CableVision workers resumed their duties yesterday even though a collective agreement still had not been signed.

"We are pleased to report that our employees returned to work this morning, even though the collective bargaining agreement had not yet been signed," said Jeremy Elmas, general manager of CableVision.

The sick-out began a week ago because the company refused to pay employees back wages that had been awarded to them by arbitration. CableVision did not want to pay until the collective bargaining agreement was signed.

"We remain ready to sign the agreement, we are just waiting for a time from the union. In the meantime, the cheques are ready and sitting on my desk," Mr. Elmas said.

Bermuda Industrial Union president, Derrick Burgess yesterday did not make a comment on the matter.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister Terry Lister, at a press conference yesterday, said he was intent on sending the matter back before arbitrators in order to end the dispute.

"The company won't sign the cheques until the arbitrators sign. What's necessary is that I just want them to sit down and talk it through and come to an agreement," Mr. Lister said. "That's what negotiation is all about."

Mr. Elmas reported that service calls and scheduled installations were resuming back to normal.