Workers at Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) are threatening industrial action over their pay and conditions.

In a letter to Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield, 21 people calling themselves the BAMZ Workers Council gave a three-week deadline for action.

Among the grievances listed in yesterday's letter, which was copied to this newspaper, are:

• A complaint that wages are "woefully inadequate in relation to the nature of our labour." The group said it formed this conclusion after comparing members' pay to that of workers in similar jobs overseas and to private sector and Government workers in Bermuda.

• A call to be classified according to their job titles as aquarists, zookeepers, engineers etc. instead of under the generic term "miscellaneous industrial workers." The group said the generalisation was "demoralising" and "disrespectful" and caused problems with resumes, job descriptions and wages.

• A complaint that "a few staff" have had superannuation withheld. The letter does not make it clear whether this is a reference to pension payments to retired workers or contributions for current employees.

The Workers Council told Ms Butterfield it believed the issues could be resolved amicably within a reasonable period of time — setting a deadline of October 23. It also stressed its commitment to the animals and exhibits at BAMZ.

However, it warned: "Should no adequate progress toward the resolution of these issues be achieved within this time period, it is our duty to inform you that we, the collective industrial workers of BAMZ, are prepared to take appropriate collective industrial action (without endangering the welfare of our animals or exhibits) as deemed necessary by our collective deliberation."

asked the group a number of questions, including what form the proposed industrial action could take and what percentage pay rise is being sought. A spokesman — who declined to be identified — said no further details would be released until the group meets today.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of the Environment said it was aware of the contents of the letter and that the Minister — who is off the Island — is being kept abreast of the situation.

Permanent Secretary Kevin Monkman is due to meet today with Director of Conservation Services Jack Ward and Principal Curator Brian Lightbourn to address the concerns. The spokeswoman said this meeting was scheduled prior to the letter being made public.