Customs officers, angered over the hiring of a non-Bermudian over hundreds of Bermudian applicants, may engage in unofficial industrial action as early as today, it was learned last night.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul has ordered a report on the situation from Customs.

"The whole question of hiring and firing in the civil service is always one of emotion, but I assume the Collector of Customs has gone through the proper procedures,'' Dr. Saul said last night.

"If there is a grievance, there is a proper procedure to take before any unofficial industrial action is taken. I assume that procedure will be taken -- the Customs service is a unified and professional service.'' But sources told The Royal Gazette Customs officers had secretly decided at a meeting on Friday to engage in a "sick-out'' during the early part of this week. Calling in sick for one day is not an illegal action, but a medical certificate is needed for a second day.

Collector of Customs Mr. Gerry Ardis could not be reached for comment yesterday.

The meeting of Customs officers took place at the Bermuda Public Services Association headquarters on Friday.

BPSA and Customs Division have officials refused to comment on it. BPSA secretary Mr. Eugene Blakeney was "not available to comment'' on the reported sick-out when contacted last night.

And a Customs agent on duty at the Airport told The Royal Gazette , "Sorry. I can't say anything on that.'' The uproar stems from the hiring of a non-Bermudian woman married to a Bermudian as one of six recruits.

It is understood Customs agents are more angered that the woman is married to a status Bermudian.

But Customs chief Mr. Ardis is refusing to back down over her hiring, saying: "She starts work on Monday (today).'' He pointed out last week that under a new immigration laws, spouses of Bermudians must be treated exactly the same as born Bermudians.

In addition, Customs had fully complied with the hiring procedures of the BPSA and the Department of Personnel Services and had been in full consultation with Immigration.

He added: "She was chosen on merit as a recruit trainee. She was certainly at the very top (of the few hundred applicants).'' Good educational background and aptitude to be a good Customs agent were part of the selection process.

Customs officers check and clear goods at the Airport and on the docks and are also used to combat drug importation.