claimed yesterday.

Bermuda Public Services Association general secretary Edward Ball made the allegation after a failed bid to discover what the future held for employees at Cable and Wireless.

C&W managers have said some staff will lose their jobs with the firm because it has lost about 25 percent of the long distance market to rival firm TeleBermuda International Ltd.

Mr. Ball and BPSA members met yesterday with C&W officials headed by general manager Colin Little.

He said: "Cable and Wireless have offered us nothing in respect to actual numbers. They have stated numbers are not the issue. They are trying to pick the right people with respect to value added customer service. That is who they will focus on keeping.'' A second meeting will be held once the firm finalises its restructuring plan and identifies the number of people it will have to let go.

Mr. Ball said: "...The employees are being held at ransom because of an impasse between the Bermuda Government and Cable & Wireless over predatory pricing and competition in the market place.''