the new year.

Teachers have been working without a contract since August.

Talks between the Education Ministry and the Bermuda Union of Teachers began in September, but were delayed due to major education reforms and the illness of senior manager of the Education Department's human resources, Raymond Latter.

Negotiations resumed in November. And according to Mr. Latter, officials from the union and the Ministry had been meeting regularly up until recently.

"We're optimistic a settlement will be reached shortly,'' he said yesterday.

"We're still at the latest stages of the game.

"And so far there have been no major hitches.''