In only two meetings, Stevedoring Services Ltd and 60 members of the port workers? division of the Bermuda Industrial Union reached a tentative two-year agreement on February 24.

Neither party would confirm the exact amount of the settlement, but said it was between 3.5 percent and four percent, starting on April 1, 2005. Stevedoring Services? human resources manager Wylie Rudo said both Stevedoring Services Ltd. and the port workers? division of BIU were impressed with the timely resolution of the agreement.

BIU vice president Chris Furbert said meetings had gone exceptionally well.