Government has rejected the Bermu Government's position for now.

The union voted last year to reduce hours for members from 37.5 to 35.

The plans however, were criticised by Bermuda Employers' Council president William DeSilva Jr., who warned that cutting hours would either hit services or land the taxpayer with a hefty overtime bill.

Then Shadow Finance Minister Grant Gibbons also criticised the plans, citing concerns that it could make Bermuda less economically competitive.

But Mr. Furbert argued statistics showed that a 35 to 36 hour working week was not uncommon in Bermuda and the move would have a limited impact.

Citing figures from the Government on the working week in sectors ranging from the fishing industry to retail, education, and international business, he said that the average in 2004 was 35.9 hours.

It is also understood workers were given a 3.8 percent pay raise for this year.

Labour and Immigration Minister Derrick Burgess said last night: "They currently work a 37.5 hour week and are trying to get it down to 35 hours. It went to arbitration but the panel did not award it. The panel is not obliged to give their reasons for the decision."

Shadow Labour and Immigration Minister Trevor Moniz said: "I'm not convinced at this stage that a shorter working week is called for. Without some convincing arguments I would not be in support of it.

"Countries which have adopted a shorter working week, such as France, are now starting to roll it back because it has made them less efficient and competitive.

"I think that would happen here. It would reduce the efficiency of the Government workforce and cost the taxpayer."