The dispute between Bermuda CableVision and its entire workforce is set to continue after Minister for Labour and Home Affairs Terry Lister stepped in yesterday, but failed to resolve the row over a new pay deal.

Mr. Lister said he met with both CableVision management and representatives from the Bermuda Industrial Union, but to no avail and said, as a result, the Labour Relations Office would continue to offer its support where needed.

The cable TV company's entire technical and office staff walked out last Thursday, closing the offices down, after bosses repeatedly failed to give them new pay rises.

As a result, residents across the Island have been unable to receive technical assistance with their cable service, including repairs and installations.

The workers were offered a 4.5 percent rise for 2002, followed by a 4.5 percent increase this year, and a promise of a further 4.5 percent rise next year, after taking their battle for more cash to arbitration last year.

Staff have complained that although arbitration was completed three months ago, they still have not received a cent of their new pay package, or the back pay going back to the start of 2002.

CableVision has claimed that it cannot pay up until every single issue in arbitration is resolved and the collective bargaining agreement has been signed off.

However, union president Derrick Burgess said it was normal practice for companies to pay what they owed staff as soon as monetary matters were resolved, regardless of whether other issues were still outstanding.

“The situation doesn't look hopeful with that crew,” he said. “They are refusing to pay the workers the money that was awarded to them. They want a signed agreement but they don't seem to accept that we work in good faith and they should pay the money that was agreed on in January 2002. They don't understand labour relations and they don't want to abide by the law. They are writing their own law, it appears to me.”

Mr. Lister said yesterday: “I am optimistic that reason will prevail and that this most unfortunate matter will soon be resolved to the satisfaction of each party.

“To this end, the Labour Relations Office will continue to provide assistance where required.”

He said the principle area of contention related to the payment of the new salaries.

The statement from the Labour Ministry said: “The BIU is holding to the view that, in accordance with custom and practice, the new salary structure should be paid to its members with immediate effect, while CableVision wishes to have the new collective agreement signed before the salary adjustment is made.”

Yesterday, CableVision General Manager Jeremy Elmas continued to refuse to discuss the strike action in the media, along with claims made by some staff that wages between both local and foreign workers were not equal.

One local technical worker has complained that she is also paid less than her local colleagues.

But Mr. Elmas did apologise for the disruption to the technical service.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience to customers and are working to bring the situation to a speedy resolution.

“It is likely that customer service will continue to be impacted tomorrow. However, we are hopeful that the collective bargaining agreement will be signed quickly. We thank our customers for their patience and are continuing to contact each one directly to reschedule appointments.”

One worker said: “I am living from pay cheque to pay cheque. I can't think about getting transport, can't think of going on vacation, and before I get paid it's all gone.”

And one disgruntled worker said: “We are having to train foreign workers, some of whom are not qualified and who are being paid double what we are making. We then have to also go behind them and fix up what they have messed up.”