a dispute over a colleague sacked for allegedly fighting.

Last month the Public Transportation Board dismissed a cleaner allegedly involved in a fight on bus premises with someone from outside the business.

But yesterday, members of the Bermuda Industrial Union handed management a letter stating drivers and mechanics would refuse to work any overtime or man the sight-seeing buses for tourists because of the sacking.

The decision comes just a week after representatives of organisations from across Bermuda met for a workshop to discuss how to make the Island more tourist friendly and boost the trade.

Last night, Mr. Herman Basden, Director of the Public Transportation Board, which controls the buses, said it was too early to say exactly what effect the overtime ban was having.

However, he added: "I think there will be a strain on the bus service. Some were running late and one or two had to be cancelled. I am aiming to have at least 95 percent of the service operational and we are trying our best for the schools.'' Mr. Basden said he believed the dispute had arisen from the sacking, but said the management had a right to terminate an employee's services for fighting.

He said the person was sacked on May 12, four days after he started investigating the incident, which took place on premises and involved a member of the public.

"This work-to-rule is a result of that dismissal, although I had been looking for reasons not to sack the person. It is a work-to-rule until the matter is settled,'' added Mr. Basden.

There are 125 bus drivers and Mr. Basden claimed several had been to see him, saying they were unhappy about joining the dispute.

He added: "I am fully satisfied that the action taken by myself was the correct action. However, in terms of there being a solution, I think we will have to turn to the Labour Relations Office to liaise between both sides.''