the docks dispute could be resolved by the end of the day.

Labour Relations Officer Glenn Fubler had a meeting with both workers and Stevedoring Services management yesterday.

And, following the meeting, Mr. Burgess confirmed that he would be meeting with Mr. Fubler again later today and added that the two parties were "not far apart''.

Mr. Burgess would not go into detail as to what caused the go-slow, saying only that it was in connection with the collective agreement.

"The LRO met with management today and will be calling on me tomorrow morning,'' Mr. Burgess said.

When asked if he thought today would be the last day of action by dockworkers, he replied: "I am very optimistic that it will be.'' The news will come as a relief to importers struggling to move their goods off the docks. Wholesalers with perishable items are given first priority when ships come into port, but already some companies say they are behind schedule and fear the situation could get worse.

They are urging the Bermuda Industrial Union and Stevedoring Services to resolve the overtime ban quickly before dry goods begin to pile up on the docks.

As the dispute, which is over an unconcluded collective bargaining agreement, goes into its fifth day, haulers and importers are working hard to get commodities off the docks and into the shops.