Employees at the Bermuda Broadcasting Company walked out yesterday alleging poor working conditions and will return today on a “work to rule” basis, refusing to do overtime or other non-contractural requests.

ZBM’s 7 p.m. news broadcast was scrapped as around 35 staff were locked in talks with elements of the board last night with a shop steward voicing disgruntlement over the lack of a pay rise for four years, poor working conditions and equipment which is always breaking down.

One source said: “We always get promises they are going to address things but nothing ever happens.”

Another meeting with management is planned for 8.30 this morning.

At lunchtime yesterday workers formed a picket line outside the ZBM/ZFB Radio and Television Studios in Prospect, Devonshire.

Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) president Chris Furbert said: “They are not happy with the way management is treating them. They have had enough of the working conditions, lack of conditions, and the work environment.

“They said they will not be doing any work until they meet with the board to put issues on the table. It was supposed to be cleared up some time ago. Hopefully the issues will be addressed at a board meeting.”

The board meeting took place late yesterday afternoon but BIU could not say how it went. A BIU representative said more industrial action today was likely with staff operating a work to rule until their grievances have been addressed.

Both of the company’s radio stations, 1340 AM and Power 95, were also not in operation during the day and the board meeting with staff did not conclude until 8 p.m.

The Royal Gazette believes 11 staff have left the station in the past few months, including news presenter Gary Moreno. Rick Richardson, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Broadcasting Company, would not comment.

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