A major airline's Island-based staff are set to have a ballot for union recognition, Bermuda Public Services Association general secretary Eugene Blakeney revealed last night.

A large number of US Airway's ground crew called in sick last Monday after management refused their request for union recognition. The industrial action caused delays on US Airway's three outbound flights.

The staff returned to work on Tuesday when US Airway's director of ground services, Bruce Briggs, agreed to visit the Island and discuss the matter of recognition with Labour Minister Quinton Edness and permanent secretary John Drinkwater. Mr. Blakeney told The Royal Gazette : "Mr. Briggs came and met with the permanent secretary and the Minister and then he left Bermuda. I believe he had a chat with the staff before he left but I'm not sure.'' Mr.

Edness said: "We had a very good, productive meeting with the overseas representative for US Air and the local manager, Herbie Siggins.

"Following our discussions he went back and held a big meeting with the staff and talked to the BPSA and labour relations.

"As a result of this, they are developing a relationship with their staff that I consider to be positive.'' Mr. Briggs contacted Mr. Blakeney and BPSA assistant general secretary Edward Ball upon his return to the US.

"He called Mr. Ball and I from the US and spoke to both of us,'' said Mr.

Blakeney.

"He indicated that he was waiting for the airline's local lawyer to return and said he would be in touch with us sometime over next week so we can discuss having a ballot.'' Mr. Blakeney declined to reveal the name of the lawyer.

He had originally contacted Mr. Siggins on March 5 seeking union recognition for the staff.

No reply was received and on May 9, labour relations officer Glenn Fubler contacted Mr. Siggins.

Mr. Briggs replied and said US Air officials were waiting for the Trade Union Amendment Act -- legislation which will allow for workplace union ballots -- before they discussed the issue.

Mr. Edness said a draft of the legislation should be introduced to Parliament this fall.

This apparently upset the staff and "many of the members took sick'', said Mr. Blakeney.

Eleven agents were due to work on Monday but Mr. Siggins ended up working with two agents in order to process the 286 people scheduled to fly that day.

Service continued but flights to Baltimore and Philadelphia were delayed by 40 minutes while the Charlotte flight suffered a 15 minute delay.