Labour Minister David Burch officially announced a resolution to the Bermuda Broadcasting Company (BBC) dispute yesterday.

As staff returned to work at the radio and television station, Senator Burch said a number of conditions have been agreed between management, the union and employees.

On the management side, company bosses have agreed to reinstate the three laid-off employees and to guarantee back payments as stipulated in last year's Arbitration Award.

Meanwhile the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) and its BBC members have agreed to measures to assist the company reduce its costs for the next two years. These include: a reduction in hours following a review of departments by the company accountant; a moratorium on double-time for public holidays; and "flexi-roles to maximise productivity".

Staff returned to work yesterday morning following a four-day walkout in protest at a receptionist, messenger and the assistant to programme manager Darlene Ming, being laid off for four months at a day's notice.

They also protested a failure by management to pay them the second part of their Arbitration Award last month, amounting to some $60,000 in back pay.

The walkout last Thursday by up to 40 unionised full and part-time staff plunged TV channels ZFB and ZBM plus radio stations Power 95, FM 89 and FM 105 into a blackout devoid of local programming.

Meanwhile, BBC board chairman Fernance Perry refused to back down, saying the station was in financial difficulty and so cost-cutting was needed to keep it afloat.

Mr. Perry said: "The employees... have to go the extra mile to help a financially ailing company".

The deadlock was only resolved following the intervention of the Department of Labour and Training and the Bermuda Employers Council on Monday.

Yesterday, Senator Burch said the Department and the BEC had "succeeded in bringing the parties to the table for dialogue".

"Because of their efforts and the willingness on the part of the staff and management of the Bermuda Broadcasting Company we are able to report that an agreement has been reached," he told a press conference.

"The result of the efforts of all parties is that we have the staff now back at work, a business back in operation and an agreement in place with which both parties can live."

The Minister said that a joint meeting between management and staff will be held at the Labour Department in 90 days for an update on the situation. There will also be a review of the 'Status of the Understanding' every 12 months, and the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing is to provide a Facilitator to work with the BBC's human resources department.

Senator Burch added: "If the company is returned to profitability, the contribution of the employees will be recognised with monetary rewards.

"Finally, let me also reassure the public that the Department of Labour will continue to monitor progress resulting from this resolution with a view to ensuring all parties remain conversant and open to dialogue."

He added, somewhat ironically: "Even though the service has been resumed, this week is 'Turn Off TV Week' so I would encourage you to spend some time engaged in other activities that don't involve the watching of TV."