Bermuda's docks dispute was finally called off last night -- after costing the Island thousands of dollars in delayed imports.

Stevedoring Services and the Portworkers Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union thrashed out a settlement to resolve a long-running dispute over overtime payments late yesterday afternoon.

Now the unloading and loading of cargo ships at Hamilton Docks, which had been thrown behind schedule, will be back to normal on Monday morning.

And it is understood the workers will be back on their regular overtime shifts after questioning whether the extra hours were "voluntary''.

Labour Minister Maxwell Burgess said: "It is our shared hope that the delay in unloading has caused only a minimal inconvenience to Bermudians.

"We all know how important the smooth operation of our docks is to all Bermudians.

"Having worked closely with both parites in their search for the common ground and a joint solution, I want to commend them for their commitment, understanding and persistence.

"Now is the time to move beyond this dispute. It is the key to our future that we are all able to sit down around one table and work these issues out.'' The dispute forced importers behind schedule, with fresh food being given priority while other goods were being moved when labour allows.

It has also forced Bermuda Container Line to charter a second vessel to service the Island -- at a cost of $50,000 a week -- to ensure its customers received their goods on time. The overtime ban meant ships were missing their regular sailings to and from Bermuda and were getting further and further behind schedule.

BIU President Derrick Burgess said: "I'm very pleased this matter has now come to an end.

"Management has agreed to pay the workers the time that was withheld from them for the disputed period.

"The workers have agreed to do whatever is necessary to assist management during overtime. They will work overtime.

"The dispute was that they weren't paid as promised. They are prepared to resume as soon as possible but we understand they will not be needed until Monday morning.'' Before yesterday evening's announcement, Geoffrey Frith, president of Container Ship Management, which manages Bermuda Container Line, warned the line would only be able to carry on that practice for a few weeks.

Food wholesalers Butterfield and Vallis are on the receiving end of the dispute, with some of the 18 to 20 containers they receive each week still on the docks.