strike action following a row believed to be over pay.

Bosses in charge of the fire safety contract at the Airport last night assured The Royal Gazette that only some of the firemen had taken industrial action and steps had been taken to ensure all shifts were covered.

A number of firefighters went on strike on Saturday, meaning emergency action had to be taken to provide the Airport with cover when scheduled flights arrived.

Those firefighters who have not walked out have had to alter their normal working patterns to make sure that sufficient cover is in place.

The men are employed by Serco Aviation Services, which is the contract-holder for fire safety at the airport.

Manager of Serco Bermuda Contracts Richard Savard last night refused to comment on how many men had walked off the job or why they had resorted to industrial action.

But he said talks were being held and he hoped to have the matter resolved very soon.

Mr. Savard added: "I won't discuss the reasons for the cause of it. I don't think it is of interest how many people it involves.

"But we have adjusted the level of service that we provide and the operation at the airport for fire rescue to the scheduled air carriers is continuing without any risk.

"We have changed the hours in which we provide services to ensure that we have the proper services in place and we have sufficient staff working to provide that service.'' There are 22 firefighters and officers who work at the Airport, but Mr. Savard would not say what percentage of those remained in post.

"Yes, there is industrial action, but we are managing it without any disruption,'' he added.

"We are resolving it. We don't know when it will be over.'' A spokesman for the Airport said the issue was being dealt with by Serco Aviation Services.

He added: "It's not having any impact on our operations.

"They have made necessary adjustments to make sure that the passenger planes are covered. We know that not all firefighters are striking.''