before the end of the month.

President of the Bermuda Union of Teachers Michael Charles yesterday told The Royal Gazette union officials made "strong'', "valid'' points during the past two days of arbitration.

Teachers have been working without a contract since August 31 last year.

Talks, which had been taking place off and on since then, broke down in January after officials from the Education Ministry rejected the union's final proposal.

The proposal was believed to have been similar to that reached between Government and white collar worker.

Government and the Bermuda Public Service Association agreed to a raise of 2.98 percent for the next two years and several other benefits, including an extra day of leave.

The BUT has accused Government of treating teachers less favourably to other civil servants.

Both sides are expected to hand in written submissions to arbitrators by next week.

And arbitrators should render a binding ruling the following week.

Mr. Charles said: "I would imagine in two weeks time we will get a reply.'' However, he declined to speculate about the outcome.