Industrial disputes loomed large across the Island this morning as Government prepared to deliver the Throne Speech.

On the day of the Convening of the Legislature, commuters will be left stranded as ferry workers met to discuss action over a sacked colleague and other services were disrupted as Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) members held an emergency meeting on a separate issue.

BPSU General Secretary Ed Ball refused to disclose the agenda last night, but said: "It's an emergency meeting for all members, called by the President (Armell Thomas)."

The union has around 3,600 members.

"I hope there won't be un-needless disruption to Government services, I expect members to be responsible and still service the public, but it will be up to each Department to have skeleton crews," added Mr. Ball.

A Government spokeswoman said last night: "The public can expect an interruption of Government services between the hours of 10 a.m. and 12 noon. We wish to apologise for any inconvenience."

Earlier this morning, at 8 a.m., Marine and Ports Services workers met at the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) headquarters following Government's refusal to back down over fired ferry pilot Dwayne Pearman.

Depending on the outcome, commuters could face further ferry cancellations over the course of the day, while widespread BIU industrial action could take root next week.

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, Minister for Tourism and Transport, was unavailable for comment last night, but his spokesman Glenn Jones said: "The Premier will be closely following developments in the morning."

Government fired Pearman last week after pleading guilty at Magistrates' Court to piloting a passenger ferry while under the influence of alcohol. The 37-year-old was more than twice over the limit when he crashed the J.L. Cecil Smith into Rockaway dock on December 21.

The ferry had 60 passengers on board at the time. There were no reported injuries but the incident resulted in thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Pearman was fined $2,000 by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner and may lose his maritime licence when the Examining Committee reviews the case.

The BIU however, says he has been punished enough and wants Government to reinstate him with the Department.

It argues he has a previous "unblemished record" of ten years' service, and that he could take up a position such as Leading Seaman.

Union President Chris Furbert said last night: "I'm struggling to find out why they (Government) are taking the high ground.

"We are not condoning what happened, that is why we have put recommendations on the table that he is given a suspension and attends the Employee Assistance Programme.

"But right now I think they are playing Almighty God — with no disrespect to the Almighty.

"The union has been seen from time to time as someone using a hammer to tap into a nail. But I find this applies to management right now."

Mr. Furbert denied Pearman had a drinking problem, and claimed the seven empty bottles of 16.5 percent proof 'Magnum' tonic wine found in the ferry bin and his bag were bought from a "convenience store" as energy drinks.

"It's a tonic wine and for what purpose he used it for that day I have no idea, but there is no history of Mr. Pearman having an alcohol problem. Management however don't think he is telling the truth."

Commenting on the potential for industrial action, Mr. Furbert said: "The ferries probably won't be running until at least midday, but I have no idea yet whether there will be further action during the day. The workers will make that decision."

He said union generals — BIU divisional officers, will meet on Monday at 9 a.m. to discuss the situation further.

"I will report to my generals tomorrow and they will make a decision as to what kind of action they will take in support of brother Pearman," said Mr. Furbert.

Government however, says it will stand by its "zero tolerance" stance on substance abuse.

A spokeswoman said: "Public transportation operators, including bus and ferry operators, are charged with the safety and care of hundreds of Bermudians on a daily basis. From schoolchildren to senior citizens to visitors – every passenger must be considered precious cargo.

"Therefore, every public vehicle operator must be alert at all times and conduct their duties in a professional and exemplary manner. Anything less is unacceptable.

"These critical points are necessary reminders for the public as the Bermuda Industrial Union advocates the reinstatement of a Marine and Ports ferry pilot terminated after he pled guilty to operating a public service vehicle while drunk. The Government is committed to an arbitration process and bound by its decision. However, the Ministry's zero tolerance stance will not be compromised."

She added: "Finally, as it relates to the current issue of the reinstatement of the pilot's job, the Ministry hopes that an amicable solution can be reached which will not result in the suspension of public transportation services for the public. It would be grossly unfair to victimise the public once again as a result of the careless actions of a single individual."