into full force this week as the new school year began.

Amalgamated Bermuda Union of Teachers head Sen. Milton Scott (PLP) confirmed the industrial action yesterday, saying primary and secondary public school teachers would not be teaching extra-curricular activities this term.

And he warned the action could "escalate even further'' if the honorarium teachers once got for supervising such activities was not reinstated.

"We could withdraw from other voluntary activities,'' he said.

Some unionised teachers have been taking part in a work-to-rule since early last year when the Education Ministry announced that due to recessionary Budget cuts, sabbaticals and pay for teaching extra curricular activities were being axed. Some $170,000 a year could be saved.

Sen. Scott charged the move was made unilaterally by Government.

A number of meetings had been held to try and persuade Education officials to restore the honorarium, he said.

"It's most unfortunate we've had to take this stance.

"Some students and parents have called saying they are upset. (The action) could affect the all-star soccer game.'' Education Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira said he preferred not to comment on the situation until next week. Talks were underway with the ABUT and other bodies, he said.

Dr. Terceira noted the issue had gone before an arbitration panel and a ruling had been made in favour of the Education Ministry two months ago.

"When the economy turns around sufficiently to reinstate the pay, then it will be done,'' he added.

School principals yesterday said it was too early for the action to have any impact.

But they were worried about the effect on students of having no after school clubs and sports once the term kicked in.

Most extra-curricular activities had not yet started, Somerset Primary headmistress Mrs. Carol Bassett said.

But the action would certainly affect extra phys-ed training after school for upcoming team sports events such as the all-star soccer game.

Sandys Secondary head master Mr. Melvin Bassett said football activities at his school had "ground to a halt''.

"I am very concerned that students could be adversely affected,'' he said.

"Extra curricular activities are sometimes as important as academic ones.'' His school offered basketball, table tennis and cheerleading.