Parks workers remained on strike for the second day running yesterday but union leader Chris Furbert expressed hope that the situation may be resolved on Monday.

As reported yesterday, the stoppage began after two workers were disciplined over an exchange of words with Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney.

Maintenance worker David Martin and sanitation worker Wayne Smith were given warnings over their conduct after challenging Mr. Blakeney at a meeting last week. They deny any wrongdoing.

The Parks workers are unhappy that they are being told to take time in lieu instead of paid overtime for this year's Annual Exhibition, which takes place on April 15, 16 and 17. They say they will lose up to $800 in extra pay as a result.

The Department of Parks is responsible for the maintenance of national parks, beaches, the Railway Trail, school playgrounds and other public lands.

Mr. Blakeney responded to the first day of the strike on Thursday by saying that "overtime is privilege" and the workers were being asked to take time in lieu due to the economic climate. He accused those disciplined of engaging in "inappropriate" behaviour and said the Director of Parks, Lisa-Dawn Johnston, had "taken action she feels is justifiable".

Bermuda Industrial Union leader Chris Furbert met with Government officials yesterday evening in a bid to resolve the stand-off.

He told The Royal Gazette afterwards: "I have to report to the workers on Monday morning at 7.30 a.m so I'm not at liberty to tell you what happened at the meeting. I have to speak to them on Monday. Hopefully if everything goes well, they may be back at work on Monday."

Mr. Furbert said the talks focused on the disciplinary measures taken against the two workers rather than the pay dispute. However, he said the BIU opposes the Government stance on overtime for the annual show.

"They want to be paid in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. It says they should get overtime at time-and-a-half for the Thursday and Friday evenings and double time on Saturday," he explained.

Asked if the dispute could stop the popular event from going ahead, Mr. Furbert replied that that was for Mr. Blakeney to speak to. The Minister commented on Thursday that a "creative" approach would have to be taken if workers refuse to prepare the Botanical Gardens for the show.

Adding his voice to the concerns over the dispute yesterday, Shadow Labour Minister Michael Dunkley said: "Workers across the Island are being forced by this Government to take a hit while it carries on with spending increases.

"That's the cold reality behind the Government's recent budget — one set of rules for Government ministers and one for working Bermudians that says, in effect, 'You buckle down while we carry on; you pay, we spend.'

"The dispute between Parks workers and the Minister is what happens when you have a government of double standards. The Minister's imperious attitude, his obviously lack of empathy for what workers are going through, has inflamed the situation. We call on him to retract the disciplinary actions immediately. Workers need help not punishment, and the sooner the Minister and his Government realise that simple truth, the better things will be."

In other news yesterday, Government advised that the Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) will hold a general membership meeting on Tuesday, March 30 beginning at 3.30 p.m. A spokeswoman said a skeleton staff would remain in place during the meeting, but apologised for any inconvenience that may be caused.