Parks workers walked off the job yesterday after two staff were disciplined over an exchange of words with Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney.

The strike comes amid a dispute over pay and work conditions in particular, news they are being given time in lieu instead of overtime pay for this year's Annual Exhibition.

Around 110 staff from work sites including Tulo Valley Nursery, Admiralty House Park and Government House downed tools at 7.30 a.m.

The protest will continue today.

David Martin, one of the striking workers, said he was given a "stage two" warning for "gross misconduct" after speaking with Mr. Blakeney and his permanent secretary, Ellen-Kate Horton, at a meeting last Thursday.

The Environment Minister insists Parks director Lisa-Dawn Johnston issued the warnings and not him.

Mr. Martin told this newspaper: "I asked the Minister a question. I asked does he think that he deserves what he gets and we deserve what we get. He says yes, I deserve what I get and you deserve what you get. I politely applauded the gentleman and told him because it was an open meeting I thanked him for telling us what he thought."

The self-described PLP supporter said he then shook Mr. Blakeney's hand.

He added that the workers were not informed prior to the meeting that union representatives would not be present.

Managers later issued him with a warning. Mr. Martin said he felt the move was unfair. Such action should only be taken for issues such as fighting or cursing, he stated.

The Department of Parks employee said he felt he was being punished based on an "interpretation of body language".

Mr. Martin, who works maintaining beaches, has been with the department for over 20 years. He said he wants his warning to be downgraded to a verbal warning.

Meanwhile, workers have been told that they will not receive their usual overtime pay for the Annual Exhibition. They have been told to take time in lieu for next month's three-day show at the Botanical Gardens.

Sanitation worker Wayne Smith got a verbal warning after speaking with Mr. Blakeney about the issue.

"I asked him do you get paid for a day in lieu. I said if you get paid for a day in lieu they can give us our overtime, and I left. And they gave me a verbal warning stage one," explained Mr. Smith.

"I feel real bad about it. If I can't ask a question without being warned, well something's wrong in this Country. Something's gone to the dogs.

"I've worked here 34 years and this is the first time I've ever been charged on something like this here. I want it taken back. I don't feel it's right."

Bermuda Industrial Union representative Shawn Johnson is understood to be in talks with the Minister and the permanent secretary.

A third worker who would only give his surname as 'Martin', said staff will lose up to $800 in overtime. He said they are being told to take five days in lieu instead.

"We're the least paid Government workers and rely on extra time. We don't get it often, we all look forward to the exhibition. They're saying either you take it or [they'll] cancel the exhibition," he said.

Other workers cited grievances ranging from "disrespect by management" to the need for a better shelter. The building they currently have at their Botanical Gardens headquarters has no walls and a corrugated roof that they say does not protect them from the weather.

Mr. Blakeney said: "I had a meeting with staff. It went to my department with an appeal regarding the exhibition asking for them to reconsider working overtime and lieu for the time off. The meeting went very well. A number of questions were asked.

"There was one or two that expressed concern with regard to what they were being asked and I let them know that overtime is a privilege. I would appreciate with the circumstances and the economic climate if they would be able to work overtime and take time off in lieu.

"During the meeting there was some behaviour that I thought was inappropriate. Even though when you have meetings and people are upset, it can become contentious. I don't feel the behaviour was appropriate and I believe the Director of Parks has taken action she feels is justifiable."

The Minister said he doesn't know if the workers are willing to compromise but if they choose not to work his Ministry will have to be "creative" in preparing the park for the Annual Exhibition.

Parks workers will continue the strike today and are expected to meet to try and find a solution this afternoon.