The Public Service Commission has thrown a dispute over the education department's new hiring practices back into the hands of the education department.

The Bermuda Union of Teachers -- which has called for a standardised test and personality profile to be removed from the application process for deputy principals and other top posts in the new schools -- filed a grievance against Education Permanent Secretary Marion Robinson and Chief Education Officer Joseph Christopher on grounds the tests breached the terms and conditions of the Collective Agreement.

When the Education Department refused to scrap the test and go to arbitration, the union wrote to Labour Relations Officer Glenn Fubler, requesting that the matter be referred "immediately'' to arbitration.

But Mr. Fubler informed the BUT the matter fell under the scope of the Public Service Commission.

However, the union disagreed and argued that the issue fell within the parameters of the Collective Agreement.

And yesterday both PSC chairperson Jeanette Cannonier and director Judith Hall Bean stressed the matter was out of their hands.

Mrs. Cannonier told The Royal Gazette the appointment of deputy principals came under the PSC's delegated powers and under such conditions the department head had the power concerning hirings.

But Labour Minister Quinton Edness said: "The PSC is responsible for the hiring and firing of teachers, therefore it is their responsibility.'' However, Mrs. Hall-Bean -- who confirmed that Sen. Scott had written to the Mrs. Cannonier about the dispute -- said: "Our view is that the employment of teachers and deputy principals is one that has been given to the Department of Education.

"The PSC have delegated that power and they have the right to take away that power, if they deem it necessary.

"At the moment as far as the PSC is concerned, the matter is one that is being dealt with by the Department of Education.'' She said she had been in a Government summit for civil servants which began on Thursday, and had not heard anything further.

No one from the Education Department could be reached for comment.

And when contacted Mr. Fubler would only confirm that he was awaiting a letter from the BUT and that he was willing to "facilitate anything'' that will help the situation.

Sen. Scott, however, said the union will be taking necessary legal advice.

"They (the Education Department) have to be responsible,'' he stressed.