The industrial dispute at Bermuda Telephone Company is to go to arbitration on Monday.

And former Solicitor General Barrie Meade has been appointed to chair the talks and mediate between BTC executives and representatives from the Bermuda Industrial Union.

It is understood no official venue has yet been set for the negotiations, although the day-long meeting is likely to be held at the Reid Street offices of the Department of Labour and Training in Hamilton.

BIU leaders confirmed last night that they had been notified of the April 20 arbitration date.

Now both sides in the dispute will appoint their own assessors for the arbitration procedure, which will be extended beyond a day if no agreement is reached.

The dispute began when the company handed a two-day suspension to Vonda Burgess, triggering a staff walkout and a four-day unofficial strike.

Around 100 workers marched to the BIU headquarters to protest the suspension on March 16.

Then 200 staff left work and did not return until March 20.

`It is a matter that can easily be sorted out at arbitration. I hope we can put this chapter behind us.' -- Labour Minister Quinton Edness Union representatives fought for the workers to be paid for time they were away from their desks -- but telephone company bosses would not even discuss the issue.

And week-long talks between BTC officials and union chiefs ended when the firm offered to give Ms Burgess a written warning for leaving her post and consider the matter closed.

BIU leaders claimed BTC executives had not followed proper grievance procedures and failed to issue a warning before the suspension.

They called for arbitration after the deal to break the dispute was rejected by around 75 BTC workers in a behind-closed-doors meeting late last month.

Labour Minister Quinton Edness gave the go-ahead after an emergency meeting with Director of Labour and Training Edwin Wilson and Labour Relations Officer Glen Fubler.

And Mr. Edness said a local arbitrator would be appointed once the paperwork was finished.

A BIU spokesperson said: "Both sides are entitled to have an assessor in place for the arbitration.

"The union is still in the process of appointing the right person.'' Karla Lacey-Minors, BTC's assistant vice-president, said: "The company has not yet been advised of any date being set.

"All we have been informed of is that the matter is going to be referred to arbitration.'' It is understood BTC chiefs are also seeking clarification from Mr. Edness about how the arbitration procedure will be organised.

Monday's talks are under the auspices of the Trade Disputes Board.

But BTC managers are questioning if the Board has any legal basis to make binding recommendation against the firm.

Mr. Edness said: "It is a matter that can easily be sorted out at arbitration. I would hope that this is the case. I hope we can put this chapter behind us.'' UNIONS UNS BUSINESS BUC