Corporation of Hamilton workers downed tools for more than three hours yesterday morning in a row over what one employee termed "dictatorial" management.

Staff staged the sit-down at the Corporation's Dundonald Street yard after arriving for work at 7.30 a.m.

A two-and-a-half hour meeting with workers, managers and representatives from Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) took place soon after and the action ended just after 10.30 a.m.

Chris Furbert, president of the BIU, said: "The workers downed tools this morning because they were concerned about grievances. They felt that one of the new superintendents was being a bit unfair.

"I guess their concern was that the way things were being handled now was a bit heavy-handed.

"They had some serious concerns about it.

"They decided to stop work to get people's attention. It's unfortunate that it had to come to that."

He added: "They were concerned that the management was issuing warnings to people that they felt were a bit unfair and there were a number of other issues in the workplace that they felt needed to be addressed."

Mr. Furbert said the meeting had been successful.

"I think management and the workers have agreed there has to be some mutual respect shown to each other.

"They (the workers) are not happy but they've have a chance to voice their concerns so hopefully the management and the workers' representatives will sit down over the next few days."

Workers at the yard told The Royal Gazette that new general superintendent Tony Mapp, who has been in the position for five months, had sparked the row because of his treatment of staff.

One employee, who would not be named, said: "Mr. Mapp is dictatorial, totally. His approach from day one was that he is the one who is going to come down and battle us. Everything was alright before he came."

Another added: "The staff are displeased with his conduct."

BIU chief organiser George Scott said: "One of the major issues right now is we have a new yard superintendent and it's his approach to the workers here, his way of doing things.

"There are practices that have gone on for I don't know how many years and he's gone on and he wants to change everything."

Mr. Mapp said he did not wish to comment on the claims.

Kelly Miller, secretary of the Corporation, said: "There was a dispute among the yard staff. They had some concerns that they wanted to be addressed.

"We have held a meeting and addressed them. What came out of the meeting is that the concerns that they raised will be addressed."

She would not comment on the nature of the grievances or why the dispute had led to industrial action. She said: "They have a right to privacy."

She said the sit-down had not affected services but workers claimed it did cause disruption. One man said: "The trash bags are still out on the street. They are trying to minimise the situation."

Workers voted by 39 to 37 last November in favour of the BIU representing them but the Corporation lodged complaints about the ballot with the Ministry of Labour.

In January, the Ministry told both parties that the vote was valid and accepted the BIU as the sole bargaining agent for the workers. The Corporation is currently seeking a Supreme Court review of that decision.

Mr. Furbert said he believed at least 70 workers had stopped work yesterday morning. Ms Miller said the figure was closer to half the 88-strong workforce.

Jay Bluck, Mayor of Hamilton, could not be contacted for comment yesterday.

Ministry of Labour spokesman John Burchall said: "It's a union issue."