Education Minister Randy Horton claimed on Friday that teachers' complaints about having to cover too many classes — which have now been referred to a tribunal — were unfounded.

Mr. Horton, in a statement rebutting the Bermuda Union of Teachers' (BUT) assertion that his Ministry was unwilling to "sit down and talk", said there was no evidence of teachers having to take on extra classes to make up for the loss of a programme which assigned substitute teachers to specific schools.

The union threatened industrial action over the issue but did not strike last week after Labour Minister David Burch referred the matter to the Labour Disputes Tribunal.

Union general secretary Mike Charles told The Royal Gazette: "More and more the Ministry seems either unwilling to sit down and discuss matters or seems to drag their heels in and be very inflexible in their dealings."

Mr. Horton said he was taken aback by the comments.

"At our invitation, we had two meetings with the BUT this week. We have been and continue to be willing to meet with them.

"I am hopeful that the outcome of the arbitration will be a positive one for all involved."

He added: "Regarding a lack of class coverage, we have checked with the principals of each school to see whether there is any evidence of this happening and have been told that there is not.

"We are aware that teachers are absent from school from time to time. However, principals are free to call on substitute teachers to manage classrooms. In fact, it is not uncommon for principals to cover classes for absent teachers."

Mr. Horton said the well-being of students in the public school system was paramount.

"Examination periods are fast approaching and I am hoping that all outstanding issues are resolved so that the focus can be on ensuring students' optimal success," he said.