claiming the company has pulled out of negotiations.

And Cablevision is making no effort to talk to The Royal Gazette with repeated attempts to contact the firm drawing a blank again yesterday.

Bermuda Industrial Union representative Michael Jones said: "That's their way. They are just stubborn.'' He revealed the company had failed to live up to its threat to sack the strikers if strike action continued yesterday.

Mr. Jones said: "Now they say they never said that. I was glad I had people with me in the room when they said that. I can't make them talk to me. We are all agitated and frustrated. No one will back down. Our position is we can't afford to back down now.'' He said strikers were sticking to their work hours despite the lack of cooperation from the company.

"We are just hanging around making sure everyone is on the premises and still available for work,'' said Mr. Jones.

"We take a break at noon and make sure we are back at one and ask them if they are ready to talk. But they say no,'' he said.

Workers walked out on Monday morning but Tuesday's talks managed to clear up problems over uniform, vehicles and safety before hitting a deadlock over pay for installers.

Office staff joined the field staff on the picket lines yesterday after a reported threat from management that everyone would be sacked unless the action ended.