Corporation of Hamilton workers have finally won their battle for union recognition after a standoff which left city streets piled high with trash.

Late yesterday afternoon the Corporation conceded membership of the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) to its 90 or so industrial workers — recognition which many say was won two years ago but denied by their employer.

The climbdown ended a two-day walkout in which workers banded together to push for BIU status.

"We've got to go all the way now, we can't afford a half-step," said one employee yesterday.

Earlier BIU President Chris Furbert said: "This thing is getting too far out of hand. The Corporation needs to understand this is a very serious meeting."

He claimed union representation had been decided in a ballot of workers on November 18, 2005.

But Mr. Furbert also said Hamilton Mayor Sutherland Madeiros had told him yesterday morning: "If you want to represent the workers you need to have another ballot."

Mr. Furbert told the Press: "We are not prepared to have another ballot for certification. The BIU was certified on November 18, 2005. The mere fact the Corporation is trying to get off on some technicality, it's ludicrous.

"My point to them now is they need to honour and respect the wishes of their employees. I'm urging the Corporation to reconsider their position."

Mr. Furbert said Mr. Madeiros was given a petition of 81 workers' signatures yesterday morning, calling for BIU recognition. The union and employees also contacted Labour Minister Senator David Burch and the Department of Labour to intervene in the dispute.

"When we have 81 signatures saying we need a union to come in and represent them, that even nullifies the ballot that took place in 2005," said Mr. Furbert. "Eighty-one people are saying they want the BIU.

"We are interested in getting these people back to work but they are committed to stay out there for as long as it takes. The Corporation are not listening to what their employees are saying — I find this disturbing. They are turning a blind eye."

By yesterday evening however, the Corporation had given the issue of union membership its full attention, announcing BIU recognition.

A spokeswoman said: "The Corporation of Hamilton today advises that it has agreed to recognise representation by the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) for its industrial employees."

Mayor Mr. Madeiros said: "We made the decision today to move forward with the BIU and look forward to working with them. We also look forward to our employees returning to work tomorrow.

"We ask people within the City of Hamilton to keep trash off the streets this evening. Trash collection is expected to resume tomorrow and we apologise for the inconvenience over the last two days."

The City ground to a halt on Monday when workers walked out in protest at the firing of two employees. Services such as garbage collection were suspended as staff refused to return to work until the pair were reinstated. Some claimed the firings were done "in retaliation" for a walkout last week in which more than 70 staff marched on City Hall in protest at working conditions.

In the second walkout, employees marched out of a meeting with the Corporation at Number One Shed, walking along Front Street, past City Hall and on to the BIU offices. A series of crisis meetings ensued and by Monday night, the two sacked workers were reinstated. Staff however, vowed not to return to work until the unresolved issue of union representation was addressed.

Last night Mr. Furbert did not wish to comment on the Corporation's recognition of BIU representation until he meets with workers this morning.