The Corporation of Hamilton has stood by its decision to terminate four members of staff who subsequently took their case to the media, claiming they had been unfairly dismissed.

The four also criticised the Bermuda Industrial Union, alleging that the BIU had failed to pursue their case — prompting a sharply worded response from union president Chris Furbert.

Mr Furbert blamed one of the workers for submitting to a drug test against union advice, saying that the Corporation had no drugs policy in place — but a spokeswoman for the City of Hamilton last night said that the BIU and Department of Workforce Development were aware that its policy had been in place since 2009.

“The Corporation has and does abide by the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement it shares with the BIU; it has and does comply with all legal requirements under labour legislation,” the statement said — also backing the BIU’s support for its members.

“Sometimes employees have to be terminated to protect the organisation and maintain the safety of its employees and those they serve,” the statement concluded.

“The City of Hamilton stands by its decision to terminate them.”