called off at the 11th hour -- thanks to the intervention of Labour Minister Paula Cox.

Bermuda Industrial Union members from the department, which includes trash collectors and construction workers, were set to take indefinite strike action today after issuing a 21 day strike notice three weeks ago.

But the strike has now been called off after Ms Cox decided that the matter should go to arbitration.

Although a date for the talks has yet to be decided, the fact that a meeting between the two sides, with a third party acting as mediator, will now take place was enough to satisfy the union.

The strike notice was issued after efforts to resolve three disputes, one of which involves a disciplinary matter dating back several years, broke down.

Last night Ms Cox could not be contacted to comment on her decision.

But BIU general secretary Derrick Burgess confirmed that an agreement to go to arbitration had been reached and that the strike action was now off.

"It's still not been settled completely, although one of the three issues has been settled,'' Mr. Burgess said.

"The other two are not settled yet and has now been referred to arbitration.

"Once you give a 21 day strike notice then it's up to the Minister to either send it or not send it to arbitration. Now that it's gone to arbitration strike action has been called off -- it won't be going ahead.

"A date for the arbitration has not yet been set although labour relations officers will still be working between now and then to try and get a result.'' Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott said he preferred not to comment on the matter but did confirm that a proposal by Ms Cox had been sent out.