Approximately 40 support staff at CedarBridge Academy called in sick to work yesterday.

The Royal Gazette understands they are angered by perceived micromanaging from the senior school's board of directors. A senior member of staff at CedarBridge confirmed the staff failed to show up at work, and said it was not known if they would call in sick again today.

The source said the staff members maintenance and cafeteria workers as well as security staff are particularly angered that an employee who was sent abroad to receive training for two years to be the school's site manager has allegedly been denied the job.

They are also concerned that the interim site manager is believed to have no training. The Bermuda Public Services Union general secretary Ed Ball yesterday was unable to comment as he had not spoken to the members yet. And he added that workers are entitled to two days' sick leave before a doctor's note is required by employers.

Chairman of the CedarBridge Academy Board, George Scott said the board is not aware of any grievances being filed by the support staff. "There are changes that are happening," he said. "Maybe they are unhappy, but we do not know what is happening."

According to Mr. Scott, if the alleged sick out is a form of industrial action it is illegal as, no grievances have been filed and the proper procures have not been followed.

He added that the move was hurting students.