Hurricane Felix.

Last Tuesday some staff failed to show up for work as clearing up in the wake of the storm started.

But workers at the King Edward VII Hospital were told they would not be paid and instead given three options -- a day's leave, taking it as part of their vacation or working overtime to make up the pay.

Last night, Mr. Eugene Blakeney, general secretary of the Bermuda Public Services Association, said he was in negotiation with hospital officials over the issue.

"It is something we are talking about,'' said Mr. Blakeney. "It was difficult for people to get to work after Hurricane Felix.'' He said he did not know how many of his members were affected by the management decision but said a large number of people had contacted him about the no pay deal.

"We have not accepted the management position on this and we will be discussing the matter further,'' added Mr. Blakeney. "We do not agree with the proposals.'' Yesterday, Mrs. Sheila Manderson, executive director of the Bermuda Hospital Board said the staff who did not show up for work were given three options, of taking the day as leave, as part of their vacation or working extra to make up the lost seven hours.

"The staff have to select which they would like to do,'' she said. "The thing to be considered is fairness to the staff who came into work.''