lecturers and the College administration are being conducted with urgency and frankness, say the Bermuda Public Services Association (BPSA).

Meanwhile, College students have called a meeting to discuss the implications of the dispute.

"I think the discussions are very frank and open,''said Ed Ball, the secretary general of the BPSA. "Both parties are trying to resolve this matter as quickly as possible, recognising the urgency of the matter.'' Lecturers at the College have been working without a collective agreement for the last two years -- meaning a new agreement is two years overdue. Late last week the lecturers issued a 21 day strike notice.

The crisis comes at a critical time for the student population as exams are due to take place starting April 27.

"Both parties recognise that students should not be disadvantaged,'' said Mr.

Ball. "But if talks are not brought to a resolution our membership will have to weigh their options.'' Saying that the talks are at a sensitive stage, Mr. Ball would not reveal the specifics of the dispute. "It concerns contractual matters that have been outstanding for quite some time,'' he said.

"From the BPSA's point of view, all we are trying to do is bring the issues of both parties to the table...'' In recent weeks morale among the lecturers and support staff has reportedly hit an all time low. Staffers are particularly upset at what they see as a lack of direction of the institution and stalling in selecting a new president.

Lecturer Craig Simmons told The Royal Gazette news of a possible strike had caused a lot of concern among the student population and a meeting had been called by the student council.

UNIONS UNS