bermuda’s workers. Our mandate is clear: to build a better, fairer, and more prosperous Bermuda for all. This is not just a promise; it is a mission we diligently work on every single day.
Our record is a testament to this commitment. We have taken concrete steps to reinforce the link between labour and a decent life for every Bermudian. We have worked to:
I am also pleased to highlight that as of today,Monday, September 1, 2025, Bermuda’s minimum wage will increase to $17.13 per hour. This is a significant step forward in our commitment to ensuring a fair and equitable economy for all residents. This adjustment reflects our ongoing dedication to supporting workers and their families.
In addition, we have been dedicated to workforce preparation and development, creating pathways for Bermudians to acquire the skills and certifications needed for high-demand jobs. Over 230 Bermudians participated in industry training and certification programmesso far this year – building careers, strengthening industries, and keeping our island strong.
I am also pleased to say Bermuda has seen a notable decline in its unemployment rate, reflecting a strengthening labour market. According to the May 2024 Labour Force Survey, the overall unemployment rate for Bermudians stood at a low of 1.6%, a significant decrease from the rate reported in November 2023.
This is part of a positive trend, as the unemployment rate has consistently dropped since the height of the pandemic, when it reached 7.9% in November 2020. This positive trend is also evident in the youth unemployment rate (for those aged 16 to 24), which fell to 2.4% in May 2024 from more than30%.
Every milestone, from enhanced labour safety nets to skills development, marks a strand in the powerful link connecting our aspirations to real progress. Labour is the link. Labour is not just work. Labour is community. Labour is resilience. Labour empowers individuals, it empowers industries, and it empowers Bermuda.
The labour movement is the crucial link between economic growth and social justice, between progress and fairness, and between the recognition of workers’ rights and the well-being of our communities.
We will continue to build on these successes as we look to the future. Through collaborationwith the unions and our social partners, we commit to strengthening our links and workingtogether on a human-centred agenda that promotes equality, fairness, respect and dignity for all workers.
To that end, I thank every worker for your resilience, your dedication, and your daily contributions, which form the very foundation of Bermuda’s strength.
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