Weekend ferry services have been slashed as Bermuda Industrial Union members agreed to work to rule in protest at Government's firing of drunk ferry pilot Dwayne Pearman.

Ferries were also down for most of yesterday morning as workers met to discuss action over the dismissal of Pearman, who crashed the J.L. Cecil Smith into Rockaway dock with 60 passengers on board four days before Christmas.

The no overtime stance means the last run for the Pink Route today will be 2.30 p.m. — seven hours earlier than normal — while the Hamilton Ferry Terminal will shut at 6 p.m.

The Pink Route will also be cancelled for the whole of tomorrow while the pilot is on authorised vacation, with the ferry terminal shutting at 4 p.m.

Disruptions could continue into next week, with BIU divisional officers due to meet on Monday at 9 a.m. to discuss the situation further.

Yesterday, most ferry workers returned to their jobs during late morning, but because they were working to rule the evening's Orange Route was cancelled, along with the Green Route 7 p.m. service to Rockaway and all Pink Route runs after 8.20 p.m.

Pearman — in whose bin seven empty bottles of 16.5 percent proof 'Magnum' tonic wine were found — pleaded guilty at Magistrates' Court to piloting a passenger ferry while more than twice over the alcohol limit. There were no reported injuries but the incident resulted in thousands of dollars worth of damage.

He was fined $2,000 by Senior Magistrates and may lose his maritime licence when the Examining Committee reviews the case.

BIU says while he must be held accountable he has been punished enough and wants Government to reinstate him with the Department.

Asked how yesterday's meeting had gone, BIU president Chris Furbert said: "It didn't go very well. The brothers made a decision to suspend overtime and that vote was unanimous."

Asked about the general feeling among workers, he replied: "They are trying to understand how the process appears to be fair for one worker and not for another."

He said that in a similar situation one or two years ago an employee had not been fired, and that Pearman could be offered a position as a leading seaman, where there are currently vacancies.

Despite requests, Premier and Transport Minister Ewart Brown has not commented.

The Ministry of Transport has said in a statement that it is committed to an arbitration process and bound by its decision. However, in that statement the Ministry also stated its zero tolerance stance for substance abuse of any kind in its workplace would not be compromised.

The Ministry says today's ferry schedules remain subject to further change, and people should call Hamilton Ferry Terminal on 295-4506 with queries.

The Transport Control Department will be open from 8 a.m. to noon today to help people who were inconvenienced due to the Department closing yesterday.

• Discussions are ongoing l Discussions are ongoing between hospital staff and Bermuda Hospitals Board. Staff from the housekeeping, food services and laundry division had raised grievances on Thursday, and a BHB spokeswoman said yesterday that staff were back at work while talks continued.