Everything was ‘back to normal’ after a work stoppage on Tuesday by employees at the Bermuda Broadcasting Company, according to a majority shareholder.

Fernance Perry, a Bermuda Broadcasting Company shareholder, was speaking after employees formed a picket line outside the ZBM/ZFB Radio and Television Studios in Prospect, Devonshire and called for a work stoppage on Tuesday.

But speaking yesterday, Mr. Perry said it was about a few in-house issues and there was nothing serious discussed, but all concerns would be addressed.

“Sometimes these things happen. I’m a little disappointed that the staff took this attitude at this time. They have a right to stop work but notice should have been given.

“Having said that, as far as I know things are back to normal and all of the concerns will be addressed.”

At lunchtime on Tuesday workers formed a picket line around the Bermuda Broadcasting the ZBM/ZFB Radio and Television Studios in Prospect, Devonshire. Both of the company’s radio stations, 1340 AM and Power 95, were off the air and the evening news was cancelled as talks between the union and management continued until 8 p.m.

According to Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) president Chris Furbert the issues raised by the staff were lack of respect by management, poor working conditions and staff shortage. In a sign of frustration over years of these concerns not being addressed, Mr. Furbert said the staff decided to stop working.

However, Mr. Furbert added: “The employees are back at work, but I don’t know if it’s back to normal. The workers are still not satisfied with the response they received.

“Fernance Perry heard the concerns of his workers and said he was going to address them and then get back to us.

“He did not give us a date, however I think a reasonable timeframe is a week to ten days for the staff to wait.”

The Royal Gazette believes 11 staff have left the station in the past few months, including news presenter Gary Moreno who was recently employed by the Government’s Department of Communications.

Rick Richardson, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Broadcasting Company, was unavailable to comment.

This newspaper understands about four years ago, workers walked out because of an air conditioning problem.