Company, it was revealed last night.

The Bermuda Public Services Association, which represents more than 80 white collar workers, agreed to terms, including a 2.8 percent pay rise for the first year of the deal, with BTC bosses on Wednesday.

BPSA acting general secretary Edward Ball said the future of the company was the primary concern of negotiators.

He said: "We are sensitive to the continued competition which Telco is facing and we recognise in such a climate it's in the interests of the union and the management to work together to try and put the company on a good footing with the public.'' Mr. Ball added that the union had taken account of the need to offer customer incentives to stave off competitors.

He said: "We look forward to working harmoniously with BTC to ensure both the staff and the company remain a viable, going concern.'' The deal covers salaries, pensions, insurance and other items, will be backdated to April 1 and will expire on March 31, 1999.

Mr. Ball -- whose union acts for marketing, administrative and support staff in the sales and service, financial and engineering divisions of BTC, said: "The talks were frank and sincere.

"Looking at the longevity, profitability and survival of the company was the unions primary goal in setting this agreement.'' BTC executives declined last night to discuss the terms of the settlement.