The Bermuda Union of Teachers is slated to meet with arbitrator Clevelyn Crichlow today, following a ruling which it claims is unclear.

The ruling, according to Education Minister Milton Scott, is not believed to be in teachers' favour.

Mr. Crichlow was called in as arbitrator after a long simmering grievance of the BUT erupted in a sickout late last month. Public schools were forced to close when teachers walked off the job on October 20.

Four schools closed the day before when several teachers had engaged in the industrial action.

The number of hours teachers must work in a non-classroom activity of team planning is the main issue of contention. The BUT has stated that it has been arguing with the Education Ministry on the point for more than two years.

Both sides attended arbitration hearings on November 1. But the ruling handed down by Mr. Crichlow last week has not clarified for teachers where they stand.

BUT general secretary Michael Charles yesterday said he did not understand it and claimed that his lawyer was baffled by it as well.

"All I can say at this time is that we have a meeting scheduled with the arbitrator for tomorrow morning where we hope he will make his meaning clear,'' Mr. Charles said.

In stark contrast, Sen. Scott said he completely understood the ruling.

"I think the award is quite clear,'' said the former BUT organiser. "But they've asked for clarification and so I'm sure the arbitrator will clarify it for them.'' According to Sen. Scott, the decision was not in favour of the BUT. His interpretation of the ruling is that the hours teachers spend engaging in team planning falls within a section of their collective bargaining agreement which provides that they work up to ten hours a week on non-classroom functions.

The collective bargaining agreement states that teachers should not have to spend more than 25 hours a week in direct classroom teaching.

Provisions are made for them to spend ten additional hours per week in other related activities. Any hours beyond this, according to the agreement, teachers are to receive additional compensation.