Berkeley Institute support staff called in sick this week, claiming contract negotiations are dragging on for too long.

Craig Bridgewater, head of the school’s board of governors, yesterday said students were not affected by the industrial action. A worker, who did not want to be named, told The Royal Gazette: “We had a big sick-out because they do not want to give us any extra money.

“We have been trying to get a raise for at least a year and we wanted to do an arbitration.

“There are about 30 of us [who called in sick], at least 25 from four or five departments.”

Yesterday, Mr Bridgewater said: “I confirm there was a sick-out by the support staff at Berkeley and that we are in the midst of contract negotiations.

“We are however looking to meet with this body in order to ascertain the issues which caused them to see fit to take today’s action and look to resolve any such issues.”

He continued: “Parents can be assured that there was no disruption in the delivery of education and school activities in general. The administration put into place the necessary arrangements required to fulfill its obligations to its student body. All areas were being covered by volunteers or senior administrative staff.”

Bermuda Public Service Union head Ed Ball said the union was involved in the negotiations. He said he was not aware of the sick-out. A Ministry of Education spokeswoman said: “Berkeley Institute is an aided school and as such any grievance at the present time would be between the board and their staff.

“It is not a grievance between the Ministry and Berkeley or their staff and the Ministry.”