Workers have settled their differences with the Corporation of Hamilton, said secretary Edward Benevides yesterday.

Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) representatives met with Corporation management on Tuesday and Wednesday in an attempt to stave off industrial action by disgruntled workers.

Up to 100 industrialised staff downed tools following the emergency meeting on Tuesday and did not return to work until Wednesday afternoon, disrupting services such as garbage collection.

Workers claimed they were owed thousands of dollars in back pay and were also unhappy at the subcontracting of some overtime work.

Mr. Benevides, who is also chief operating officer of the Corporation, told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "We've had some very good talks and both parties were happy we made good progress.

"All the issues that were brought to the table over the last two days the three major issues, have all been dealt with."

He refused to comment further, but the issues are thought to include back pay and subcontracting. "We settled a number of issues during our discussions and set out some dates to continue," said Mr. Benevides.

"The relationship is ongoing and we're going to use the collective bargaining agreement going forward.

"We will continue to work with the union to resolve any business change or worker requirement."

BIU chief organiser George Scott was unavailable for comment yesterday.