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Updated: Jun 18, 2021 8:12 AM
Viking Orion sails through Grassy Bay in Dockyard (file photo)
The Bermuda Industrial Union last night denied responsibility for the cancellation of cruise ship tours to St Georges.
A BIU spokeswoman said the unions ‘work to govern will end at midnight last night ahead of Viking Orions’ first scheduled visit to the East End.
The spokesperson added: Given that we had announced the expected date to conclude the work, we do not know why the vessel cannot dock in St Georges as planned.
Once again our members and our organization are held to take all the responsibility and blame for St Georges and the local business owners for not being able to accommodate cruise passengers as expected.
The BIU said earlier that decision-making work sparked by a dispute with the government over union dismissal votes at workplaces would begin on June 11 and last for seven days.
But he added at the time that the industrial action, which included a ban on overtime, would be reconsidered today – leaving uncertainty over whether the conflict will continue.
The Viking Orion was to drop anchor and Murrays Anchorage today and tomorrow.
But agents from Viking Cruises said the decision work would mean that a government-owned tender would not be available to transport passengers from the ship to St George.
Joe Simas, vice president of maritime operations at Meyer Agencies, the agent for the Viking Orion, said after the collective action was announced: We have made alternative plans due to the work to lead the action.
The ship will now call at Heritage Wharf on Friday and Saturday instead of St Georges.
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