Government is considering legal action to end the bus dispute — although it was unclear whether it will be enough to end the work-to-rule in time to ensure buses run on Good Friday.

Labour Minister David Burch said arbitration would end the work-to-rule although Government was still assessing which of the three possible labour laws it might use.

He told a press conference today: “It means things go back to being normal.

“The aim is to arrive at a resolution today and serve it on the buses so there is a normal bus service for the holiday tomorrow.”

However Sen. Burch agreed workers did not have to work overtime.

He added: “I would imagine they are scheduled on regular time to work on public holidays, it’s a 24/7 service. Clearly the vehicle to make them is the law.”

But Public Transport Board boss Dan Simmons said if the union sticks to its overtime ban it could stop services running tomorrow as holiday working is considered overtime under the union agreement.

However there were signs an amicable resolution could be reached.

Mr. Simmons said “fruitful talks” had been held today with the union and now the union was having internal discussions.

Services were also disrupted this morning after drivers protested against the false rumour that around 15 drivers had been fired.

Government said today that they were sent home last night after refusing to take instructions from a boss.

Junior Transport Minister Marc Bean said: “The reasons that I have been given for their refusal to take instruction from a senior DPT official was simply that the manager was not a member of the BIU but a member of another union.

“Quite frankly I am disturbed by this childish and petty behaviour. This is intolerable.

“Let me remind all union members that your union membership affords you representation on all important issues, however your obligation lies with your employer of choice.

“These actions taken by the bus operators inconvenience our children, seniors and visitors to the Island.”

He added: “There are genuine issues that occur from time to time between Government and all unions, however we always strive to resolve these issues in good faith.

“This kind of behaviour undermines the trust and good faith for the successful resolution of these important issues.”

Mr. Simmons said of this morning’s disruption based on the false sacking rumours: “Keys were taken from the West End and East End depots so they couldn’t start but they miraculously reappeared after the issue was straightened up.”

Services got back to normal at around 9 a.m.

At a press conference this afternoon, Premier Ewart Brown said the work to rule began on February 6 over safety concerns about the new bus terminal from motorists using it as a short cut.

During the nine weeks since, a number of steps have been taken including off-duty police monitoring the site, TCD officers also paying regular visits and parking zones being changed.

More signs will be put in while a system allowing public safety announcements to be made by dispatchers using hand-held radios will be brought in.

“Eighty to 85 percent of the conditions requested by the bus drivers have been met,” said Dr. Brown.

“However at this hour the work-to-rule continues. Therefore today I have asked the Labour Minister to take steps to move to arbitration to get this matter resolved.

“He is taking the necessary legal steps.

“I am confident this will help resolve this vexing issue. The people are not being served.”