Union boss Armell Thomas last night warned his members would "close down the whole Island" if Government does not back down over a pay row.

Bermuda Public Services Union has issued a 21-day strike notice for the civil service — thought to be the first such threat from the usually non-confrontational union since the 1970s.

Frustration among members has boiled over after their attempts to force a meeting with Premier Ewart Brown and Finance Minister Paula Cox failed, BPSU president Mr. Thomas said last night.

They are unhappy at being offered a four percent pay increase, subtracting one percent for pensions. Members, many of whom claim they have to work an additional job to make ends meet, want 5.1 percent to take into account cost of living.

Labour Minister David Burch last night issued a statement saying mediation had begun with a view to avoiding disruption.

However, Mr. Thomas said this would be a waste of time if Government does not meet the 5.1 percent demand.

"I'm not asking for much. We are asking for 5.1 percent. Government offered us four percent. All I'm asking for is one percent more," said Mr. Thomas.

Asked what strike action would mean to Bermuda, he said: "We will close down the whole Island. It would be a shame for Government not to heed, for we are talking one percent. The members, the civil service, are basically tired.

"We have to come to the table. Don't ignore me — that's the bottom line."

It comes two weeks after hundreds of white-collar BPSU members gatecrashed Dr. Brown's Throne Speech by marching on Cabinet — itself an unprecedented move.

And later this month Bermuda Industrial Union successfully forced Government into backing down over the sacking of drunk ferry pilot Dwayne Pearman by threatening to bring public transport to a standstill during rush hour.

Explaining how frustration had built within BPSU, Mr. Thomas said: "It's been a breakdown in talks. The members had mandated the executive to meet with the Premier and the Finance Minister — they gave me ten days.

"The letter (in response from Cabinet) was a bit vague. It said the Premier would meet but thinks we should exhaust the process."

Ten days passed on Monday this week and the notice was served to Government following a union meeting, he said.

"We gave them ample time to meet for discussion," he added.

In last night's statement, Sen. Burch said: "Today the Bermuda Public Services Union issued a 21-day strike notice to the Bermuda Government.

"The issue surrounds an impasse between the Government and the BPSU over the 2007-08 salary negotiations.

"The Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing, Sen. David Burch advised that the Labour Department has commenced mediation with a view to resolving the impasse to ensure that no Government services are disrupted."

Asked whether Sen. Burch's words offered any comfort, Mr. Thomas said: "Absolutely not. I don't know what's going to take place in mediation. I can't see anything happening in mediation unless they change their direction on four percent.

"If they're not willing to change from four percent, mediation is a waste of time."

BPSU General Secretary Ed Ball declined to speak at length but described the strike threat as "very, very rare".

Shadow Labour Minister Michael Dunkley called for both sides to come to an agreement to stave off a strike.

"It's disappointing that things have got to this position," said Mr. Dunkley.

"Clearly, the union is quite frustrated, as we have seen by their march when the Throne Speech was read.

"I can't recall them ever taking this step before. It seems they believe enough is enough and need to stand up for their rights. They are not afraid to push their weight around now.

"The election has been held now, and they can stand up and fight for their own issues without damaging any political party."

Asked about the threat to close down the whole Island, he replied: "In no way would I support that. We would love to see it resolved with both parties in agreement without disruption.

"I like to sit around the table and talk it out. The public has a right to know what both sides' positions are."