Employees at Bermuda Broadcasting Company walked out yesterday alleging poor working conditions - less than six months after walking out over the same thing.

Yesterday at noon, employees staged a sick-out and the news went off air. They are reportedly taking industrial action over working conditions and possible health concerns.

On June 20, employees walked out and formed a picket line outside the ZBM/ZFB Radio and Television Studios in Prospect, Devonshire. At the time, they cited poor working conditions, lack of a pay rise for four years and equipment always breaking down as the reasons for the action.

Back in June, BIU president Chris Furbert said: "They are not happy with the way management is treating them. They have had enough of the working conditions, lack of conditions and the work environment. They said they will not be doing any work until they meet with the board to put the issues on the table. It was supposed to be cleared up some time ago. Hopefully the issues will be addressed at a board meeting."

Numerous messages were left for both Mr. Furbert and chief executive officer of Bermuda Broadcasting Company, Rick Richardson, but neither commented yesterday.

This newspaper understands about four years ago, workers also walked out because of an air conditioning problem.