the firm denied the move was part of an industrial action.

Spokeswoman Karla Lacey Minors said the absentees depleted the shift of eight operators -- but BTC drafted in managers as cover.

She said the firm was treating the absences as regular sick days, even though six operators staged a sit-in earlier this month.

Mrs. Lacey Minors added: "We have not been notified of any industrial action.

"We'll obviously know that there is something up if the pattern is repeated but at the moment, we are not aware of any problems.'' Bermuda Industrial Union President Derrick Burgess also said he was unaware of any industrial action. Two weeks ago, six BTC operators staged a 90-minute sit-in, refusing to answer calls, because a new worker was placed on the night shift -- which is more lucrative than day shifts.

UNIONS UNS