The 1981 Strike: A Movement Born of Truth, Resilience, and Unity
The 1981 Strike was more than an event; it was a rebellion against compromise, a raw surge of energy from the streets, a moment that shattered boundaries between labor and leadership. It wasn’t orchestrated by the unions or the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) alone, but it was deeply connected to both—and beyond them, it became a symbol of collective truth and resistance.
At the center of this moment stood Gladwyn Simmons, an unlikely yet extraordinary leader. In November 1977, Simmons overcame a legal battle for armed robbery, a life-transitioning victory that preceded the execution of Larry Tacklin and Buck Burrows in one of Bermuda’s most tumultuous periods. Simmons worked humbly as a dishwasher at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) after returning home to Bermuda from east cost America in search of deeper insights after the loss of a dear friend. His path continued to elevate when he was invited to attend an AFL-CIO convention. Upon his return and by 1979, Gladwyn transitioned into the role of president of the hospital division, representing workers from KEMH and St. Brendan’s (now MAWI). This represented the next pivotal point in his journey, as he channeled his enduring drive and determination into his continuing purpose and unwavering commitment.
The 1983 court case between the Hotel Employers of Bermuda (HEB) and the BIU, stemming from the 1981 General Strike, became a pivotal event in Bermuda’s labor history, still echoing through the political landscape over 40 years later.
Originally initiated by an unprecedented demand for a 100% pay increase in the hospital division of the BIU, the strike eventually resulted in approximately 3,000 firings in the midst of the labor dispute and significant disruptions in Bermuda’s primary industry—tourism. In response, the HEB filed a lawsuit against the BIU, claiming damages and seeking an injunction to prevent further labor actions.
Case No. 252 of 1981 was the defining moment beyond the general strike itself, with institutional implications that might have led to the financial ruin of the BIU and limited its ability to advocate for workers effectively. This case encapsulated the broader struggle for natural justice in Bermuda, emphasizing the need for ethical representation and accountability across all sectors of civil society.
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Court Proceedings and Broader Implications
During the court proceedings, the BIU’s lawyer, Julian Hall, highlighted that the HEB was not only suing the BIU but also specific union officers.
The HEB sought an injunction to restrain the defendants from interfering with contractual relationships and inciting workers to breach their contracts. The implications of such an injunction could have severely limited the union's ability to advocate for workers' rights, marking a crucial moment in Bermuda's labor history.
The case also saw over twenty other writs filed against the BIU by various hotel owners and companies, claiming millions in damages. While many of these claims were discontinued, the pressure on the BIU illustrated the significant challenges faced by labor organizations at the time, arguably brought on by the mishandling of the strike by the BIU itself.
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The "Invisible Force" Defense
The defense strategy for the BIU was conducted by one of Bermuda’s leading barristers of the time, Julian Hall.
Julian Hall was instructed by the BIU executive to connect directly with Gladwyn Simmons, the original architect of the 1981 General Strike, in his capacity as president of the BIU hospital division that had precipitated the initial demands for a 100% pay increase.
Gladwyn Simmons, an obscure community leader at the time, emerged in the midst of the unfolding litigation to help the union fight for its survival.
It was through this collaboration with Julian Hall that the truth of the “invisible force” was developed as a defense.
This approach acknowledged that the actions of the workers were driven by grassroots solidarity rather than directives from union leadership. This perspective positioned the BIU as a facilitator of worker expression, reflecting a collective response to economic hardships that transcended traditional labor structures.
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The Verdict
Ultimately, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the BIU, exonerating the union and its officers from the HEB's charges.
While this ruling was celebrated as a triumph by the labor movement, it underscored the complexities surrounding the 1981 Strike. The verdict has proven to be a “pyrrhic victory” that did not translate into sustained benefits for workers or restore confidence among the innocent employers affected by the strikes.
The Precedents
Historical Context
The 1981 strike occurred against a backdrop of previous social unrest and political tensions. Events like the 1977 Pitt Commission, investigating civil disturbances after the hangings of Larry Tacklyn, and the Archbold Commission, focused on drug control, highlight the deep-seated societal issues that contributed to the strike.
Emerging Youth Leadership
The strike’s driving force, Gladwyn Simmons, was a young man in his 20s, demonstrating the emergence of a new generation of leadership. This highlights the intergenerational implications of the strike and the potential for change that it represented.
The 1981 Strike: A Moment of Defiance
10K
Workers Participated
Approximately 10,000 workers participated in the strike, including hotel employees, teachers, taxi drivers, shop workers, longshoremen, bus drivers, sanitation workers, and electric utility employees.
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Year of the Strike
In 1981, the labor landscape in Bermuda underwent a profound transformation due to a significant strike fueled by frustrations stemming from the H.E.B / BIU case.
Under Simmons’ leadership, with Molly Burgess as divisional organizer, the workers began to see their fight for fair wages as more than just negotiations—it became a quest for truth. Simmons’ method was straightforward but revolutionary: “What do you truly need?” he asked the workers. This wasn’t about settling for what seemed possible—it was about defining what was just. Through careful calculations and honest dialogue, they determined they needed a 100% wage increase to meet the skyrocketing cost of living.
This was no mere demand; it was a declaration. Simmons vowed to represent only the truth, no matter how audacious it seemed. The Bible’s words—“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free”—became a rallying cry. For Simmons, advocating anything less than the truth would be a betrayal of the workers’ dignity.
Key Issues to Address:
The lingering after effects of the 1981 Strike and the HEB vs. BIU case raise fundamental questions that resonate in today’s political climate, particularly regarding the importance of truthful representation in public discourse.
Erosion of Bermudian Resilience
Investigate the systematic dismantling of the resilience in the workforce since the 1981 strike, influenced by government policies that favor partisan interests over the common good.
Decline of the Hotel Industry
Examine how industry practices and government neglect have contributed to the deterioration of this essential economic sector.
Official Secrecy
Understand how this ongoing partisan conflict has been shrouded by cabinet secrecy to conceal deeper systemic issues, including efforts by industry leaders to suppress the facts regarding critical matters of national policy.
Importance of a Commission of Inquiry
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Uncover Hostile Motives
Investigate the collusion between government and industry that has led to the weakening of the workforce and the exploitation of partisan interests.
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Assess Economic Impact
Evaluate the broader effects of these actions on Bermuda's economy and job market, highlighting the detrimental ripple effects of neglecting economic competitiveness.
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Identify Systemic Failures
Determine how government policies have facilitated the decline of both the workforce and the tourism sector.
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Propose Solutions
Develop strategies to revitalize labor relations and the hotel industry, focusing on restoring fairness and accountability.
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Collective Bargaining Power
Analyze how government and industry tactics have eroded collective bargaining rights.
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Effects of Legal Battles:
Assess how ongoing legal disputes are used as tools to undermine worker morale and disrupt hotel operations.
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Government Policy Role
Investigate how government policies have prioritized partisan interests over the welfare of workers.
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Global Economic Influence
Understand how global trends and local policies have created an environment hostile to economic collaboration.
Lessons for Future Leadership and Truthful Representation
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Engagement of the Younger Generation: The case underscores the need for emerging voices to become actively involved in labor and political movements, ensuring that their perspectives are heard and their interests represented.
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Ethical Leadership: The challenges faced by the BIU highlight the importance of ethical leadership that prioritizes the needs of the community over personal or political gain.
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Transparency and Accountability: Issues of official secrecy surrounding the case reveals the necessity for transparency in governance and the need for leaders to be held accountable for their actions.
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Collective Action: The solidarity shown by workers during the strike serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in collective action, encouraging future advocates to foster unity among diverse groups.
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Critical Thinking: The complexities of the case encourage individuals to think critically about the socio-economic conditions affecting their communities and to advocate for meaningful change.
Challenges and Complexities
The 81st Strike wasn’t born out of hatred or vindictiveness—it was a defiant stand against the systemic oppression that devalued labor, particularly in the racialized aftermath of slavery. Workers at the lowest rungs of society, often treated as invisible, demanded to be seen, heard, and respected.
This moment was forged in a volatile time, when Bermuda was reeling from murders, political tension, and a society fractured by prejudice and mistrust. But even in the chaos, Simmons’ vision was clear: healing and progress required unrelenting honesty. He believed that truth was the only foundation on which mutual respect could be built.
The legacy of the 81st Strike is one of uncompromising truth. It reminds us that the most profound changes come not from appeasement but from courage—the courage to ask for what is just and to persist, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
This was more than a strike; it was a movement, a lesson, and a beacon of hope. It showed that even those at society’s margins could challenge the system and emerge victorious, armed with nothing but the truth and an unyielding sense of justice.
More than four decades after the HEB vs. BIU court case, the lessons learned continue to resonate within Bermuda's political landscape. The concept of the "invisible force" serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of grassroots movements and the importance of ethical representation.
A Commission of Inquiry is essential to expose the hostile motives of both government and industry in perpetuating the crisis in labor relations and the hotel industry. This inquiry will provide clarity and accountability, leading to actionable recommendations that promote fair labor practices and economic stability. Immediate action is necessary to confront these challenges and foster a more equitable future for all Bermudians.
Today, the Emperial Group stands as the successor to the leadership process that Gladwyn Simmons championed during the 1981 Strike, embodying the principles of collaboration and advocacy for workers' rights. As Bermuda navigates contemporary challenges, the need for leadership that prioritizes truthful representation and accountability remains vital. By engaging with the lessons of the past, we can shape a future where the voices of all Bermudians are not only heard but valued, fostering a more just and equitable society.