Talks on the prison officers dispute should begin by Monday, says union head Michael Tuzo.

The Prison Officers Association Chairman said he was in contact with a Government Labour Relations Officer.

He said: "We are sorting through the issues. We hope to start talks no later than Monday."

Last Monday three quarters of Bermuda's prison officers walked out and marched to headquarters after passing a no confidence motion against Prison Commissioner John Prescod. The officers also issued a 21-day strike notice unless their grievances are addressed.

They claim Mr. Prescod is autocratic and has failed to implement key recommendations out of the 2001 prisons board of inquiry into problems in Bermuda's correctional system.