expected to come to an end this week.

And officials from both the Bermuda Union of Teachers and the Education Ministry said they were hopeful that the result would be positive. Teachers have been working without a contract since August 31.

Talks between the Education Ministry and the BUT began in September, last year, but were delayed due to major education reform and the illness of senior manager of the Education Department's human resources, Raymond Latter.

Negotiations resumed in November and continued regularly until the Christmas break. BUT president Michael Charles said: "We had made a proposal which we had hoped to get a reply on last week.

"At that point of time it seemed it was reasonable enough and we thought it was acceptable to those at the table. But it was not so we modified the proposal and hopefully we will get a positive response on Thursday.'' Mr.

Latter added: "I think we are very close to some decision. We're having a meeting on Thursday. We're hoping that that will be the final meeting.'' Other issues relating to teaching conditions are being hammered out in arbitration.