Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) today held a ceremony with the Electrical Supply Trade Union (ESTU) and Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the BELCO Riots.
The 1960s were a time of social and political upheaval and unrest in Bermuda. Segregation was a part of everyday life in the community and in many companies, including BELCO.
On January 19, 1965, the Electric Workers Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union went on strike in connection with their demand for union recognition. Several employees were involved but remaining employees ensured electric service was maintained during the five-week strike, albeit under difficult circumstances.
After a month-long standoff, and with negotiations having broken down, the strike reached a boiling point on February 2 when strikers and police clashed in what would become known as the BELCO Riots. There were injuries on both sides, several BELCO staff were incarcerated, and the unrest continued for several more weeks.
The strike ended on February 22, 1965. The following month a ballot of hourly paid employees was held to determine whether a majority desired to be represented by a union. The Electricity Supply Trade Union established the required majority and was granted recognition and sole bargaining rights.
ESTU President Kevin Pilgrim said: “The BELCO Riots were a pivotal time for Bermuda and the growing importance of trade unions standing up for the rights of workers. While BELCO workers started their action alone, workers from the BIU and supporters from across the island joined the protest and stood in solidarity demanding change. The ESTU is proud to commemorate 60 years since those tumultuous days as well as the formation of our Union. The ESTU continues to represent BELCO staff, is run by its members and remains committed to our Mission Statement of being a democratic organisation dedicated to ensuring the welfare of its membership and the furtherance of Trade Unionism.”
BELCO President Wayne Caines said: “The BELCO Riots were one of the most important historical events in Bermuda. Today we recognize the BELCO workers who refused to back down in the face of threats and intimidation while fighting for their right to unionise. I am honoured to stand in solidarity with the ESTU members and commemorate the actions they took, the sacrifices they made, and the rights they won for all workers in Bermuda.”