The Corporation of Hamilton is bringing in a labour relations consultant to address workers' grievances.

Representatives met with members of the employees' Joint Consultation Committee yesterday to try to find a way forward to reassure disgruntled staff.

More than 70 employees staged a walkout on Monday over working conditions. The workers — who do not yet have Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) representation — marched on City Hall, where two Joint Consultation Committee representatives presented a letter to Hamilton Mayor Sutherland Madeiros and members of the Corporation, outlining their grievances.

They say the issues date back two to three years and include inconsistency in managerial decisions such as disciplinary action, a lack of promotion of health and safety and few opportunities for job training.

Yesterday, however, both parties agreed to bring in a consultant to address the issues. The advisor — from the private sector — arrives tomorrow.

City Mayor Mr. Madeiros told The Royal Gazette last night: "We have acquired the services of a labour relations consultant who is coming in on Friday to deal with all the issues and attempt to iron them out.

"The consultant is from the private sector but, if necessary, we will speak to a Government Labour Relations Officer — if we need to. The consultant will talk to staff and management and make recommendations which we will intend to follow."

Mr. Madeiros said: "We have a good working relationship with our staff, it's just they have some issues but we hope to sort these out."

One worker, who did not wish to be named, said yesterday's meeting was "very positive".

"They've agreed to address the issues and have given the matter a full amount of attention," he said. "I think everyone will agree this is the right way to handle the matter — to have an independent mediator. Having a consultant to steer us in the right direction is in the interests of both parties. This is the first step — there's still some things that need to be resolved but we think this is the right way forward."