Emergency talks to tackle the dispute over furlough days will continue today after the Bermuda Government and unions failed to sit down together yesterday afternoon.

The deadlock between Government and unions over the imposition of continued furlough days on civil service staff brought thousands of protesters on to the grounds of the Cabinet Building earlier in the day.

The two sides were expected to return to the negotiating table at 3pm, but the proposed meeting never took place.

A statement released by the Bermuda Trade Union Congress last night stated: “The BTUC was scheduled to meet with Government representatives at 3pm today.

“At 3pm the BTUC received a call from Ms Cherrie Whitter, Assistant Cabinet Secretary, asking for a half-hour extension until 3.30pm.

“Around 3.45pm the Premier called to say that he wanted to update his Cabinet colleagues before the meeting was held.

“After the Premier called, Mrs Whitter called again and asked for the meeting to be held at 5pm instead of 3.30pm.

“Another call was received from Ms Whitter at 5.15pm to say that she was on her way.

“The BTUC left the BPSU offices at approximately 5.35pm and were informed later that Ms Whitter and the Financial Secretary, Anthony Manders, had arrived at the BPSU office at 5.50pm. As a result, no meeting was held.

“Therefore the BTUC is calling another urgent meeting of public service workers at BIU headquarters for 9am Tuesday, January 27 to update their membership on the latest developments.”