conditions will continue to picket this morning as union representatives remain locked in talks.

The 11 service department workers have told the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) they are happy to stay out until all of their demands have been met.

Last night the department's union representative and supervisor Michael Jones said a full day of talks resulted in most of the issues, such as uniform, vehicles and safety, being resolved.

However, the union representatives and Cablevision management continued to disagree over the pay and incentives of two workers.

Mr. Jones said: "They bent on some of the issues, but the issue of money is still under discussion.

"The guys are continuing to sit out and have said they will be happy to do so until this disagreement on money is over.

"It's unfortunate it had to come to this sit out, but it's the only way the company takes us seriously. We are not going back until all issues are taken care of.'' During the talks yesterday, Mr. Jones said the management agreed to provide the men with uniform trousers and long-sleeved shirts, as well as their current T-shirts, winter jackets and a shoe allowance.

They have also agreed to look at the condition of the trucks and the equipment the men carry, improve training and assured that a safety committee would be formed.

Mr. Jones said: "We are going back just to talk about the money issue.

Hopefully, it will be over in the morning and the men can get back to work.

"I have tried to explain to the management that we didn't want to come to this. All I'm asking is that they sit down and talk to us.'' The 11 installation and servicemen answered the strike call at 8 a.m.

yesterday and picketed outside the Hamilton company while office staff stayed at work.

The company representatives were unavailable for comment yesterday but one supervisor said the action had not resulted in loss of service for subscribers.

One picketer told The Royal Gazette : "There are issues about the collective bargaining agreement. They haven't been resolved. Management has made no reasonable effort to resolve them.'' Cablevision service department workers gained union recognition in September, 1998, after nine of the 15 employees voted in favour of it.

The vote followed a picket the previous month. In November, 1999, nine technicians and a few office staff walked off the job in a dispute over incentive payments.